The 66th International Mathematical Olympiad held at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, July 2025
In July 2025, Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort and the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre proudly hosted the 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), the world’s most prestigious mathematics competition for high school students. The 10-day event brought together 630 students from 112 countries, supported by 400+ delegates and more than 200 volunteers.
This was only the second time Australia has hosted the IMO. The last time was Canberra in 1988, marking a significant moment for both the nation and the Sunshine Coast region.
The Australian Maths Trust (AMT) selected the resort for its immersive natural environment, abundance of on-site activities, and the venue’s ability to scale for a complete resort takeover.
Australia’s leading mathematicians often speak about creating a nation of creative problem solvers, and the Sunshine Coast provided the ideal setting to inspire that mission.
Why the Sunshine Coast Was Chosen
Brooke Te Huia, Sales Manager, explained:
“The Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort and the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre stood out from major city venues thanks to our unique natural surrounds. The mix of bushland, open space, lagoon outlooks and easily walkable facilities provided the perfect balance of safety, containment and freedom, making it an ideal environment for hundreds of young competitors.”
The IMO required a full resort buyout, a scale few properties can support.
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754 guests accommodated across 373 rooms
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35,000+ meals served over ten days
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One-third of all meals were vegetarian
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Full-site branding including entrance pillars, wayfinding, ballroom entries and lobby installations
The result was a completely immersive, dedicated IMO environment.
Venue Spaces & Event Operations
Exam Venues
All examinations were held in the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre. Spaces were reconfigured to meet stringent international exam protocols, including controlled movement, enhanced supervision, and security compliance.
Student & Teacher Zones
To support wellbeing, connection and downtime, multiple venues across the resort were transformed:
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Mudjimba Ballroom → Student Lounge
Filled with arcade games, gaming consoles, TVs, and relaxed breakout seating. -
Aqua Lounge → Chillout Zone
A low-stimulus hangout area with board games and comfortable lounges. -
Ohana → Quiet Study Space
Overlooking the lagoon, this became a popular retreat for students revising or reading before exams. -
Ninderry Room → Event Operations Hub
Hosted first aid, wellbeing services, safety personnel, and coordination teams.
