CEO Update July 2023

CEO Update – July 2023

24 Jul 2023

Bujari Gamarruwa,

In line with ICC Sydney’s mission to make a difference to our valued clients, stakeholders and the community, the team works to fulfil the venue’s dual purposes of equal importance – running successful events that drive great economic benefits through our long supply chain but also importantly as a piece of the State’s social infrastructure network that drives knowledge exchange, innovation outcomes and positive social outcomes in our community.

Through ICC Sydney’s expanded and enhanced industry leading Legacy Program, events can be the catalyst for far reaching positive impacts – from sparking research and development projects that benefit all of humankind to enhancing connection to local heritage and culture, and programs that support people in need. Event organisers can link into ICC Sydney’s community partners through the Legacy Program.

We recently welcomed one of our university partners, The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) School of Entrepreneurship – UTS Startups to host the inaugural UTS Startups Summit. Through the event, we helped to inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, but beyond this, we are proud to be able to power connections for event planners through our Legacy Program to enrich event experiences, connecting attendees with the brightest minds who can help solve global challenges. Discover how UTS inspired the next generation at ICC Sydney: UTS Startups Summit (The University of Technology Sydney) Case Study

As an iconic destination, which stands and operates on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation – the land of Tumbalong and the waterway of Gomora, on what is known today as Darling Harbour – ICC Sydney’s team strives to truly reconcile with First Nations People through our business practices and the commitments we have made through our second Reconciliation Action Plan. 

We were proud to have marked National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week, with the launch of ‘Yarning Circles’ – a celebration of the vast knowledge, leadership and legacy of First Nations Elders, delivered in collaboration with our community partners KARI. Kicking off with a weaving workshop that was delivered by Anna Gannon, Cultural Support and Training Specialist at KARI and attended by proud Dharawal Elder Aunty Maxine Ryan, the first Yarning Circle was a unique opportunity for the venue team to learn about the ancient art of weaving, connecting them directly with Aboriginal artists to not only practice this skill, but to converse and learn from their stories and experiences.  

Through the Legacy Program, we hope to inspire event planners to engage with our community partner at KARI to provide this dynamic and enriching experience for event attendees as they tap into the profound resource and knowledge of First Nations Elders that has been passed down over tens of thousands of years, as well as their vibrant, contemporary lived stories and experiences.

ICC Sydney’s team is proud to play a critical role as a significant social infrastructure that makes a difference for the Sydney and State community.

I look forward to making a difference together with you. 

Geoff Donaghy
ICC Sydney CEO and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC)