The move is expected to bring more than $17 million to Victoria’s local economy.
Thousands of leading gastroenterology and hepatology experts from around the world are heading to Melbourne next year.
The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) and the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) have won their bid to host the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) 2025.
The event will be held from 20-22 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and is expected to attract some 3000 delegates. The congress is expected to inject $17.7 million into Victoria’s local economy.
GESA and the MCB’s bid was supported by the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program. President of the World Gastroenterology Organisation and Melbourne gastroenterologist, Professor Geoffrey Metz AO, also played a key role in the bid’s success.
GESA president Professor Alex Boussioutas said it was an exciting development.
“The Gastroenterological Society of Australia is delighted to be awarded hosting rights for the World Congress of Gastroenterology,” he said.
“In collaboration with the World Gastroenterology Organisation, this event will bring together Australia and the world’s leading voices in gastroenterology and hepatology for a three-day conference and exhibition.”
MCB chief executive officer Julia Swanson said Melbourne’s renowned global standing in medical research and innovation, combined with the Victorian Government’s dedication to advancing the city’s medical precincts, has positioned Melbourne as a top choice for hosting healthcare conferences.
“This event will serve as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, fostering significant progress in gastroenterology and hepatology,” she said.
“Healthcare conferences play a key role in promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing, often leading to breakthroughs that drive substantial improvements in health outcomes.”
GESA will integrate its annual Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW) into the congress, an event that traditionally attracts about 1700 delegates.
The WGO’s 2024 congress kicks off next month in Marrakech, Morrocco.
Gastro 2024 is being jointly hosted by the WGO and the Moroccan Society of Digestive Diseases (SMMAD) from 7-9 November.
Professor Metz is one of the key speakers at this year’s event, along with experts from around the world. For more information about this year’s congress see here.
