Melbourne secures premier Rheumatology Congress for 2028

September 04, 2025

The Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) will host their 30th annual Congress in Melbourne in 2028, the foremost regional meeting for the specialty. This prestigious event brings together rheumatology professionals from 32 associations in the Asia Pacific for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) worked in collaboration with the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) to secure the event, with support from the Victorian Government. The conference, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates and have an economic impact of over $14 million.

Since its foundation in Australia in 1963, APLAR has grown to become the leading advocate for rheumatology in the Asia Pacific region, with a membership of over 25,000 professionals over 30 countries. The annual Congress brings together world-class research and thought leadership from rheumatologists, physicians, nurses, researchers, and allied health professionals to facilitate discussion on all aspects of musculoskeletal and rheumatic diseases.

As a world leader in healthcare and medical research, Melbourne represents the ideal location for this gathering. Monash Rheumatology (part of Monash Health) is the largest rheumatology department in Australia, providing rheumatology care to over 1.3 million people. In May 2025, Monash Health, in collaboration with Monash University, successfully treated a patient with the autoimmune condition lupus with CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cell therapy, in an Australia-first clinical trial between the Rheumatology and Haematology research teams.

The Congress provides an opportunity for key experts and leaders in the Victorian healthcare system to share knowledge and clinical research with global peers and showcase the State’s strengths and significant investment in healthcare facilities, such as the $634.3 million investment in the 2025-26 State Budget to open and operationalise nine new or upgraded hospitals across Victoria.

The APLAR Congress further cements Melbourne’s reputation as a global destination for business events. The city will also host the Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress, attracting 2,500 delegates, in August 2026, and the World Congress of Gastroenterology in September 2025, attracting 3,000 delegates.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos

“We’re proud to bring another important global health congress to Melbourne, which will attract thousands of international visitors, boost our economy and support local jobs.”

“Events like these help to advance healthcare and innovation here in Victoria and cement Melbourne as the nation’s home of medical research.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas

“Victoria is a global leader in health – hosting this conference is another example of how our state is driving medical innovation that changes lives around the world.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson

“With world-class facilities, renowned experts, and a vibrant academic and clinical community, Melbourne offers the perfect backdrop for this global gathering of medical professionals. We’re proud to welcome rheumatology delegates from around the world to experience our city’s excellence.”

Quote attributable to Australian Rheumatology Association President Sam Whittle

“As a founding member of APLAR, the Australian Rheumatology Association is delighted to host the 2028 APLAR Congress in Melbourne. This important event will bring together experts from across the Asia-Pacific to share knowledge, highlight Australian research, and build collaborations that will shape the future of rheumatology care and research.”

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Media enquiries:

Emma Hall, Melbourne Convention Bureau

T +61 429 553 183 E [email protected]