Melbourne’s innovation in the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) sector was on show to the world last week at the 23rd Intelligent Transport System World Congress (ITS 2016).
Held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 10 – 14 October, ITS 2016 was the largest international association conference held in Australia this year, and the second largest international association conference ever held in Melbourne.
The event attracted 11, 496 visitors, made up of over 4,200 international delegates from 73 countries.
Secured for the city by Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and ITS Australia, with support from the State Government of Victoria, this was the first time the congress had been held in Melbourne.
MCB Chief Executive Officer, Karen Bolinger, said this was a remarkable result for the city, business events sector and ITS industry.
“MCB works hard to not only secure events for the city, but to also ensure they are well attended. This event is proof that our approach to attracting the world’s best and brightest minds has paid off in spades, Bolinger said.
“The business events sector in Melbourne is thriving. We have the capability, capacity and innovative approach to winning and delivering international conferences and meetings, which sets us apart nationally and globally.”
“To exceed the overall visitor target is testament to the collaborative effort of our city. These results are only possible thanks to the support of the Victorian State Government, City of Melbourne, MCEC and our partners across the travel sector. It is a real example of the power of Team Melbourne, ” Ms Bolinger said.
ITS 2016 generated in excess of $25 million in economic contribution for Victoria, but the impact of this event extends beyond dollars.
The world’s best minds in ITS took over more than 80 percent of the venue, with employees working over 600 shifts to deliver the entirely customised event.
