Melbourne is located in Australia’s south-east, in the state of Victoria. It is the country’s second-largest city with a population of around 3.9 million. Well known as Australia’s “cultural capital”, Melbourne is renowned for its theatres, shopping, art, sport, fine dining and culture and is home to many world-class attractions.

Set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay and on the northern banks of the Yarra River, Melbourne’s streets are neatly laid out as a large rectangular grid. The city’s CBD is made up of distinct precincts – each with its own flavour or charm.

Melbourne is a diverse and multicultural city, and is home to residents from 233 countries who speak more than 180 languages and dialects and follow 116 religious faiths. More then one-third of the people who live in Melbourne were born outside of Australia. The most notable reflection of this diversity is in the city’s restaurants, where cuisines from all over the world are served.

The congress venue, the Grand Hyatt Melbourne Hotel, is in the heart of the city’s central business, shopping and theatre district. Located at the top of Collins Street, the Grand Hyatt sits in what locals affectionately refer to as “the Paris end” of Collins Street – testimony to the location’s designer boutiques and cafés.

March is a pleasant time of year in Melbourne with temperatures generally ranging from 12 to 24°C (53 – 75°F). While March tends to be one of the drier months, visitors should always come prepared for both sun and rain.