Aus Day: a successful start to the corporate events calendar

24 Jun 2017

On the foreshore of Sydney’s iconic Darling Harbour, International Convention Centre Sydney is located on what was once part of the territory of the Gadigal people, the traditional land owners of the Sydney city region.

On Friday 20 January, ICC Sydney welcomed the 2017 Australia Day Lunch, hosted by the Australia Day Council of NSW.

Over 800 guests from government, business and community sectors were amongst the first to experience Sydney’s newest world-class facility — the International Convention Centre Sydney.

Held within the Grand Ballroom guests enjoyed an afternoon of world class entertainment, superb food and wine, and networking.

The event allowed guests to experience the spectacular sweeping views of Darling Harbour and the Sydney City skyline on arrival, and once seated, guests were immersed by the stunning visuals and AV with stellar performances by local talent Guy Sebastian and the KARI choir. The John Foreman and the Australia Day Lunch Band were supported by leading technology within a world class venue showcasing the level of talent our country has to offer.

Sarah Harris was MC for the event and the program featured a welcome from the Australia Day Council of NSW Chairman, Mr Angelos Frangopoulos, an emotive farewell speech from outgoing NSW Premier Mike Baird, and inspiring stories of the 2017 NSW Australians of the Year recipients, Dr John Knight AM, NSW Senior Australian of the Year, Arthur Alla, NSW Young Australian of the Year and Josephine Peter, NSW Australia’s Local Hero as well as featuring the Australian Post Legends Thomas Keneally, Carla Zampatti, Elizabeth Evatt and John Tapp.

Australia’s best local and regional produce was integrated within a bespoke menu designed and created in line with ICC Sydney’s industry first Feeding Your Performance food philosophy. The menu, which was themed accordingly to celebrate ‘Australian staple’ food, ensured the guests’ physical and mental performance was enhanced, whilst their tastebuds tantalised. Guests were also highly impressed with the courteous and efficient staff who contributed to the streamlined success of the event.

CEO of ICC Sydney, Geoff Donaghy, said that the Australia Day Lunch successfully kicked off the corporate events calendar in spectacular style.

“ICC Sydney will inject an estimated $5 billion in to the NSW economy over the next 25 years but will contribute more than dollars. Through industry leading programs, we are not only focussed on innovative solutions for our event organisers, we will be the leading platform for innovation in Sydney – where thought leaders come to learn, meet and innovate. Together we will help invigorate the city and enhance the local knowledge economy, drive investment and boost innovation.”

Business events are a major economic driver for the Australian economy and ICC Sydney will play a pivotal role in boosting returns for Sydney and the State. ICC Sydney will be welcoming a vast range of business events to Sydney in 2017 including Green Cities Conference – Australia’s premier sustainability conference, Insol International and CEBIT – Australia’s largest business technology event.

Officially launched in December 2016, ICC Sydney is Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct.

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