Queensland’s Gold Coast is gearing up to host the Global Wave Conference, marking the first time the event has been held in Australia.

More than 400 surfers, conservationists and scientists are expected to gather on the Gold Coast for the three-day program on 10-14 February 2020.

Previously hosted in France, Portugal, Mexico, UK and the US, the Global Wave Conference aims to highlight the growing threats to waves and surfing habitats worldwide, facilitate environmental and sustainability initiatives and increase leadership from the surfing community.

“This year’s conference is about bringing climate scientists and surfing pros together to discuss our shared responsibility to protect our environment,” said Andrew McKinnon, chairman of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve.

“It brings together the best international minds from surfing, conservation, and innovation communities to tackle the world’s most challenging ocean issues.”

Sophie Taylor-Price, EY senior consultant and granddaughter of the late Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, will open the conference on 11 February to address the recent national bushfire tragedy and climate change.

Now in its sixth year, the 2020 event also coincides with the first year that surfing will be introduced into the Olympic Games, which is set to be a point of discussion throughout the conference.

Full details of the 2020 Global Wave Conference can be found here.