Cairns Convention Centre Case Study –
ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting 2025
Future Proofing Medicine in the Tropics
In May 2025, Cairns Convention Centre had the privilege of hosting the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), only the third time this prestigious medical conference has been held in a non-capital city (which interestingly was in Cairns over 16 years ago). With over 1,900 in-person delegates, 263 speakers and facilitators, and more than 115 workshops across five days, the meeting was a remarkable showcase of innovation, sustainability, and community collaboration.
The meeting theme, Future Proof, set the tone for a powerful program exploring how anaesthesia, pain, and perioperative medicine can adapt to meet tomorrow’s challenges. From the outset, the Centre worked closely with the ANZCA team, led by local Chair of the Regional Organising Committee, Dr Andrew Potter, to bring this vision to life in a setting that embodied sustainability and regional pride.
“We could not have been more pleased with our Cairns Convention Centre experience,” said ANZCA President Professor David Story. “Having a purpose built and sophisticated convention centre in Cairns with such professional and engaging staff made for an easy decision and, as proven, a very successful one.”
Key Highlights:
1,900+ delegates, 263 speakers, and 115+ workshops over five days
Sustainability Outcomes:
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- Elimination of single-use items, resulting in the avoidance of 21,500 disposable cups.
- 287.62 tonnes of carbon emissions offset, supported by a $6,324 donation to Greenfleet.
- $3,900 contributed to climate-focused charities.
- Waste reduction of 55%, with an average of 0.84 kg per delegate per day.
- Surplus food donated to YouthLink, supporting local community needs
- This Conference was supported by the Queensland Government Partner Funding and the Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Bid Fund
- Program Delivery: The Centre, in collaboration with WALDRONSMITH Management and Wallfly, effectively delivered a dynamic schedule of concurrent workshops and plenary sessions, including 110 workshops in a single day, showcasing its capability to host large-scale academic events with precision and ease.
– - Centre Experience: Delegates consistently praised the Centre’s versatile layout, cleanliness and the professionalism of its staff. The venue’s design facilitated efficient navigation and enhanced the overall delegate experience.Cultural Integration: The Welcome to Country delivered by Gavin Singleton provided a meaningful connection to First Nation’s culture and aligned with the conference’s sustainability ethos.
– - Regional Collaboration: The involvement of Cairns Hospital and local anaesthetists enriched the scientific program and demonstrated the capabilities of regional healthcare professionals.
– - Social and Experiential Activities: Delegates enjoyed a range of optional activities, including a tour of James Cook University and the Cairns Aquarium to explore turtle conservation and anaesthesia, a cooking demonstration with chef Nick Holloway at the award-winning Nu Nu Restaurant, wellness sessions such as yoga and Pilates on the Centre’s Trinity Terrace with Kynd Studio, a mountain biking skills tour at Smithfield MTB Park with Ridefundamentals and more.
– - The ANZCA ASM 2025 was supported by the Queensland Government Partner Funding and Business Event Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Bid Fund
“To other professional organisations thinking of coming to Cairns, I would recommend it without reservation. The ANZCA events team, WALDRONSMITH Management, Wallfly, and the Cairns Convention Centre team worked together to deliver a slick, professional, and impactful meeting that will be remembered long into the future.”
Dr. Andrew Potter
Local Chair of the Regional Organising Committee
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