Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has secured the Symposium of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (SIASS) for Melbourne in 2023.
The meeting will mark about 25 years since some of the world’s best engineers, architects and builders last gathered on Australia’s shores for the SIASS.
Backed by the Victorian government and Australian universities RMIT and Swinburne, the event is expected to attract more than 500 delegates when it is held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2023, and deliver in excess of $2 million contribution to the local economy.
MCB chief executive Julia Swanson said Melbourne has a proud history in the creative integration of structural engineering and architecture.
“Part of the program will involve technical tours showcasing architectural points of interest the city is known for,” she said.
“Melbourne has been at the forefront of lightweight structural systems such as lattice, membrane and shell structures, from the famed Sidney Myer Music Bowl, the iconic spire at the Arts Centre Melbourne to AAMI Park, to name a few.”
Having worked with MCB previously, bid leader Professor Mike Xie from RMIT said the strong support from the bureau played a large role in the win.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to hold this important event in Melbourne, and are grateful for the strong support of the Melbourne Convention Bureau and the Victorian state government,” Professor Xie said.
So far this year, MCB has secured 41 business events for Melbourne, which are expected to attract almost 40,000 delegates and inject $147.7 million direct revenue to the Victorian business events supply chain.
Alongside the SIASS, in 2023 Melbourne will host 27 international and national business events including the 2023 Rotary International Convention, which will attract 20,000 delegates and deliver more than $88 million to the Victorian economy, making it the most valuable convention ever secured for the state.
Featured image source: iStock/bernie_photo
