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Track record of Melbourne conferences that mattered
Conference Year Impact and legacy AIDS 2014 2014 Led to Australia committing A $ 200m to the
International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis( ISTH) Congress
World Indigenous Cancer Conference
World Health Summit Regional Meeting
International Aids Society HIV Science Conference
Sectors where Melbourne conferences have made the biggest impact Melbourne’ s ability to turn conferences into long-term catalysts isn’ t limited to one industry. The city has established itself as a global leader in multiple sectors, making it a natural hub for events that shape policy, research, and business: Medical & life sciences: Home to the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, which drives major research in cancer, infectious diseases, and medtech. Sustainability & renewable energy: Victoria was one of the first regions in the world to legislate a net-zero emissions target, making it a hub for green conferences.
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Sparked the Fast-Track Cities initiative, which helped 500 + cities worldwide adopt ambitious HIV response strategies. Influenced international policy discussions on decriminalisation, treatment access and funding.
2019 Led to a new global initiative between Melbourne’ s Alfred Health and European cardiovascular institutes on clotting disorder research. Contributed to revised global guidelines on anticoagulant use, improving patient outcomes.
2024 Developed a global action plan for improving cancer outcomes in Indigenous communities, later adopted by research bodies in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Secured new funding for community-led cancer prevention programmes in Australia’ s Northern Territory.
2024 Focused on Asia-Pacific healthcare challenges. Led to policy recommendations on women’ s health and healthcare equity. Created new partnerships between Australian and Southeast Asian health agencies, ensuring long-term research collaboration.
2023 Announced breakthrough research on long-acting HIV treatment, with Melbourne researchers leading the way. Strengthened global research ties in infectious disease control, influencing policy frameworks in multiple countries.
Fintech & digital innovation: Melbourne is Australia’ s largest financial services hub after Sydney and is home to major fintech companies and AI research.
What organisers can gain from hosting in Melbourne World-class venues: The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre( MCEC) offers 197,000sqm of conference space, making it Australia’ s largest and most versatile venue. Walkability & public transport: Cutting transit times, Melbourne’ s compact urban design puts hotels, restaurants and cultural sites within easy reach of one
Above: Bill Clinton speaks at AIDS 2014
Above: World Indigenous Cancer conference 2024
another. Free city-wide public transport: The tram network is free in the city centre and runs on renewable energy, making it easy for delegates to navigate. Airport & accessibility: Melbourne Airport is Australia’ s busiest curfewfree international hub, with strong connectivity to Asia, North America and Europe.
So often, the value of conferences goes unnoticed. It’ s difficult to get funding and support from governments when we don’ t, or can’ t measure data about lasting impact. That’ s why cities like Melbourne are so important for the industry as a whole – their data-backed legacy boosts the standing of the whole industry. Organisers should consider Melbourne as a destination that could turn their conference from an industry gathering to an opportunity for real social impact. n
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