Melbourne will host a major global data centre and artificial intelligence technology summit for the first time in Australia, with the event scheduled to take place in September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, according to the Victorian Government.
The co-located events, Data Center World and The AI Summit, are expected to attract more than 1,000 attendees and generate up to $4 million for the state’s visitor economy. These events are part of Informa Connect’s international conference series, which is also held in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia.
The bid to bring the summit to Melbourne was secured by the Melbourne Convention Bureau and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, with support from Business Events Australia. The Victorian Government stated that the conference would highlight technology developments shaping future business and innovation, noting that the state is home to 40 data centres and the country’s largest cluster of AI firms.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos expressed that hosting the summit reflects confidence in Victoria’s technology sector. “This is a major vote of confidence in Victoria’s thriving tech ecosystem and a powerful boost to local businesses and jobs,” he said, adding that such events “inject vital economic activity into our hotels, cafes, restaurants and venues.”
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson highlighted the importance of the conference in showcasing Victoria internationally, describing it as “a tremendous opportunity to showcase our state as a global leader in tech and innovation.” This sentiment was echoed by Melbourne Convention Bureau chief executive Julia Swanson, who noted that the event reinforces the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technology.
Informa Connect president for tech events Marco Pardi stated that expanding the series to Melbourne reflects the city’s growing role in the global technology landscape. The announcement was welcomed by Data Centres Australia chief executive Belinda Dennett, who emphasized that the conference would help position Victoria as a leading market for artificial intelligence infrastructure.
As the summit approaches, the Victorian Government and local stakeholders are optimistic about the potential economic benefits and the opportunity to elevate Victoria’s profile in the global technology arena. The events not only signify a commitment to the future of technology in the region but also underline Melbourne’s strategic importance as an emerging hub for both data centers and AI development.
For more information on the summit, visit Informa Connect or the Melbourne Convention Bureau.
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