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. 

To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra:

“This is the Olympic Games of business and winning the rights to stage it in Melbourne is a major coup for Victoria.

“It will bring the eyes of the business world to Victoria and open up significant investment opportunities for the State. We will deliver a world class event and showcase the best of Melbourne and Victoria to the world.

“A big thank you to our partners who helped us secure the winning bid: Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson and Tourism Australia for their support throughout the bidding process.

“We held off strong competition from China to win the bid and we can’t wait for this exciting opportunity in 2025.”

To be attributed to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos

“The World Chambers Congress will unite business chambers from across the globe while putting Melbourne on the map for business events in 2025, filling our hotels and supporting local jobs.”

“The Congress provides a global platform for Victoria’s business achievements and will unearth opportunities for collaboration and investment to make Victoria’s business sector even stronger.”

To be attributed to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Officer Julia Swanson

“As a city of great minds, world leading innovation in a range of sectors and our world class infrastructure has led Melbourne to become an appealing city to host international business events, and without doubt, Australia’s premier business events destination.”

“Renowned for our collaborative network of industries, partners and suppliers working together, our Team Melbourne approach will ensure the 2025 World Chambers Congress in Melbourne is a great success.”