Melbourne shines with highest delegate numbers for international business events in Australia

May 21, 2025

Melbourne has once again demonstrated its credentials as a global leader in hosting large-scale business events, with global industry benchmarking revealing that the city has welcomed the highest number of delegates in Australia for international association business events in 2024. The total number of event participants was 49,233, more than twice the number of any other Australian city. 

The annual Country & City Rankings by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) were released today, with Melbourne showing substantial growth in the number of international association meetings hosted in the city, from 50 in 2023 to 62 in 2024. This placed the city 31st place in the worldwide ICCA city rankings for number of events, and 9th in the Asia Pacific region. 

An average of 794 delegates attended international business events in Melbourne in 2024, making the city the top ranked destination in Oceania and fifth in the world for average number of participants. The report noted that the average delegate number ranking ‘highlights destinations that draw larger audiences, reinforcing the strategic value of hosting major international meetings.’ 

Other cities that ranked in the top five for average delegate numbers were Dubai, Barcelona, Milan and Bali. In securing fifth place, Melbourne outperformed global destinations including London, Paris, New York and Vienna, and cemented its place as a top contender for international business events in the Asia Pacific. 

Melbourne Convention Bureau has secured a strong pipeline of business events for the next three years, with over 135 events already confirmed for Melbourne through to 2028. Some of the high-profile events that will bring large numbers of delegates to the city and boost the local economy include the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress 2026, the Women Deliver Conference 2026, and the 20th IUPHAR World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology 2026.  

In the business event space, Melbourne is a top performer on the world stage. Over the past ten years, Victoria has hosted 1,620 business events secured by Melbourne Convention Bureau, generating $2.34 billion in economic contribution and attracting over 610,000 high-spending delegates. 

The city is the perfect destination for business events, with exceptional event infrastructure including the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, a wide range of accommodation options, incredible restaurants, a compact and walkable city centre, and a diverse range of engaging and unique experiences right on the city’s doorstep.  

Quotes to be attributed to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Officer Julia Swanson: 

“Melbourne Convention Bureau is thrilled to have driven the success of Melbourne being ranked number one for delegate numbers in Australia in 2024. Business events are pivotal in driving economic growth, fostering innovation and enhancing Victoria’s global reputation. We continue to grow an impressive pipeline of events in a range of sectors which bring people together to learn, connect and find solutions.” 

Quotes to be attributed to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM: 

“MCEC is proud to contribute to Melbourne’s incredible success as a leading global event destination. Welcoming the world’s thought leaders through our doors allows us to showcase our city’s vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and world-class event experiences.” 

“Ranking in the global top five for average delegate numbers is testament to MCB and Team Melbourne’s collaboration and shared commitment to delivering exceptional, globally recognised events.” 

Quotes to be attributed to Accommodation Australia (Victoria) General Manager Dougal Hollis: 

“Association meetings really are ‘unsung heroes’ for Melbourne’s hotel accommodation network, helping to fill our ever-expanding room inventories during off peak periods, while exposing domestic and international visitors to the depth and diversity of experiences our great city has to offer.” 

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Media enquiries: 

Emma Hall, Melbourne Convention Bureau 
T +61 429 553 183 E [email protected]