The Cairns Convention Centre in Australia has become a hub for scientific innovation, hosting a series of major conferences in the first half of 2024 and looking forward to welcoming even more international events through July 2025. This region, renowned for its expertise in tropical health, tourism, life sciences, and education, has proven to be an attractive destination for global thought leaders and innovators. The Centre expects to draw over 21,000 delegates from both Australia and abroad by June 2025.
One of the highlights was the prestigious Viruses of Microbes (VoM) 2024 Conference in July. This biennial event, held for the first time outside of Europe, brought together over 500 experts in microbial virology to discuss the latest advances in research and its practical applications.
The Cairns Convention Centre has also hosted other major conferences, including the XVI Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum (QCHSC) 2024 Conference in August. This event attracted over 500 national and international delegates, drawn to the Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a tiered auditorium, cutting-edge audio-visual and IT capabilities, and versatile event spaces.
Dr. Ayse Kizilersu from the University of Adelaide, who led the organization of the QCHSC conference, said, “We were delighted to head to Cairns for the conference. Both the venue and destination offered incredible appeal to our delegates, and it meant we had a high level of attendance from around the world.”
The Centre’s success in attracting these prestigious conferences is a testament to its dedicated team and the exceptional facilities they offer. Janet Hamilton, the General Manager of the Cairns Convention Centre, commented, “We’re thrilled to welcome delegates from all corners of the globe. The Centre serves as an ecosystem for knowledge sharing, education, and community engagement. These conferences not only stimulate the Cairns economy but also provide a platform for collaboration and learning.”
Beyond the Centre’s facilities, the natural beauty and unique culture of Cairns also play a significant role in attracting delegates. Jeremy J. Barr, Associate Professor from Monash University and Co-Chair of VoM, remarked, “Hosting the meeting in Cairns was an easy choice. Cairns’ unique wildlife, scenery, and setting offer a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s rare to have a conference with a tropical coral reef on one side of the venue and a rainforest on the other.”
The success of the Cairns Convention Centre in hosting these major scientific events not only benefits the local economy but also positions Cairns as a leading destination for international collaboration and knowledge exchange. The Centre’s commitment to providing world-class facilities and an exceptional experience for delegates ensures that Cairns will continue to attract top scientific minds in the years to come.
