Melbourne to host Data Centre World & new AI awards

Melbourne will host the Data Centre World conference for the first time in September 2026, with Data Centres Australia and the Victorian Government named as strategic partners for the event.

Informa will run the conference through its Informa Connect division. Organisers said the event will draw international industry participants and place Australia's data centre market in front of a global audience.

Data Centres Australia also plans to launch an industry awards program alongside the conference. The group said the awards will recognise activity across the local sector.

First Melbourne event

Data Centre World is a conference series focused on data centre infrastructure and technology. The Melbourne edition will run from 7 to 9 September 2026.

Organisers positioned the event as a marker of increased international attention on Australian digital infrastructure, particularly in relation to demand associated with artificial intelligence workloads.

Belinda Dennett, Chief Executive Officer, Data Centres Australia, linked the Melbourne hosting decision with interest in the local market.

"Australia has produced world-class data centre companies and we are capturing the attention of the global AI ecosystem. We're delighted to help bring Data Centre World to Melbourne with Informa and applaud the Victorian Government for backing Melbourne as a leading destination for global data centre investment."

Dennett also referred to the new awards program as a way to recognise work in the sector.

"This important event and the inaugural Data Centres Australia industry awards will shine a light on Australia's technology leadership and growing status as a major hub for AI infrastructure investment. I look forward to working with the organisers and our members to curate a program that represents our dynamic local sector and all its potential," said Ms Dennett.

Government involvement

The Victorian Government will take a formal role as a strategic partner. The announcement comes as state governments compete for technology investment, including large-scale data centre builds and associated grid and planning decisions.

"Hosting this conference in Victoria is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our state as a global leader in tech and innovation. Victoria is leading the way in digital transformation and hosting a conference focused on data centres and artificial intelligence will accelerate growth across these critical sectors," said Danny Pearson, Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Victorian Government.

Informa expansion

Informa Connect said the Melbourne event forms part of a broader expansion of its technology event portfolio, including Data Centre World and The AI Summit Series.

"Expanding Data Centre World and The AI Summit Series to Melbourne underscores the growing role these event platforms play in powering the global economy. Our goal is to convene a connected, global community of technology innovators and enterprise leaders to advance learning, collaboration and the next chapter of AI- and data-driven transformation," said Marco Pardi, President - Tech Events, Informa Connect.

Peak body plans

Data Centres Australia described itself as a new peak body for the Australian data centre sector. It said it represents developers and operators, alongside related suppliers and service providers.

The organisation also flagged policy issues linked to new construction, energy supply, and project timelines. These issues have gained prominence as developers look for sites with power availability and suitable planning frameworks.

Dennett said Australia's ability to attract investment depends on project delivery and electricity supply conditions.

"Australia has significant natural advantages and tremendous potential to position itself as a leader in the global race for the infrastructure powering our digital economy. But that will need to be backed by creating the right policy settings to enable projects to be delivered quickly and to ensure the availability of clean, firm and affordable electricity. This will require governments, industry and communities to work together," said Ms Dennett.

The conference programme and awards categories have not yet been detailed. Data Centres Australia and Informa said they will work with industry participants ahead of the September 2026 event in Melbourne.