Patrons attending Intel Extreme Masters Sydney in Aware Super Theatre, as part of the SXSW Sydney lineup.

CEO Update – November 2023

07 Nov 2023

International and local business events play a pivotal role in driving our economy and enriching our society, all while bringing immense value to our communities. International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) proudly champions the power of these interactions that foster innovation, knowledge exchange, cultural enrichment and economic growth.

Every event we host brings a unique network together – united by common goals to catalyse trade, innovations that better our planet or initiatives to elevate the lived experience of people in our community.

ICC Sydney’s diverse team was best placed to support the recent Global Sourcing Expo. With over 95% of the exhibitors arriving from international locations, the exhibition was a prime forum to conduct business on the show floor. As an experienced event partner, ICC Sydney’s diverse and talented team of professionals, that collectively speak 82 different languages ranging from Arabic to Yoruba and many in between, seamlessly supported the delivery of the event to help both organisers and exhibitors alike reach their goals.

Six years of planning culminated in the delivery of the 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). It was a pleasure to support the principal advisory body on cultural heritage to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to welcome over 1,800 archaeology, history, urban planning, architecture and academic specialists from over 100 countries convening at ICC Sydney to share knowledge and boost ‘grass roots’ interest in cultural heritage and conservation work throughout Australia and globally.

ICC Sydney’s industry leading Legacy Program was activated across the comprehensive ICOMOS GA 2023 program and two-day Indigenous Heritage program supported specialists and delegates to connect with First Nations heritage. Our Legacy Program Environmental Sustainability stream became the foundation for organisers of ICOMOS GA 2023 to reduce and report on the event’s waste, utility usage, and carbon footprint as we implemented waste streaming services and carbon friendly menu options, helping to fulfil the requirements of the event’s EarthCheck carbon neutral certification. View the case study video here.

Last month, Asia Pacific’s largest creative industries event SXSW Sydney engaged thousands of patrons at ICC Sydney and Tumbalong Park with the latest trends in technology, film, culture, gaming and innovation on show. ICC Sydney’s Legacy Program Creative Industries stream was activated with an extraordinary line up of emerging and iconic speakers, films and artists featured across the program.

ICC Sydney’s Innovators & Entrepreneurs Legacy Program stream was similarly brought to the fore at SXSW Sydney and the SXSW Sydney Tech & Innovation Expo was a hive of inspiration where patrons could connect with businesses and creators breaking new ground across tech and innovation, games, entertainment, education, health and wellness. Industry icons Nicole Kidman, Per Saari, Chance the Rapper, Charlie Brooker and Baz Lurhmann also took to the stage and the world renown SXSW Sydney Pitch Grand Final spotlighted Sydney’s thriving startup ecosystem. Watch the case study video now.

With another 30,000 bottles of premium Orange wine purchased in the last financial year, our team recently returned to the city of Orange in Central West New South Wales to celebrate the region’s thriving wine industry and strengthen our connection to our network of producers. ICC Sydney has purchased more than 130,000 bottles of premium Orange wine since opening in December 2016, and the team is committed to continued investment in the quality and diversity of wine from the region. We firmly believe our commitment to offer premium NSW wine, as well as fresh produce from local farmers, enriches the dining experience of our delegates.

At ICC Sydney, we remain committed to delivering exceptional events that have the power to shape our future, uniting industries and transcending boundaries. Through the conventions, exhibitions, and events we host, we are not only sparking investment and boosting our economy, but also igniting the spirit of discovery and progress.

I look forward to welcoming you to ICC Sydney.

 

Sincerely,

Geoff Donaghy

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