Melbourne secures international congress on child protection for 2026, signalling a focus on safeguarding innovation
Melbourne has been awarded the prestigious International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect for August 2026, a significant win for the Melbourne Convention Bureau in partnership with the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect (ISPCAN) and the Australian Childhood Foundation. The event will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, slated to bring together over a thousand professionals from various sectors focused on child protection. This congress aims to foster innovation and the sharing of best practices around child safety, prevention, treatment, family strengthening, and cultural perspectives on abuse and neglect.
The congress has received notable funding support through Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund, managed by Tourism Australia, which bolsters the country’s capacity to host major international events. Janise Mitchell, CEO of the Australian Childhood Foundation, emphasised the critical need for child protection to remain a core priority for both governments and communities amid increasingly complex social challenges. Mitchell highlighted Congress as a platform to showcase global and local efforts addressing child abuse, fostering dialogue rooted in the rights and needs of children while co-designing impactful solutions.
The agenda for the congress is comprehensive, covering topics such as identifying and preventing sexual violence and family abuse, exploring cultural dimensions in safeguarding children, strengthening families, addressing the impacts of armed conflict, and empowering youth. Abstract submissions for the congress opened in November 2023 and will continue until January 2024, signalling strong engagement from researchers and practitioners worldwide. The event is co-hosted by ISPCAN and the Australian Childhood Foundation, enjoying support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia, underscoring the robust local and national backing.
Meanwhile, Wellington, New Zealand, will host the International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) Global Coach Conference in November 2027 at the city’s modern Tākina convention centre. This notable event marks the first time since 1999 that the conference will be held in Oceania. It is expected to attract around 750 delegates and generate an economic impact of NZ$1.8 million for the region. The bid to host the conference was spearheaded by Sport NZ with collaboration from Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Andy Rogers, chair of the ICCE Global Coach Conference, noted that New Zealand offers a unique perspective with its advanced coach development systems, incorporating Sport NZ’s "Balance is Better" philosophy and the integration of Te Ao Māori – the indigenous worldview – into coaching practices. This blend presents a fresh approach to address challenges such as coach retention and development in a rapidly evolving sporting landscape. Hosting the conference is anticipated to enhance collaboration, share innovations, and promote global partnerships to support the ongoing evolution of coaching both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
Penelope Ryan, Tourism New Zealand’s global business events manager, expressed optimism that the conference will boost New Zealand’s profile as a global leader in coaching while offering visiting delegates a culturally enriched experience through indigenous knowledge incorporation. The upcoming events in Melbourne and Wellington illustrate the Australasian region’s growing prominence as a host for influential international gatherings that address critical social issues and advance sectoral excellence.
Together, these events reflect a strategic focus on both child welfare and sport coaching, sectors that underpin community well-being and development. They demonstrate how cities like Melbourne and Wellington are leveraging their convention infrastructure and collaborative networks to create impactful forums that serve their members' interests and provide lasting community benefits.