Melbourne will host the world’s biggest public transport event – a major acknowledgement of our city’s place as a global leader in public transport.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan and Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren welcomed the announcement that Melbourne has been selected to host the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in 2021 – the first time the event has been held in the Southern Hemisphere in 28 years.
The Union International des Transports Publics (UITP) Global Public Transport Summit runs every two years and has operated for more than 130 years.
With $30 billion invested to transform Melbourne’s transport network and the biggest tram network in the world, Melbourne is the ideal destination to bring together leading transport experts from around the world.
The Summit is expected to inject $9.4 million into the Victorian economy.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will host the Summit, made possible thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s $200 million expansion due to be opened mid-year.
The redevelopment will see the world class facilities boosted with an additional 9,000 square metres of event space, bringing the total size of Melbourne’s signature venue to 70,000 square metres.
As part of Melbourne’s bid, the Labor Government has secured 100 delegate registrations to be awarded to women in leadership roles as part of the Government’s Women in Transport program.
The most recent UITP Global Public Transport Summit was held in Montreal in 2017. It attracted more than 2,500 delegates and their partners from 84 countries, including study tours across North America
Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“With our massive program of major transport projects like the Metro Tunnel and level crossing removals, it makes sense that the world’s biggest public transport conference wants to come to Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“With the biggest infrastructure pipeline in the country – this Summit belongs in Victoria. We’re redeveloping MCEC for this very reason, to attract thousands more visitors, create jobs and boost our economy.”
Quote attributable to Public Transport Victoria CEO Jeroen Weimar
“With the biggest tram network in the world and major projects expected to be well underway during 2021, it will be the perfect time to showcase what our city has to offer.”
Quote attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Karen Bolinger
“We’re proud to be hosting the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in 2021, further demonstrating Melbourne’s global appeal and reputation as Australia’s business events capital.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020