MELBOURNE has secured the right to host the International AIDS Conference in 2014, which would be the largest-ever medical conference to be held in Australia.
Louise Asher, minister for tourism and major events, said: “This six-day event, which will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in July 2014, will generate A$80 million (US$79.40 million) for the Victorian economy and is expected to attract more than 14,000 of the world’s leading scientists, healthcare providers and political, community and business leaders.”
Chief executive officer of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), Karen Bolinger, said this added to a string of health-related events recently secured for Victoria.
“The win follows the announcement of other major medical events we have won for Melbourne for 2014, including the 23rd World Cancer Congress and the World Congress of Cardiology,” Bolinger said.
“MCVB worked closely with the Australian Hotels Association to commit 12,000 rooms; the Department of Transport to assist with tailored public transport options; and the agent general of Victoria to secure the bid for Melbourne.”
The International AIDS Conference is organised by the International AIDS Society (IAS) in partnership with selected government, scientific and community partners from Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, as well as international community partners and UNAIDS.
