Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » Melbourne to Host Groundbreaking Data Centre and AI Summit in 2026, Boosting Tech Innovation and Global Business Opportunities Published on
January 30, 2026In a major leap for Australia’s technology sector, Melbourne has been selected as the host city for the world’s leading Data Centre and Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit in September 2026. This event marks the first time Australia will play host to the prestigious summit, which is expected to draw over 1,000 industry experts and tech leaders from around the world, providing a substantial boost to the state’s visitor economy. The event is projected to contribute up to $4 million to the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and related industries.A Game-Changing Event for Melbourne and AustraliaAdvertisement The Data Center World and The AI Summit are two co-located events set to take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. These events are part of a global series that has previously been held in key international tech hubs, including the USA, UK, and Asia. The summit will provide a platform for leading tech professionals to showcase advancements in data centres and artificial intelligence, two of the most transformative sectors shaping the future of business innovation.Securing the Event for MelbourneAdvertisementThe successful bid for Melbourne to host this major summit was facilitated by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in partnership with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR), with additional support from Business Events Australia. The summit’s arrival is a testament to Melbourne’s growing reputation as a global leader in technology and innovation. The city is already home to Australia’s largest cluster of AI firms, and with 40 data centres spread across the state, Melbourne is well-positioned to host this landmark event.Fostering Growth in the Tech SectorAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Allan Labor Government has been instrumental in advancing Melbourne’s tech sector through the implementation of the Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan. The plan focuses on leveraging the state’s critical infrastructure assets to support the rapid growth of the data and AI sectors. This plan is expected to unlock up to $25 billion in potential capital expenditure across projects in the pipeline, further cementing Victoria’s leadership in digital transformation.A Major Economic and Tourism BoostThe Data Centre World and The AI Summit will not only serve as a hub for global technological collaboration but will also provide a significant economic boost to Melbourne’s tourism industry. As noted by Steve Dimopoulos, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, this conference is a major vote of confidence in Victoria’s thriving tech ecosystem. He emphasized that events like this bring world-class experts to Melbourne and inject vital economic activity into local hotels, cafes, restaurants, and venues.The summit will bring global attention to Melbourne, positioning the c …
