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Melbourne, Australia, has been confirmed as the host city for the 2025 UFI Asia Pacific (AP) Conference. This significant announcement was made at the 2024 UFI AP conference held in Macau, highlighting Melbourne’s status as a premier destination for global business events.The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), in collaboration with the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), played a pivotal role in securing the 2025 event. MCEC, known for its world-class facilities and exceptional service, is set to welcome industry leaders from across the globe.

About UFI: The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry

UFI is the global association of the exhibition industry, boasting over 850 member organizations from 87 countries and regions, representing more than 50,000 exhibition professionals. The association plays a crucial role in promoting, supporting, and representing the exhibition industry worldwide.

2024 UFI AP Conference Recap

The 2024 UFI AP Conference, held in Macau, attracted nearly 300 industry leaders from 22 countries, underscoring the conference’s importance and global reach. These annual gatherings serve as vital platforms for networking, knowledge exchange, and industry advancement.

Key Dates for the 2025 UFI AP Conference

The 2025 UFI AP Conference will take place in Melbourne on February 13-14. This timing is strategically planned to follow the renowned Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), scheduled for February 10-12, 2025. This alignment allows delegates to maximize their time and value during their visit to Melbourne.

A Triple Event Week in Melbourne

In addition to UFI and AIME, the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) will host a meeting at MCEC within the same week. The convergence of these three significant events will spotlight Melbourne on the global business events stage, offering delegates a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME)

AIME is a flagship event that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. The 2024 AIME event, held at MCEC, was the largest in a decade, featuring over 570 exhibitors, 600 hosted buyers, and more than 4,000 visitors. The 2025 edition promises to be even more impactful.

Key Travel Information for Melbourne Visitors

Largest Airports in Australia

• Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD): 47 airlines, 85 destinations
• Brisbane International Airport (BNE): 36 airlines, 60 destinations
• Melbourne International Airport (MEL): 33 airlines, 55 destinations
• Perth International Airport (PER): 27 airlines, 38 destinations
• Adelaide International Airport (ADL): 15 airlines, 26 destinations

Major Airlines in Australia

• Qantas: National airline with an extensive domestic and international network. Fleet size: 131, Destinations: 85
• Virgin Australia: Competes strongly in domestic and short-haul international markets. Fleet size: 80, Destinations: 37
• Jetstar: Low-cost airline of the Qantas Group. Fleet size: 103, Destinations: 54

Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Australians

Australians can travel to numerous countries without a visa or obtain a visa on arrival. Some of these countries include:

• Africa : Countries in Africa include Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
• Asia : Countries in Asia include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen.
• Europe : Countries in Europe include Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.
• North America : Countries in North America include Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.
• South America : Countries in South America include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
• Oceania : Countries in Oceania include Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Accommodation Near UFI 2025

Delegates attending the UFI 2025 Conference in Melbourne have a variety of luxury hotels to choose from, including:

1. Crown Towers Melbourne
2. Grand Hyatt Melbourne
3. Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
4. Park Hyatt Melbourne
5. QT Melbourne
6. The Westin Melbourne
7. Quay West Suites Melbourne

Top Tourist Attractions in Melbourne

While in Melbourne, delegates can explore some of the city’s top attractions:

1. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
2. City Circle Tram
3. Queen Victoria Market
4. Melbourne Skydeck
5. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
6. National Gallery of Victoria
7. Block Arcade

Upcoming Travel Events in Melbourne in 2025

Melbourne will host several notable travel events in 2025, including:

• AIME Melbourne: February 10-12, 2025 at MCEC
• Entire Travel Group Travel Showcase & Soirée: February 11, 2025, at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
• Bear Grylls: Never Give Up Tour: January 28, 2025, at MCEC

The 2025 UFI Asia Pacific Conference in Melbourne promises to be a landmark event, bringing together the best minds in the exhibition industry. With its world-class facilities, strategic timing, and vibrant city attractions, Melbourne is set to deliver an exceptional experience for all attendees.