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MCEC to host 2025 World Chambers Congress

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Melbourne Convention Bureau has secured rights to host one of the world’s biggest business events at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in September 2025, the 14th World Chambers Congress (WCC).

The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Secretary General John Denton AO, Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber Paul Guerra and CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau Julia Swanson made the official announcement today.

The Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Funds Program supported Melbourne’s bid which was presented to the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris last month. Melbourne edged out China for the rights to host the 2025 WCC.

The WCC will bring together more than a thousand of the world’s leading business chamber leaders, trade delegations and local business leaders to discuss solutions for global issues impacting business, create new business opportunities and exchange and develop community best practice.

It will ensure Melbourne remains part of the conversation globally around hosting corporate conferences and is expected to bring more international business to Victoria, with a direct significant benefit for our accommodation, hospitality and tourism sectors. It will also elevate Victoria’s status in the international economic marketplace.

Melbourne’s unique 2025 WCC program will have an Environmental, Social and Governance theme (ESG) that will empower, inspire and educate international and domestic chambers to lead business into the future.

MCEC’s Chief Operating Officer, and a board member of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Helen Fairclough, said the venue was excited to be hosting this significant international business event.

“At MCEC, we recognise our role in supporting Victoria’s global standing as a centre of trade and innovation. Much like chambers of commerce, we can play a critical role in supporting economic growth and positive social impact.” she said.

“Before the pandemic in 2019, MCEC contributed more $1 billion in economic impact to the state of Victoria through the events we held. Many of our events over the years have created lasting legacies, through subsequent investment in innovation and research.

“With the return of international business events such as this one, we’re well on our way to contributing that same level of impact and growing it even further.”