Melbourne is set to welcome the world’s leading experts in gastroenterology and hepatology as it hosts the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) 2025.
Scheduled to take place from September 20 to 22, 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the event will bring together 3,000 delegates from around the globe and is expected to inject A$17.7 million (US$11.8 million) to Victoria’s local economy.
GESA will integrate its annual event, Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW), into the Congress. Regularly attracting around 1,700 attendees, AGW will offer a prime opportunity for both national and international delegates to engage and collaborate.
MCB CEO Julia Swanson said Melbourne’s renowned global standing in medical research and innovation, combined with the Victorian Government’s dedication to advancing the city’s medical precincts, has positioned 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. Healthcare conferences play a key role in promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing, often leading to breakthroughs that drive substantial improvements in health outcomes,” she added.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison commented on the broader economic impact of the event: “International business events contributed A$4.4 billion in the 12 months to June this year, which is why it is important we continue to secure a strong pipeline of future events through Tourism Australia’s Bid Fund Program.”
The successful bid to host WCOG 2025 was spearheaded by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), in partnership with the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) and supported by the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program.
