International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), welcomed 1,400 guests into its Grand Ballroom to celebrate the annual Lansdowne Club St. Patrick’s Day lunch last week, restriction free for the first time since March 2020.
The sold-out event marked a milestone in the recovery of Australia’s business events industry following the devastating impacts of COVID-19. The lunch was the last in person event held at the venue two years ago prior to restrictions imposed by the NSW Ministry of Health which triggered the cancellation of large, and subsequently nearly all, in person events intermittently over two years – devastating Australia’s event industry.
While the lunch went ahead in 2021, guests attending enjoyed a restriction-free celebration for the first time in two years. This included a three course Irish-inspired menu, traditional dancing, music, comedy, an infamous raffle and the ease of in person networking – all planned and delivered to a world class standard by ICC Sydney’s team.
The event reflects growing demand for in person events as well as the momentum building behind the recovery of Australia’s business events industry. Prior to COVID-19, the sector generated $36 billion annually for the national economy*, delivering flow-on benefits to local businesses, tourism, hospitality and the many workers who are reliant on the success of the industry. In FY20/21 ICC Sydney’s economic contribution to the broader economy was just 10% of a usual year due to COVID-19 – down from $900m to $80m annually.
Commenting on the successful event, Geoff Donaghy, ICC Sydney CEO, said, “ICC Sydney couldn’t be more pleased to welcome back the Lansdowne Club St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon, restriction free. After the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s business events industry, this was a real celebration and big milestone towards the recovery and widespread return of in person events.”