Known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is also bringing in high-profile exhibitions and conventions well into next year.
The Cairns Convention Centre is set to host a series of international
conferences, bringing in an estimated 21,000 delegates between now and
June 2025. The surge in events highlights the centre’s growing relevance
in sectors including tropical health, tourism, life sciences, and
education & training.
The centre has already hosted a series of well-received conferences,
including the Viruses of Microbes (VoM) 2024 Conference – which was held
for the first time outside of Europe, bringing over 500 global experts
in microbial virology.
Jeremy J. Barr, associate professor from Monash University and
co-chair of VoM, said: “Cairns’ unique wildlife, scenery, and setting
offer a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s rare to have a Conference on a
tropical coral reef with a rainforest above.” He added that the
world-class facilities at the Cairns Convention Centre are among the
country's best, while the city maintains a local, connected feel.
The centre is preparing to host the XVI. Quark Confinement and the
Hadron Spectrum (QCHSC) 2024 Conference, which is expected to attract
over 500 international and national delegates.
Dr. Ayse Kizilersu from the University of Adelaide, School of
Physical Sciences, and QCHSC organiser, cited the centre's strong ties
with the scientific community and superior facilities as key factors in
choosing Cairns as the venue.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) CEO Mark Olsen said:
“Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism and Events Queensland, and
Business Events Australia were delighted to support The Viruses of
Microbes Conference, which brought more than 500 global delegates to the
only place with two World Heritage areas side by side.”
He added that experiences such as the gala dinner at Rainforestation
were a unique opportunity for delegates to dine in the rainforest,
interact with local wildlife, and experience indigenous culture.
Looking ahead into 2025, the centre will host the Congress of the
Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association, as well as other conferences
including:
- TravelManagers Australia Conference featuring Olympic Champion Cathy Freeman in September 2024
- Australasian Genomic Technologies Association Annual Conference in October 2024
- Australian Archaeological Association Annual Conference in December 2024
- Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Annual Scientific Meeting in May 2025