Melbourne has further cemented its reputation as Australia’s Convention Capital, with the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) announcing they will hold their annual conference in the city in 2013.
Sandra Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Melbourne Visitors + Convention Bureau (MCVB), which secured the bid, said the win emphasised Melbourne’s exceptional convention facilities, as well as its world-renowned culinary and wine culture.
“This Conference is being held outside of the United States for the first time. We are delighted that it will be held in Melbourne, Australia’s undisputed home of fine dining,” Ms Chipchase said.
“IFWTWA, which last night announced the establishment of an Australasian division headquartered in Melbourne, is an industry-leading, global network of journalists engaged in the food, wine and travel industries.
“Some of the world’s leading food and wine journalists, from esteemed publications such as The New York Times, will converge on Melbourne in 2013 and reinforce our reputation as Australia’s first choice for conferences and Business Events.
Maralyn Hill, President of IFWTWA and a leading author, broadcaster and journalist, said the Conference will reflect Australia’s love of quality food and wine, as well as the growing status of the Association.
“We are delighted to launch our Australian division of IFWTWA and see Melbourne, Australia’s culinary home, as the perfect destination to bring delegates from around the world to celebrate food and wine through writing,” she said.
“The exposure that Australian writer members will have to international media outlets and the networking opportunities that the conference will provide are boundless.”
Australian journalist Kevin Moloney, who was appointed Chair of the new Australasian branch, said that given the surge in local membership, it was only fitting that the 2013 conference should be held in Melbourne.
“The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), is the ideal place for our members to enhance their professional development and exchange ideas with their international counterparts, who include some of the eminent food and travel writers in the world,” he said.
Leigh Harry, CEO of MCEC, which will host the conference, said they are delighted to be hosting the event.
“The conference will provide association members with an invaluable opportunity to meet and share knowledge with leading food and wine writers from around the world,” he said.
