Tropical know-how and inspiration

What are international event planners looking for in an event destination? Cairns may hold the answers plus quite a lot more

Local expertise, specialist knowledge and internationally-acclaimed research are often the main draw for convention planners looking for a host. It’s why so many destinations work closely with local experts in their field to bring important congresses to their home city. Sophisticated event infrastructure, international access, an experienced convention centre, hotels and suppliers plus an engaged and responsive convention bureau are, of course, also key. And if the region or city is fortunate enough to be a desirable leisure location as well, it’s a great way to ensure high delegate attendance.

Cairns, the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north, is a small yet vibrant and laid-back Australian city that punches well above its weight. The world-class Cairns Convention Centre seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology within the city’s modern and compact conference precinct. Cairns offers contemporary tropical dining and a variety of accommodation options, ranging from five-star luxury to budget-friendly — all within a 10-minute walk from the Centre and numerous attractions.

Beyond the stunning landscape and contemporary city features, the region's tropical expertise in health & life science, aviation, agribusiness, marine services and education truly shines. Renowned institutions such as James Cook University and Central Queensland University play a crucial role in maintaining and attracting talent. Whilst the health and life sciences sector are further strengthened by leading research institutions such as the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, the Australian Tropical Forest Institute and the Australian Tropical Herbarium.

Alex Loukas, Head of Research and Co-founder of Paragen Bio at AITHM, emphasises the institute's global impact: “Cairns has a growing reputation and has firmly cemented its global position. It is internationally recognised in tropical disease research, both at the molecular level and in the delivery of health systems and public health solutions. We address the unique challenges faced by people living in tropical regions.”

Living and working in the tropics offers unique opportunities and innovations. But it’s the collaborative and passionate approach that helps bring people together here in a big way: industry leaders, academics, hospitality and service providers. The award-winning, stunningly-located Cairns Convention Centre has plenty of event management and hospitality experience and prides itself on staging memorable and impactful events.

Last year’s Viruses of Microbes Conference (VOM24), for instance, took place here. Jeremy J. Barr, Associate Professor from Monash University and Co-Chair of Viruses of Microbes 2024, says: "The facilities at the Cairns Convention Centre are world-class, some of the best in the country, and the city’s regional character has kept a local, connected feel for the conference. The team have been incredible throughout this whole process. They’ve been extremely professional and responsive. It’s been an optimal location for a conference; we couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Cairns Convention Centre

The Cairns Convention Centre can seat 2,300 delegates in its auditorium, 5,000 in its arena and 410 theatre-style in an additional plenary. There are also 23 meeting rooms, a beautiful ballroom for 500 at a dinner, an outdoor plaza and a stunning terrace with views over Trinity Inlet.

Among the prestigious events hosted by the centre are the XVIth Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum Conference, and this year it will host an array of high-profile, international conferences including Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association Congress (APOA) and AUS-oMicS 2025.

Sectors of excellence

An example of Cairns’ strength in the health and medical sector is Cairns Hospital achieving some of the best survival rates in the world for the rare tropical disease melioidosis. Dr. Josh Hanson, an infectious disease specialist at Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, noted that, globally more than 40 per cent of individuals diagnosed with melioidosis die. In Far North Queensland, however, the overall mortality rate is now one of the lowest in the world at below 10 per cent. This improvement is attributed to early recognition, prompt antibiotic treatment and advancements in sepsis management.

Cairns’ strategic location in Asia Pacific has ensured a thriving aviation sector with significant service centres and training facilities at Cairns Airport. Cairns also offers specialised industry training through the Cairns Aviation Skills Centre and the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College. These factors, amongst the region's unparalleled natural beauty and world-class business events infrastructure of the Cairns Convention Centre is why the CAPA Airline Leader Summit selected Cairns as its host city and venue. Taking place from July 31 to August 1, this summit will bring together over 400 delegates across 20 countries from the aviation, tourism and hospitality industries to shape the future of air travel in the region. The first time the event has been held outside of a capital city. 

Claudia Kunz, Director of Events at CAPA & GAD, said: “Why Cairns? Our Senior Management quickly recognised Cairns as the ideal destination for high-level aviation executives. Not only is it a beautiful location, but the proximity of hotels, restaurants and the waterfront make it perfect for delegates to mix and mingle after the event. The Cairns Convention Centre is truly spectacular; having seen many convention centres worldwide, this one stands out with its open spaces and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. We are confident it will be an amazing conference venue.”

Agribusiness is a major contributor to the regional economy, adding $1 billion annually. The Cairns region encompasses 10,000 sq kms of agricultural land, nearly half the area. With abundant fertile land and water supplies, conditions are ideal for a wide variety of crops to thrive.

A recent innovation in the Cairns region is the significant progress in sustainable energy through renewable sugarcane. The notable initiative is the Green Energy Power Plant by MSF Sugar, which transforms the sugarcane fibre into clean power. This $100 million facility, found on the Atherton Tablelands, is generating 24 megawatts per hour. Enough to make the Tableland sugar mill completely self-sufficient and power 26,280 homes in the Tableland region.

“We focus on creating value, not just for the sugar mill but also for the grower and the Cairns community,” said Jia Poontanasombat, Chief Financial Officer, MSF Sugar – Mitr Phol Group. “In Far North Queensland we have more than 700 growers, 700 employees and 2,000 suppliers generating over $400m annually. The sugar industry is an important, sustainable way of supporting the local economy.”

International connectivity

Singapore Airlines Airbus 350-900. Photo Credit: Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport operates direct services to major international destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Bali, Port Moresby and seasonal routes to Hong Kong and Auckland. Delegates travelling from Europe have excellent connections through major Asian hubs. Starting in April 2025, direct flights to Fiji will enhance connectivity and reduce travel time from the US by up to three hours. In the same month, Jetstar will commence direct flights from Cairns to Christchurch.

World-class natural assets

Snorkelling on the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef

The natural beauty of the region can’t be underestimated. Nestled between two UNESCO World Heritage sites — the Great Barrier Reef and the world's oldest rainforest — Cairns is an inspirational location.

Kate Smith, Managing Director of WALDRONSMITH Management, who provided PCO services to VoM 2024, said: "Cairns was certainly a standout. It's beautiful appeal, especially in July, and its world-famous Great Barrier Reef were key factors in attracting international attendees to the conference. The combination of these aspects along with the conference infrastructure on offer  gave the committee the confidence to choose Cairns.”

Having bucket-list attractions on its doorstep is of course a big draw for delegates to Cairns. Not only can event organisers provide hugely attractive social programme options but delegates can combine a convention here with leisure time add-ons – the increasing popularity of the bleisure trip. In fact, data from Flight Centre's Corporate Traveller recently revealed that the average trip to Cairns stretched to eight days in 2024; twice that of Sydney and Melbourne, which averaged four days. (The data was supported by the Global Business Travel Association Annual report based on responses from 4,100 people across the world.) 

This stunning natural backdrop is perfect for fostering knowledge sharing and innovation. It helps to deepen connections with each other and the natural wonders of one of the world’s oldest cultures. The weather helps, too. Cairns boasts a spectacular climate during the Australian winter, standing out among other cities. With average temperatures of 21.6ºC-29.2ºC in autumn, 17.5ºC-26.2ºC in winter and 20.5ºC-29.5ºC in spring, delegates can experience many truly amazing pre and post-touring options.

Leave a legacy

Delegates planting trees in the Mabi Rainforest. Photo Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

The possibility for transformative experiences abound here ensuring delegates leave with lasting memories they can be proud of. With more than 160 eco-certified tours — the highest concentration in Australia – the region offers sustainable, world-class facilities and operators. If you are looking for a way for your event to give something back, here is a selection of options:

Reforest: Host eco-friendly conferences easily with Business Events Cairns’ & Great Barrier Reef carbon removal and nature repair programme in partnership with Reforest. The platform helps events leave Cairns better than they found it by providing an engaging and personalised programme that supports the local ecosystem.

Citizens of the Reef: This conservation organisation is dedicated to protecting the Great Barrier Reef and reefs worldwide. It initiated the Great Reef Census, one of the most ambitious marine conservation projects in history, which leverages the power of local communities, cutting-edge AI and technology, and participants to scale up conservation efforts on the Great Barrier Reef.

Sharon, the Green Sea Turtle, at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre

Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre: This non-profit rehabilitates sick and injured turtles. The Great Barrier Reef hosts six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, many of which are threatened. Events can help by sponsoring a turtle or volunteering to assist with feeding and cleaning tanks. The Cairns Convention Centre has proudly sponsored a Green Sea Turtle called Sharon for the last two years.

Reef Restoration: The Reef Restoration Foundation restores degraded sections of the Great Barrier Reef by collecting damaged corals. The Coral Nurture Program, in partnership with researchers and local tour operators, has set up 124 coral nurseries across 30 sites and planted more than 76,000 corals. Conferences can support by donating, sponsoring baby corals or travelling with partner tour operators.

For further information on hosting an event in Cairns, click here.