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ICC Sydney Marks 10 Years of Making a Difference

04 Nov 2026

Ten years, over 5,200 events, 10.5 million visitors and A$5.8 billion in delegate spend generated for New South Wales 

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by Legends Global, is celebrating a decade of performance, connection and community impact, marking 10 years since opening its doors and redefining what a venue can achieve for a city. A NSW Government project, ICC Sydney was delivered in partnership with Darling Harbour Live, comprising Capella Capital, Legends Global, Lendlease, Hostplus, Aware Super, and Downer. 

Since welcoming its first patrons to the Keith Urban concert held in TikTok Entertainment Centre (formerly known as ICC Sydney Theatre) on 14 December 2016, ICC Sydney has hosted 5,296 events attended by 10.5 million people, generating A$5.8 billion in delegate spend for the NSW economy, supporting the creation of 35,782 jobs and contributing 10.9 million hotel room nights across the state. Over the past decade the venue has earned 128 industry awards and consistently achieved exceptional client and delegate satisfaction rates. 

The milestone reflects a decade of delivering on ICC Sydney’s ambition to be More Than A Venue, creating outcomes that extend far beyond the walls of the venue through business events, exhibitions, entertainment, community initiatives, sustainability leadership and social impact programs.  

Susan Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Placemaking NSW said: “For a decade, ICC Sydney has played an important role in bringing people, ideas and experiences into the heart of Sydney. Its diverse calendar of business and entertainment events has helped create energy and vibrancy across Darling Harbour, while driving impact in Sydney. This milestone reflects the enduring value of a world class venue that supports an active, welcoming and globally connected precinct.”

Peter Loxton, Chief Operating Officer, Legends Global APAC said: “Legends Global is immensely proud of ICC Sydney’s achievements over the past decade. As part of our global network of world class venues, ICC Sydney continues to set a high standard for exceptional guest experiences, innovation and meaningful impact, while showcasing the strength of Australian venue management on the world stage.”  

Adam Mather-Brown, Chief Executive Officer, ICC Sydney said: “ICC Sydney’s anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships and progress that have defined the venue’s first decade. Together with our clients, partners and team members, we attract global knowledge, drive economic growth, support employment, foster innovation and strengthen communities – all underscored by this unparalleled events destination and content creation engine. Last financial year alone, ICC Sydney generated an estimated A$784 million in visitor expenditure through 533 events that saw 1.4 million attendees arrive through the doors. We remain focused on what comes next, continuing to innovate, elevate client experiences and deliver positive outcomes that make a difference.”

Carolyn Booth, Chief Executive Officer, Darling Harbour Live Project Representative, Capella Capital said: “ICC Sydney will continue to support the NSW economy in several ways. Its primary economic contribution will come from hosting conventions, exhibitions, live shows and events that attract visitors to Sydney. Where possible, ICC Sydney will continue to source local produce and beverages, directing investment into regional NSW. Beyond this, its innovative services and experiences will ensure it remains an unparallelled destination into the future.” 

 

William Wood, FM Director, Downer said: “As the partner responsible for maintaining the venue’s event infrastructure, Downer is proud to have supported ICC Sydney throughout its first decade. This milestone reflects what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for clients, visitors and the wider community.”

Amanda Lampe, Chief Executive Officer, Business Events Sydney said: “ICC Sydney is instrumental in bringing the world’s business events community closer to the people, ideas and opportunities that make Sydney such a compelling destination. Its exceptional facilities and experienced team give organisers confidence, while its role within Sydney’s globally connected innovation ecosystem helps conferences foster collaboration, fresh thinking and meaningful outcomes. The result is impact that extends far beyond the venue, creating lasting benefits for industries, communities and future generations.” 

Over the past decade ICC Sydney has welcomed 196 international business events, 922 national business events, 519 exhibitions, 2,919 banquets, meetings, functions and seminars, and 740 live entertainment events, reinforcing Sydney’s position as a leading global destination for business and cultural exchange.  

Recent years have seen ICC Sydney expand its portfolio to include The Cutaway at Barangaroo, launch innovative services: A Quick Yarn Podcast Studios, Connect Create content capture and creation, pickleball courts on its Event Deck, and the LED Activation Zone and deepen community engagement through initiatives such as Dancers’ Alley. 

ICC Sydney’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility and inclusion has become a defining feature of its success. The venue operates using 100 per cent renewable power through solar generation and renewable energy procurement, it has introduced a Planet First Menu Collection, is progressing its Disability Inclusion Action Plan to foster accessibility and inclusion for visitors and is embarking on its third Reconciliation Action Plan in partnership with First Nations organisations. Its industry-leading Legacy Program continues to extend the benefits of major events into the wider community.