To be held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the meeting is the largest in its field globally and is expected to attract over 800 delegates from outside of Australia.
Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) secured the event for Melbourne, working with both Monash University and La Trobe University, along with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
The bid also had the support of the state government.
VR and 3D user interface technology is being used across multiple industries, from healthcare to education and the automotive sector. Virtual reality technology is expected to grow in worth by almost six-fold by 2032, rising to US$186.34 billion from US$31.54 billion in 2025.
Playing its part, Melbourne is home to the Microsoft Research Centre for Social Natural User Interfaces, an $8 million partnership between the tech giant, the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Government. It is one of the first institutions of its kind worldwide, investigating how interactive technologies can augment communication, collaboration and social behaviour.
“Melbourne continues to stand out as one of the world’s most dynamic business events destinations, and hosting a conference focused on virtual reality and 3D user interfaces further amplifies that strength,” said MCB CEO Julia Swanson.
“Events like this not only reinforce Melbourne’s reputation for delivering world-class delegate experiences but also drive significant economic value.”
Co-chair of the conference, Monash University Professor Tim Dwyer said the local organising committee was “thrilled” to be bringing the event to Australia for the first time.
“Melbourne’s research, design and technology ecosystem offers an exceptional environment for creative exploration and scientific exchange.
“By convening the world’s leading voices in immersive computing, IEEE VR 2027 will spark new collaborations, showcase the region’s growing strengths in human-computer interaction and help shape the future of virtual and augmented reality.”
One of Dwyer’s co-chairs, Dr Rick Skarbez, from La Trobe University said the event was coming to Australia “at a pivotal moment”.
“Extended reality is reshaping how we learn, work and connect, and this conference will gather the global leaders who are driving that transformation.
“Bringing the world’s foremost researchers and innovators to Melbourne creates an extraordinary opportunity to showcase breakthrough science, advance collaboration and inspire the next generation of VR pioneers.”
Melbourne already has another major IEEE event on the books for 2027, with the IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) GTD Conference and Exposition Asia expected to attract 3,000 delegates when it is held in Melbourne in September 2027.
