International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by Legends Global, has unveiled its Annual Performance Review FY2025/26 outlining another year of impact for New South Wales (NSW) as it welcomed 1.4 million attendees to 533 events and generated A$784 million in visitor expenditure.
The result represents an increase from A$746 million in economic contribution the previous year and reinforces ICC Sydney’s role as a key driver of economic performance, tourism and cultural vibrancy for NSW. Events hosted at the venue supported 4,207 jobs and generated 1.3 million hotel room nights across the state.
During the year, ICC Sydney expanded its portfolio with The Cutaway at Barangaroo, broadening the organisation’s capacity to deliver immersive experiences, cultural events, exhibitions, corporate launches and major activations. It introduced Sydney to a new style of corporate networking with the installation of eight tournament grade pickleball courts on its open-air Event Deck.
The venue affirmed its position as a content creation powerhouse through the introduction of Connect Create content production services, A Quick Yarn Podcast Studios and expanded digital storytelling capabilities.
The Hon. Paul Scully, MP, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces said: “The ICC Sydney plays a vital role supporting entertainment jobs and NSW’s visitor economy.
The venue continues to evolve to meet the changing event needs and is on track to become home to the largest solar farm in any Central Business District in the Southern Hemisphere.
In a major milestone this year ICC Sydney also expanded its portfolio to manage a new iconic venue, The Cutaway at Barangaroo, which is fast becoming a must-visit destination for festivals, exhibitions and installations”.
ICC Sydney, Chief Executive Officer, Adam Mather-Brown said: “Events are a powerful platform for driving economic growth, knowledge sharing and connection.
Last year, we launched groundbreaking experiences that extend the impact of events beyond the venue walls.
We are living through what I call a ‘Digital Woodstock’ moment driven by technology, creativity and digital engagement. In this way, ICC Sydney is both an economic and content creation engine, creating opportunities for audience engagement, brand storytelling and cultural legacies for our community.”
The venue maintained exceptional satisfaction ratings, with all surveyed delegates and clients reporting satisfaction with their ICC Sydney experience. ICC Sydney secured 14 industry accolades during the year, including the NSW Tourism Award for Business Event Venues.
Beyond economic outcomes, ICC Sydney delivered 353 Legacy Program activations, facilitated more than 200,000 First Nations cultural impressions and continued investment in regional NSW, spending A$45.1 million with NSW suppliers and A$12.8 million on food and beverage sourced from across the state.
International business remained strong, with ICC Sydney securing 17 international conventions and corporate incentive events and hosting the 76th International Astronautical Congress, while national convention business increased to 94 events from 88 events.