CAIRNS Convention Centre recently hosted a large conference for scientists who research everything to do with tiny viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms that have the potential to cause colossal viral scares.
It was the first time organisers of the International Society for Viruses of Microorganisms took their biennial conference beyond Europe. Australia’s expertise and leadership in researching viruses are recognised globally with organisers selecting Cairns an ideal location for the Viruses of Microbes Conference (VoM 2024).
“Hosting this meeting in Australia, marking the first time it has been held outside of Europe, is a significant and impactful legacy,” said Jeremy Barr, associate professor from Monash University and conference co-chair.
“This is an exciting time for Australian science as we emerge as leaders in the field. This event will not only promote Australian and New Zealand researchers but also enhance our scientific contributions and attract more people to Australia in the long run,” Barr said.
Queensland is fast gaining a reputation around the globe for being a world-class events destination and the fact that Cairns was chosen to hold the Viruses of Microbes Conference for the first time outside of Europe is testament to that”
– Michael Healy MP, Minister for Tourism and Cairns legislator, Queensland Parliament
VoM 2024 organisers placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity by striking a balance in the speaker lineup to ensure a balanced representation and recognise the importance of diverse perspectives in advancing scientific knowledge.
“We made efforts to ensure gender and career representation across Australia and New Zealand,” said Barr. “I’m proud of our early career researchers and the geographical diversity of our speakers – we’ve had speakers from Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, North America on top of our traditional European clientele. This was something we were really invested in.”
More… Cairns centre striking gold again
The conference also prioritised students and early-career researchers (ECRs), with dedicated symposium sessions for student-delivered talks providing crucial exposure for the next generation of phage researchers. ECR networking events and a pre-meeting workshop on effective science communication further enhanced the conference’s impact.
Cairns’ location on the Great Barrier Reef and the city’s laid-back atmosphere along within the facilities at the city’s convention centre were also cited as impressing delegates and adding to the success of VoM 2024.
Some 73 per cent of delegates came from overseas representing a total of 26 countries.
“Cairns’ unique blend of natural beauty, world-class facilities, and a thriving health sector makes it an attractive destination for delegates from around the world,” said Barr.
MORE TO COME…
Cairns Convention Centre is set to preparing to host more globally significant events between now and July 2025.More than 21,000 delegates from Australia and overseas are expected at medical, science and other conferences at the venue.
Scheduled events include:
– Australasian Genomic Technologies Association Annual Conference in October 2024
– Australian Archaeological Association Annual Conference in December 2024
– The Congress of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association in April 2025
– The Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Annual Scientific Meeting in May 2025.
– Travel Managers Australia Conference featuring Olympic Champion Cathy Freeman in September 2024
The region also plays a significant role in tropical health with the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) at James Cook University among the institutions around Cairns that are making advancements in disease research.
Kate Smith, managing director of WALDRONSMITH Management, which provided PCO services for the conference, expressed delight in bringing VoM 2024 to Cairns.
“Cairns was certainly a standout, its beautiful appeal, especially in July, and its world-famous Great Barrier Reef were key factors in attracting international attendees to the Conference. The combination of these aspects gave the committee the confidence to choose Cairns,” Smith said.
“Hosting young scientists from over 40 countries has been extraordinary. WALDRONSMITH was privileged to be part of this remarkable event. Cairns Convention Centre have 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.”
The conference was supported by Business Events Australia and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Main picture… VoM 2024 delegates networking VoM on Cairns Convention Centre’s City Terrace
