Melbourne’s run of securing international meetings continues, with gastroenterology joining the city’s 2025 calendar of events.
The Victorian capital will host the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) from September 20 to 22, 2025, with an expected attendance of 3000 and an economic impact of almost $20 million.
The successful bid to host WCOG 2025 was spearheaded by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in partnership with the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Programme.
President of the World Gastroenterology Organisation and MCB Club Melbourne Ambassador, Geoffrey Metz, also played a pivotal role in securing the congress.
MCB CEO Julia Swanson said Melbourne’s global standing in medical research and innovation, combined with the Victorian Government’s dedication to advancing the city’s medical precincts, positions 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.”
On the announcement of the win, president of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia, Professor Alex Boussioutas, said this was a huge win for the local body and its members.
“This event will bring together Australia and the world’s leading voices in gastroenterology and hepatology for a three-day conference and exhibition,” he said.
And, in a demonstration of how important this congress is, the Gastroenterological Society of Australia will integrate its annual event, Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW), into the congress. That event generally attracts 1700 participants.