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, how 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, First Nations-owned and operated beverage suppliers, and delectable bite-sized indulgent dishes.
ICC Sydney’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Communication and Sustainability, Samantha Glass and the venue’s Legacy Program’ Innovators and Entrepreneurs’ partner, University of Technology Sydney Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise), Glenn Wightwick, discussed how the program is driving innovation, productivity and knowledge exchange.
Ms Glass said, “The theme of RESPECT was core to the creative vision of the event, weaving stories of how we seek to RESPECT Mother Earth and all people while showcasing the incredible talent of our city and our team members.
“From the playful invitation of First Nations ballerina Reneigh Scott, our flowing water guide and the dramatic call of Bruce Shillingsworth (Mukadda) on the Yidaki (didgeridoo) to the Jannawi Whale Dance and inclusion of Jeffrey Samuels’ artwork of Barani the whale, who once frequented these waters, guests were invited to a place steeped in RESPECT for the natural and cultural history.
“Talent from longstanding Legacy Program partners KARI, Bankstown Poetry Slam and Talent Development Project came together to showcase the power of the First Nations and Creative Industries streams united to fuel the fire of innovation and creativity – including a grand finale from proud First Nations woman and emerging talent Mi-Kaisha Masella, blending the traditional with the contemporary, paying RESPECT to our past and building to our future,” Ms Glass said.
Human-centric technology was showcased via the Connect event app, developed in-house by the audiovisual professionals at ICC Sydney. ICC Sydney Connect is a flexible and dynamic event platform that can be used as a web application to facilitate in-person events or transmit live content to assist audiences in multiple locations. It also provides opportunities to exhibit the programme, presenters, and sponsors and enhance networking prospects.
The event attendees were fully engrossed in the projection-mapped artwork by the audiovisual team of ICC Sydney onto the interior of Darling Harbour Theatre and the iconic diamond panels.
The RESPECT experience at ICC Sydney received substantial financial backing from Valiant Hire, the furniture partner, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Coleman, which provided printing services.
Greg Brady, General Manager, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, said, “Organisations are enriched by diversity, and it is an essential key to the success of any business. We are proud to be associated with the RESPECT event and the fundamental societal benefits of this commitment”.
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