MCB wins world leading architectural symposium

September 23, 2021

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has secured the Symposium of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (SIASS) for Melbourne in 2023 – some 25 years since this meeting of the world’s best engineers, architects and builders last gathered on Australia’s shores.

Backed by the Victorian State Government and prominent Australian universities RMIT and Swinburne, the event is expected to attract more than 500 delegates when it is held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2023 and deliver in excess of $2 million economic contribution to the local economy.

MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson said Melbourne has a proud history in the creative integration of structural engineering and architecture.

“Part of the program will involve technical tours showcasing architectural points of interest, the city is known for.

“Melbourne has been at the forefront of lightweight structural systems such as lattice, membrane, and shell structures - from the famed Sidney Myer Music Bowl the iconic spire at the Arts Centre Melbourne to AAMI Park, to name a few,” Ms. Swanson said.

Having worked with MCB previously, bid leader Professor Mike Xie from RMIT University said the strong support from the MCB team was most helpful to the bid win.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to hold this important event in Melbourne and are grateful for the strong support of the Melbourne Convention Bureau and the Victorian State Government,” Professor Xie said.

Melbourne has a strong track record in hosting prestigious conferences, supported by ideal event infrastructure, quality accommodation, accessible public transport, and exciting city experiences.

So far this year, MCB has secured 41 business events for Melbourne which are expected to attract almost 40,000 delegates and inject $147.7 million direct revenue to the Victorian business events supply chain and provide long term certainty for Victoria’s visitor economy the coming years.

Alongside the SIASS, in 2023 Melbourne will host 27 international and national business events including the 2023 Rotary International Convention which will attract 20,000 delegates and deliver more than $88 million to the Victorian economy making it the most valuable convention ever secured for Victoria.

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Media enquiries:

Giselle Lloyd, Melbourne Convention Bureau 

T +61 3 9002 2325 / +61 429 553 183 /  [email protected]