Melbourne, a city widely celebrated for its prowess in medical research and healthcare innovation, is poised to become the stage for the prestigious World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) in 2025. This momentous event, scheduled to take place from September 20th to 22nd, 2025, at the iconic Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), is set to attract a gathering of 3,000 leading experts in gastroenterology and hepatology from across the globe. The congress is projected to infuse a substantial $17.7 million into Victoria’s local economy, further solidifying Melbourne’s position as a preeminent global destination for healthcare conferences.
The successful bid to host WCOG 2025 was the culmination of collaborative efforts between the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA). Crucial support was provided by the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program. Geoffrey Metz, President of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) and Club Melbourne Ambassador, played a pivotal role in securing this prestigious event for Melbourne. Julia Swanson, MCB Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the city’s exceptional reputation for medical research and its unwavering commitment to fostering healthcare advancements as instrumental factors in winning the bid.
Melbourne’s emergence as a hub for cutting-edge healthcare innovations, fueled by the Victorian Government’s dedication to enhancing the city’s medical precincts, made it the ideal location for hosting a world-class event like the World Congress of Gastroenterology. This congress presents an unprecedented opportunity for professionals in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology to engage in collaborative endeavors, exchange ideas, and delve into the latest advancements in their respective disciplines. The congress will encompass three days of in-depth discussions, presentations, and exhibitions, establishing itself as a pivotal event on the global gastroenterology calendar.
Professor Alex Boussioutas, President of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), expressed his immense enthusiasm for the upcoming event, which will unite experts from both Australia and the international community. The congress will serve as a platform to showcase groundbreaking research and foster collaboration on an international scale, driving progress in the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology.
The congress will be held at the esteemed Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), a venue renowned for hosting large-scale international conferences. Situated against the captivating backdrop of Melbourne’s Yarra River, the MCEC provides the perfect setting for an event of this magnitude. The event will further solidify Melbourne’s reputation as a key city for hosting world-class healthcare and scientific conferences.
In addition to hosting WCOG 2025, Melbourne’s significant role in advancing global gastroenterology and hepatology will be further underscored as GESA integrates its renowned annual event, the Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW), into the congress. The AGW, typically drawing around 1,700 attendees, offers a valuable opportunity for national and international delegates to connect, share knowledge, and collectively propel the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology forward. This integrated event will act as a catalyst for groundbreaking collaborations between Australian researchers and international experts, showcasing Melbourne’s pivotal role in driving innovation within the healthcare sector.
The World Congress of Gastroenterology is not merely a landmark event for the medical community but also a significant boon to the local economy. Over 3,000 delegates from around the globe are expected to travel to Melbourne, contributing to the city’s vibrant visitor economy. The event is projected to inject $17.7 million into Victoria’s local economy, benefiting businesses across hospitality, tourism, and transportation sectors. Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director of Tourism Australia, highlighted the paramount importance of securing such international business events and the broader economic impact they bring to both Melbourne and Australia.
This economic boost, coupled with Melbourne’s reputation as a leader in healthcare and medical research, reinforces the city’s status as a prime location for international events, solidifying its global standing in both the healthcare and business tourism sectors.
The World Congress of Gastroenterology 2025 will create a collaborative environment that fosters knowledge exchange and innovation. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds and specialties, the congress is expected to facilitate new discoveries, treatments, and advancements in the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology. The congress’s focus on global collaboration aligns with the World Gastroenterology Organisation’s (WGO) mission to elevate standards of education, research, and clinical practice in gastroenterology worldwide.
WCOG 2025 will provide a platform for sharing the latest scientific advancements, with the overarching goal of improving patient care and driving meaningful progress in healthcare. Melbourne has long been recognized as a global leader in healthcare innovation and medical research, making it an ideal host city for WCOG 2025. With world-renowned institutions and state-of-the-art medical precincts, the city continues to attract top-tier international conferences focused on advancing healthcare. The Victorian Government’s commitment to developing Melbourne’s medical precincts and fostering innovation has further cemented the city’s reputation as a hub for groundbreaking medical research.
The upcoming World Congress of Gastroenterology is yet another testament to Melbourne’s position as a leading global destination for healthcare conferences and medical innovation. As Melbourne prepares to welcome 3,000 gastroenterology experts from around the world for the 2025 World Congress of Gastroenterology, the city is poised to shine on the global stage. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and economic growth, the congress will not only advance the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology but also provide a significant boost to Victoria’s economy. The event’s success, driven by the combined efforts of the Melbourne Convention Bureau, GESA, and the Victorian Government, will leave a lasting impact on both the healthcare sector and Melbourne’s growing reputation as a leader in medical research and international business events.