The Cairns Convention Centre has hosted a remarkable series of conferences over the last few months, bringing significant economic benefits to the Cairns region. Home to experts in sectors such as Tropical Health, Tourism, Life Sciences, and Education & Training, Cairns continues to attract global thought leaders and innovators.
Between now and June 2025, the Centre estimates it will welcome over 21,000 delegates from both Australia and overseas.
Recent and Upcoming Conferences
Viruses of Microbes (VoM) 2024: Held for the first time outside Europe, this conference brought over 500 global experts in microbial virology to Cairns.
XVI Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum (QCHSC) 2024: Expected to attract over 500 delegates, this event was drawn to Cairns for its connection to the scientific community and exceptional venue facilities.
Jeremy J. Barr, Associate Professor from Monash University and Co-Chair of VoM, praised Cairns, saying, “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 on a tropical coral reef with a rainforest above.” Barr added, “Cairns’ relaxed vibe, friendly locals, and Australian culture enhanced the experience for international delegates. The world-class facilities at the Cairns Convention Centre are among the country’s best, and Cairns regional character maintains a local, connected feel for the meeting. It’s been an optimal location for a Conference; we couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
For QCHSC, the Cairns Convention Centre was selected for its ties with the scientific community and superior facilities. Dr. Ayse Kizilersu from the University of Adelaide, School of Physical Sciences, who is leading the organisation of the event, shared their enthusiasm, “We are delighted to be heading to Cairns in August. Both the venue and destination offer incredible appeal to our delegates, ensuring a high level of attendance from around the world. This year’s event promises to be our best yet, and I look forward to welcoming our community when they arrive in Cairns.” This Conference will also be supported by BEA and TTNQ.
Supporting Partners
This conference series is supported by:
- Business Events Australia (BEA)
- Tourism and Events Queensland
“The delegates were wowed by offsite events such as the gala dinner at Rainforestation where they dined in the rainforest, experienced Indigenous culture, and interacted with local wildlife.”
— Mark Olsen, CEO, TTNQ
You can learn more about the Centre’s local engagement on our Community Engagement page.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Moving into 2025, the Centre will host the Congress of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association. In addition to the scientific program, this meeting will also offer its attendees an unforgettable cultural experience.
Other notable upcoming conferences include the
- 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; and
- Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Annual Scientific Meeting in May 2025.
Janet Hamilton, the General Manager of the Cairns Convention Centre, shared her enthusiasm about the upcoming conferences, saying, “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 and reflect the strength of our Business Development strategy. This success is a testament to our dedicated team of Business Development professionals, who will continue to bid for and secure Conferences for Cairns.”
