Melbourne secures world-leading Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces conference for 2027

January 28, 2026

Melbourne has been selected to host the world’s largest and most influential gathering of virtual reality and 3D user interface experts, reinforcing the city’s position as a global leader in technology, innovation, and research excellence.

The IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces (IEEE VR) will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in 2027. The event is expected to attract more than 800 international delegates.

The bid was successfully secured by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Monash University, and La Trobe University, with strong support from the Victorian Government.

Virtual reality and 3D user interface technologies are transforming industries worldwide, enabling immersive interaction across healthcare, education, automotive, and more. As hardware and software rapidly evolve, global VR investment continues to surge, with market value projected to grow from USD 31.54 billion in 2025 to USD 186.34 billion by 2032, driven by escalating commercial and enterprise demand.

Melbourne is home to globally recognised research initiatives including the Microsoft Research Centre for Social Natural User Interfaces (SocialNUI), one of the world’s first centres dedicated to natural user interface research. The $8 million partnership between Microsoft, the University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Government explores how advanced interaction technologies enhance communication, collaboration, and social behaviour.

The announcement adds to a growing list of major international technology and innovation conferences secured for Melbourne. Upcoming events include the International Conference on Neural Information Processing (ICONIP) 2026, which will welcome 800 global experts in neural information processing, and Data World and the AI Summit 2026, set to attract more than 1,000 delegates working across data centres and artificial intelligence.

MCB continues to drive economic impact for Victoria by drawing high-value business events that foster knowledge exchange, support local industry capability, and showcase Melbourne as a destination where world-changing ideas thrive.

 

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson

“Melbourne continues to stand out as one of the world’s most dynamic business events destinations, and hosting a conference focused on virtual reality and 3D user interfaces further amplifies that strength. Events like this not only reinforce Melbourne’s reputation for delivering world-class delegate experiences but also drive significant economic value.”

Quote attributable to Monash University Professor and General Co-Chair IEEE VR 2027 Professor Tim Dwyer

“We are thrilled to bring IEEE VR to Australia for the first time. Melbourne’s research, design and technology ecosystem offers an exceptional environment for creative exploration and scientific exchange. By convening the world’s leading voices in immersive computing, IEEE VR 2027 will spark new collaborations, showcase the region’s growing strengths in human–computer interaction, and help shape the future of virtual and augmented reality.”

Quote attributable to La Trobe University Professor and General Co-Chair IEEE VR 2027 Dr Rick Skarbez

“IEEE VR 2027 is arriving at a pivotal moment for our community. Extended reality is reshaping how we learn, work and connect, and this conference will gather the global leaders who are driving that transformation. Bringing the world’s foremost researchers and innovators to Melbourne creates an extraordinary opportunity to showcase breakthrough science, advance collaboration, and inspire the next generation of VR pioneers.”

Quote attributable to Monash University Senior Lecturer and General Co-Chair IEEE VR 2027 Dr Rob Teather

“This conference continues to be the flagship forum for virtual reality and 3D user interface research, and hosting it in Melbourne strengthens our capacity to accelerate meaningful innovation. IEEE VR 2027 will unite researchers, developers and practitioners from every corner of the globe to share new knowledge, challenge assumptions and explore technologies that will shape how society engages with digital worlds.”
 
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Media enquiries:
Emma Hall, Melbourne Convention Bureau
T +61 429 553 183 E [email protected]