More than a convention centre
Cairns, in Tropical North Queensland, offers far more than a world-class convention centre. Positioned at the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest—it provides a truly unique setting for international events. This exceptional combination of natural wonders creates an unmatched backdrop, where delegates can seamlessly blend conference activities with eco-tourism. The region also boasts over 160 eco-certified tours, the highest concentration in Australia.
“The decision to host the meeting in Cairns was a simple one,” remarked Associate Professor Jeremy J. Barr from Monash University, co-chair of the Viruses of Microbes 2024 Conference (VoM). “Cairns offers a unique experience with its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. It’s not often that one has a conference on a tropical coral reef with a rainforest just above.”
The natural beauty of the area, coupled with Cairns’ laid-back atmosphere and warm hospitality, makes the destination not only practical for conferences but also deeply memorable for international delegates. “Cairns’ regional character has kept a local connected feel for the meeting,” Barr added, highlighting the personal touch that the city offers.
The theme of VoM 2024, “Expanding our viral frontiers,” aptly reflected the fast-paced advancements in virology. It also marked the conference’s expansion beyond Europe, symbolizing both scientific innovation and the resilience of the global research community.
DEI at the Centre
Cairns Convention Centre is renowned for its exceptional service and attention to detail. After significant upgrades, the venue now features cutting-edge facilities, from advanced audio-visual systems to flexible spaces for large plenaries or intimate breakout sessions. Committed to accessibility and inclusion through its thoughtful building design, various programs and partnerships, it recently introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, enabling delegates to discreetly indicate if they require extra assistance.
Aligning with this, VoM 2024 prioritized inclusivity and diversity, with a balanced speaker lineup that highlighted the value of varied perspectives in advancing science. The conference also focused on supporting students and early-career researchers (ECRs), dedicating 41% of symposium sessions to student presentations. Networking events and a pre-meeting workshop on science communication further enriched the experience for the next generation of phage researchers.
Kate Smith, Managing Director of WALDRONSMITH Management, which provided PCO services for the Viruses of Microbes 2024 Conference, praised the convention centre’s seamless operations. “The Cairns Convention Centre’s meticulous planning and attention to detail provided a flawless experience,” she said. “Hosting young scientists from over 40 countries has been extraordinary. WALDRONSMITH was privileged to be part of this remarkable event.”
Supporting Science & Innovation
Cairns is not just a beautiful location; it’s a hub for scientific research and innovation. The region is home to institutions like the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) at James Cook University, which is at the forefront of tropical health research. This makes Cairns an ideal destination for conferences focused on health, medicine, and environmental sciences.
During the Viruses of Microbes 2024 Conference, Cairns’ role as a leader in tropical health was brought into the spotlight. “The city’s thriving health sector, combined with its proximity to world-class research institutions, makes it a prime location for conferences that focus on critical global health issues,” said Robin Mack, Executive General Manager of Commercial & Business Events Australia.
A Global Destination for Business Events
The recent upgrades to the Cairns Convention Centre and its ability to attract international events have not gone unnoticed. “Queensland is fast gaining a reputation around the globe as a world-class events destination,” said Michael Healy, Queensland’s Minister for Tourism and Member for Cairns. “The fact that Cairns was chosen to host the Viruses of Microbes Conference for the first time outside Europe is a testament to that.”
Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of hosting such high-profile events in Cairns. “Hosting the Viruses of Microbes Conference brought more than 500 global delegates to a region that offers a combination of world-class conference facilities and unique natural beauty,” Olsen noted. “The gala dinner at Rainforestation, where delegates dined in the rainforest and experienced Indigenous culture, left a lasting impression on our international guests.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Cairns and its convention centre have demonstrated that they can go beyond hosting conferences; they create lasting legacies. Events like the Viruses of Microbes Conference not only foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange but also shine a light on the region’s scientific and economic contributions. The centre’s ability to combine professionalism with the natural charm of Cairns makes it a standout venue for international conferences of all types.
As Barr summed it up, “Cairns Convention Centre has been incredible throughout this whole process. They’ve been extremely professional and responsive. It’s been an optimal location for a conference—we couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Contact & Info: sales@cairnsconvention.com.au / www.cairnsconvention.com.au