ICC Sydney's Exhibition Centre surrounded by native Australian trees.

Leading government asset ICC Sydney boosts visitor economy with extraordinary performance

18 Dec 2024

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has reported a greater contribution to New South Wales than the previous financial year – despite challenging economic and geo‑political conditions. Key results shared in its FY 2024 Annual Performance Review revealed a year-on-year rise in visitor numbers, spend in the local economy and benefits to the local community.

ICC Sydney secured 507 events attended by 1.2 million visitors, who cumulatively delivered A$718 million in visitor expenditure – up from one million visitors and an economic contribution of A$600 million in FY 2023.

Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW, Anita Mitchell said ICC Sydney was a driving force behind the state’s strong visitor economy through the venue drawing business and talent to Darling Harbour throughout the year.

“ICC Sydney is arguably the nation’s most prestigious international convention, exhibition and entertainment integrated venue and one of the NSW Government’s best performing assets. Last year, ICC Sydney contributed A$718 million to the local economy through delegate spend. Coupled with its global reputation for sustainability, social impact and innovation, ICC Sydney successfully shines an international spotlight on local talent while attracting new ideas and culture experiences through events and conferences.” Ms Mitchell said.

ICC Sydney Chief Executive Officer, Adam Mather-Brown said the venue team’s expertise and care for customers and community alike were continuing to deliver outstanding results.

“Our laser focus on delivering on the needs of our customers results in the success of their events, and so it is with great pride that we report 99% client satisfaction and 98% delegate satisfaction for the period.

“We are equally proud to collaborate with our customers, through our Legacy Program, to see our goals to reduce our environmental impact and positive social impact amplified throughout the year—all of which contribute to our ability to make a difference for the broader NSW community,” Mr Mather-Brown said.

ICC Sydney hosted a healthy calendar of events including 25 international conventions, 81 national conventions, 62 exhibitions, and a record breaking number of 99 live entertainment events, which led to the venue management team exceeding its revenue and profit targets for FY 2024—while supporting community causes and programs.

The Legacy Program, which provides tips and tools for event organisers to deliver sustainable, inclusive, accessible, creative and innovative events by engaging local and emerging communities, increased the number of activations to 325 in FY 2024 – almost double the prior year’s 132 activations.

FY 2024 Key Results 

  • 507 events including 25 international conventions, 81 national conventions, 62 exhibitions, and 99 live entertainment events.
  • 1.2 million visitors, up from one million in FY 2023.
  • A$718 million in delegate spending up from A$600 million in the previous year.
  • 1.2 million delegate overnight stays.
  • 99% client satisfaction.
  • 98% delegate satisfaction.
  • 86% employee engagement score.
  • 12 award wins for the team during the year, including the World Travel Awards Oceania’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre, KARI Foundation 2023 Fundraiser of the Year (City2Surf), and elevation to Silver Tier in the Australian Workplace Equality Index announced at the Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards.
  • 325 Legacy Program activations – almost double the 132 activations in FY 2023.
  • New Disability Inclusion Action Plan developed under the guidance of Get Skilled Access.
  • Expanded Legacy Program with new Inclusion & Belonging stream.
  • ‘IGNITE’ – new community live entertainment event ticket donation program launched.
  • Carbon friendly menu collection, waste monitoring and reduction program, and carbon calculation and reporting tool helped to protect the environment.
  • Second Reconciliation Action Plan reinforced a commitment to reconciliation with Australia’s First Nations Peoples.
  • 165,000 First Nations cultural impressions through events.
  • A$13M spend with NSW food and beverage producers.