Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment venue leads the way to inclusive, sustainable and innovative events by activating its expanded Legacy Program – now featuring an ‘Inclusion and Belonging’ stream.
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, celebrated its commitment to fostering respect for ‘People, Place and the Planet’, by delivering a carbon neutral spectacular – RESPECT – An ICC Sydney Experience, designed to inform, engage, indulge and connect with 200 event organisers, city advocates and community partners.
Chief Executive Officer of ICC Sydney and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy said the venue team is proud to demonstrate its enhanced Legacy Program, bringing to life its long-held commitment to deliver environmentally and socially impactful events that meet the broader demands of event attendees and organisers.
“Respect is part of ICC Sydney’s DNA – it underpins our team culture, the way we deliver events for our clients, interact with our producers, suppliers and community partners and how we respect our environment.
“ICC Sydney is a true hub for curated, socially impactful, sustainable, collaborative, and innovative events that leave a positive legacy for future generations. Our dynamic RESPECT experience reflected the rich tapestry of ICC Sydney’s community partnerships established through our Legacy Program – inspiring the creation of events that meet ever-growing delegate and patron demand for environmentally and socially responsible experiences,” Mr Donaghy said.
ICC Sydney operates on Gadigal Country – on Tumbalong (the land), overlooking Gomora (the waterways) of what is today known as Darling Harbour on Cockle Bay. The event opened with a Welcome to Country delivered by Wiradjuri woman, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council representative and City of Sydney Councillor Yvonne Weldon, followed by an emotive rendition of John Farnham’s ‘You’re the Voice’ sung in Wiradjuri language by the KARI Singers.
Social Researcher and Demographer, Mark McCrindle shared the desires of Australians to show and experience RESPECT through the six key trends identified in the ICC Sydney-commissioned ‘RESPECT: Shaping Events for Success’ report.
A Yarning Circle, hosted by KARI Foundation’s Anna Gannon, introduced guests to traditional First Nations weaving techniques. A sustainability game show led by ICC Sydney Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Jess Zickar, tested guests on their carbon reduction knowledge for a chance to take home a ‘green’ prize pack.
ICC Sydney Executive Chef Rakesh Pillai alongside Food and Beverage Manager and Sommelier, William Wilson, and Straight to the Source founders Tawnya Bahr and Lucy Allon discussed ICC Sydney’s respectful approach to selecting local and sustainable food and wine producers, carbon friendly menu design, and inclusive culinary practices. ICC Sydney’s in-house Culinary experts prioritised attendee wellbeing by presenting sophisticated alcohol-free cocktails and First Nations owned and operated beverage suppliers, alongside delectable bite sized indulgent dishes.