5 August, 2021

Melbourne nabs hosting rights for world’s largest psychology congress

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Melbourne has been chosen as the host city for the International Congress of Psychology (ICP) 2028.

Held every four years, ICP 2028 will mark 40 years since it has been held in Australasia and only for the second time in its 132-year history.

The bid, led by Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in partnership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and with support from the Victorian government, will see over 5,000 delegates from around the world attend a six-day program held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

It is anticipated this hero event will deliver in excess of $39.2 million in economic contributions to the local economy.

MCB chief executive Julia Swanson said Melbourne’s long tradition of scientific exchange and collaboration across many fields of psychology internationally, combined with the bureau’s track record of successfully delivering business events, placed the city as the ideal host for ICP 2028.

“We’re thrilled to see Melbourne continuing to win high-profile international business events, demonstrating key decision makers’ confidence to choose Melbourne for their next meeting,” she said.

“We look forward to welcoming the International Congress of Psychology in 2028.

“The journey to secure this event was two years in the making and an incredible example of ‘Team Melbourne’ collaboration.

“In partnership with the Australia Psychological Society, a highly engaged local organising committee and the very best of Victoria’s business events supply chain, MCB worked solidly to position our city as a leading global business events destination to host this hero event.”

Under the unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, MCB leveraged a suite of virtual and digital assets to connect with ICP key decision-makers in presenting Melbourne’s bid.

MCB’s collaboration with local strategic partner Harry the Hirer, who had invested in remote filming capabilities, was crucial to the video production.

Dr Zena Burgess, chief executive of the APS, said it was an incredible opportunity to share the vibrancy of Melbourne with the world at the congress in 2028.

“Psychology has grown tremendously in the 40 years since Australasia last hosted an ICP event, and the APS is looking forward to showcasing what psychology can achieve locally and internationally”, she said.

Featured image source: iStock/Jolygon

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APS Australian Psychological Society congress Dr Zena Burgess Harry the Hirer ICP ICP 2028 International Congress of Psychology International Congress of Psychology 2028 Julia Swanson MCB Melbourne Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Melbourne Convention Bureau psychology