Melbourne plugs into digital future
Melbourne’s growing reputation as a technology hub is set to be further solidified with the city gearing up to host three major tech events in the latter half of 2018.
The first of the major digital events will be the VidCon, a major day on the calendar for online video creators. Hosted at the MCEC, the gathering kicks off 31 August and is set to attract 7,500 attendees including a sprinkling of YouTube stars and social media celebrities.
Online gamers will descend on several major sporting venues shortly after to attend The Melbourne Esports Open. Thousands of visitors from interstate and overseas will attend to compete.
In November more than 900 of the nation’s tech leaders from industry, government and education will gather at the MCEC Australian Computer Society’s (ACS) Reimagination Thought Leaders’ Summit & Digital Disruption Awards. The forum will discuss leading technical and ethical questions in the digital space.
Gold Coast charms
THE Gold Coast recently held the This Is Gold Coast Business Exchange, attracting a record number of meeting influencers and professional conference organisers. Wrapping up in early June, the conference sought to highlight the best features the city has to offer planners including its natural tropical attractions, modern hotels, and vibrant city life.
“Post-Commonwealth Games, the city is buzzing with a revitalised spirit and infectious new energy, with so much on offer for conferences and meetings,” said Gold Coast Business Events director Anna Case.
Delegates were treated to a welcome reception at street market Miami Market before meeting with a range of local suppliers.
ICC looks at big picture
THE ICC Sydney is clearing a path to hold even more prestigious, largescale events in the future following its successful hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in March.
“We are starting to attract a number of major Asia Pacific technology conferences that have traditionally been held in South East Asia — Salesforce and Amazon are just a couple of examples,” said ICC Sydney chief executive Geoff Donaghy.
He believes the reason largescale planners are being lured to ICC Sydney is because of the venue’s “flexibility” and proximity to “one of the world’s most beautiful harbours”.
