The International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) meeting, which is held every three years, is expected to draw 1,500 delegates to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and have an estimated economic impact of $8.4 million.
Melbourne Convention Bureau collaborated with a variety of stakeholders to secure the event for Melbourne, including the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), the Australian Health Promotion Association, The Behaviour Change Collaborative and Smart Connection Consultancy.
The bid also received financial support from Australia’s national business events subvention fund, managed by Tourism Australia.
Running since 2007, the congress provides a meeting platform for those working in health promotion, including policymakers and researchers, to share knowledge and discuss issues linked to health promotion, such as health inequality, chronic disease and the connection between individuals’ health and the environment.
“VicHealth is the world’s first Health Promotion Foundation so it’s fitting we host a global conference,” said VicHealth CEO Professor Anna Peeters AM.
“To have Melbourne chosen is both a recognition of our sector’s strength and a huge opportunity for VicHealth and our partners to showcase Victoria’s innovation and impact on the world stage.”
Meanwhile, the president of the Australian Health Promotion Association, Glen Ramos, called Melbourne’s hosting of the event “a landmark opportunity”.
“This global event is a landmark opportunity to advance evidence-based prevention, strengthen health equity and showcase Australia’s leadership in health promotion and prevention,” said Ramos.
“We look forward to working with our partners to shape a program that reflects the diversity, innovation and impact of health promotion across our region and beyond.”
President of the IUHPE, Louise Potvin, called Melbourne’s bid to host the event “excellent”.
“We are really excited about this opportunity to work with a large coalition of local partners with which IUHPE is already working or eager to develop further collaborations,” said Potvin.
“We are looking forward to start laying the foundation of this common and critical endeavour for the future of health promotion.”
