The below is from the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) media release:
In 2029, Melbourne will take centre stage as host of the 25th World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress, welcoming almost 2,000 global experts in avian health and research. This flagship biannual event is the WVPA’s premier international forum, where thought leaders and professionals unite to share breakthroughs and shape the future of poultry science, health, and production.
Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) worked closely with the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA) and the Australasian Veterinary Poultry Association (AVPA) to secure the conference, with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program.
The World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA) is the leading global network connecting poultry veterinarians and avian health experts across research, government, industry, and clinical practice. Since its founding in 1959, WVPA has grown to include 47 national branches, championing innovation and collaboration in poultry health worldwide.
Victoria has a strong agriculture sector and a thriving academic community in veterinary poultry, making it the ideal destination for this event. In the last census, Victoria accounted for 23% of Australia’s gross value of agriculture production, making the state Australia’s second largest agricultural producer.
Victorian agriculture is a significant contributor to the State’s economy and communities, and protection against poultry disease that can impact Victorian production is a priority. Australia has some of the toughest biosecurity practices for commercial poultry flocks in the world, helping to prevent influenza outbreaks, promote avian health and protect the nation’s poultry industry. The World Veterinary Poultry Congress hosted in Melbourne will provide the opportunity to showcase Australia’s world-leading initiatives to prepare and defend outbreaks of avian influenza, including the work of the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
Melbourne continues to shine on the world stage as a centre for excellence in research and innovation. The city will also host the World Conference on Health Promotion in 2028 and the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Congress in 2028.
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson
“Securing the World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress is a testament to Melbourne’s global reputation as a premier destination for scientific and industry collaboration. We look forward to welcoming international delegates and showcasing the innovation and expertise that define our city.”
Quotes attributable to Australasian Veterinary Poultry Association President Dr Angela Scott
“The Australian Veterinary Poultry Association is excited to host the 25th World Veterinary Poultry Congress in Melbourne in 2029. We are excited to showcase the health, science and technology of the Australian poultry industry to poultry veterinarians globally and to bring global expertise and knowledge to advance our profession further.”
Quotes attributable to Tourism Australia Acting Managing Director Robin Mack
“Our Business Events Bid Fund Program has been an incredible success since its inception, building a strong pipeline of future international business events that support a thriving visitor economy across Australia. It’s a highly competitive industry, with destinations around the world vying for these lucrative events. The Bid Fund offers vital support at the critical bidding stage, and has helped Melbourne to secure prestigious events like the World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress 2029.