Melbourne secures two future technology conferences

Melbourne, Australia, has secured two of the world’s leading technology conferences expected to attract 1,200 global blockchain experts and technology players to the city over the next two years. Melbourne is set to host The World Block Chain Summit (WBS) 2022 and The ACM International Conference on Multimedia (ACM MM 2024) in 2024. Both events will be hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Combined, these events are expected to deliver AUD$5.2m ($US3.7m) in economic contribution to the Victorian economy and almost 2,850 room nights that will boost the hotel and accommodation sector. Julia Swanson, chief executive of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), said: “Melbourne is a place that inspires experimentation, innovation and creativity. Our city’s growing reputation is credited to its healthy start-up ecosystem and vibrant creative industries which attract high profile events.” The MCB steered these event proposals with the assistance of the Victorian State Government, Business Events Australia, Trescon, Monash University, and local organising committees from across Australia and the Asia pacific region. Swanson believes: “Melbourne has a global reputation for collaboration with federal, local and state governments, as well as city-wide partners working together to successfully secure and deliver conferences.” Professor Alberto Del Bimbo, chair of ACM SIGMM, added: “The ACM SIGMM Steering and Executive Committees are absolutely thrilled to select Melbourne as the host city for 2024. The strong support of MCB, the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia along with the expertise that Victoria and Australia have in digital technologies and multimedia will ensure the event is a great success for our global community.”