ICC Sydney Launches Operating Framework to Safely Reopen Events Post-COVID-19

11 Jun 2020

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has today launched the ICC Sydney EventSafe Operating Framework, a set of operating principles that will enable the venue to safely reopen and run events in an environment transformed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The launch signals the readiness of Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment centre to recommence running events, pending the further roll back of Federal and State restrictions. The shutdown of business events due to COVID-19 is estimated to have cost Australia’s economy in excess of $35 billion over 12 months[1].

The comprehensive set of protocols spans 16 key areas of event management, including the customer journey, environmental hygiene, food service, technology and equipment, employees and public awareness, and covers meetings, conferences, exhibitions, live events and internal operations.

It integrates best practice from parent group ASM Global’s soon to be launched VenueShield – a program of the most advanced hygienic safeguards, informed by public health authorities, medical and industry experts – which will be deployed in ASM Global’s 325 worldwide facilities.

The framework also operates within the safety protocols of Safe Work Australia’s Codes of Practice, which underpins how ICC Sydney works under the Work Health Safety law and, more recently, the COVID-19 Safe Workplace Principles.

[1] Lost Business Report: Impacts of COVID-19 on the Business Events Industry, McCrindle, April 2020, commissioned by Business Events Council of Australia

The plan further draws on ICC Sydney’s work with national and international industry bodies, to develop industrywide protocols in response to COVID-19. These have been evolved into a venue specific framework, which responds to the need of clients for a level of detail that will allow them to confidently start planning future events.

Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney, says the framework has been meticulously developed to safeguard clients, visitors, contractors and team members against the risk of COVID-19 and reinstall confidence in events.

“We’re proud that ICC Sydney’s EventSafe Operating Framework establishes an industry benchmark for the safe running of events. As Australia and the rest of the world starts to return to business as usual, it is critical that we all continue to safeguard against further outbreaks of COVID-19, especially when bringing people together”.

Donaghy continues,“We are confident that ICC Sydney’s EventSafe Operating Framework not only delivers against this challenge by establishing best practice, but will also reinstill confidence in people to start hosting and attending events. This is critical for rebooting our industry and the many other businesses and parts of Australia’s economy that will benefit from that success”.

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