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ICC Sydney on track for opening

19 Apr 2016

Associations and event planners from across the world are set to experience world class service and unprecedented venue capabilities at International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) from December, with close to 40 major international conventions and 50 exhibitions now secured and feedback indicating the integrated precinct is set to redefine the standard for business events globally.

According to an analysis of client feedback and commentary, ICC Sydney is already positioned as a leading destination for business events with five core features identified as stand outs by those engaging with Australia’s premier integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct, including:

1. Innovative design

Set in the heart of the city, ICC Sydney boasts a striking contemporary design and flexible meeting spaces to cater for the changing architecture of meetings.

Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney, said clients are attracted by the venue’s integrated precinct offering and cutting edge facilities.

“The venue will be capable of holding multiple large events simultaneously and features seamless sound, visuals, technology and wireless connectivity throughout. ICC Sydney also has a prime down town, waterfront location, which gives visitors a true sense of the beauty and heartbeat of our city.”

A revitalisation of the public domain better links the venue physically to its precinct, including more green spaces and a boardwalk that links the waterfront to local universities and the city’s Central Station.

2. Expertise

ICC Sydney is operated by AEG Ogden, a leading venue management group with more than 30 years of expertise and an outstanding track record of successfully operating and marketing convention and exhibition centres, live entertainment theatres, arenas and sporting stadia.

Donaghy noted that this experience combined with ICC Sydney’s handpicked team of experts from across industries has instilled a high level of confidence in the market.

“Many clients have already experienced AEG Ogden managed events and therefore know that they will be in the best hands at ICC Sydney. We have a truly customer-focussed team comprised of experienced professionals from Australia and beyond who work shoulder to shoulder with clients every step of the way to ensure exceptional event experiences.”

Sven Bossu, Head of Sibos, noted: “When we had discussions with the management team, we were truly impressed. They easily explained how their catering, IT infrastructure and people would meet the demands set by the world’s number one financial services event, and on top, they come with bright ideas, which will allow us to further develop our show.”

Adding to this: Lauren Hayward, General Manager of Forum Group Events, said, “The staff at ICC are all incredibly professional and passionate about this exciting project, which makes us as event planners feel the same way. They are all very knowledgeable and across every detail of the development, which gives me confidence in the space and the detail in which they will look after our events.”

 

3. Performance focus

The ICC Sydney team is focussed on delivering business event success and driving strong performance for both organisers and attendees.

“We are working with nutritionists and the best suppliers across New South Wales to deliver ‘smart’ menus comprising fresh, seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients expertly combined to fuel physical and mental performance. This innovative approach will be a driver for event, visitor and business success and the feedback we have received so far is overwhelmingly positive,” said ICC Sydney’s Executive Chef, Tony Panetta.

ICC Sydney also has world leading technical and production facilities, alongside support teams dedicated to driving superior event performance.

“The venue’s event preparation and backstage areas feature the industry’s latest technologies and provide a stress free environment for event consultation and planning. Event organisers are provided with dedicated support as well as a full technical rehearsal to guarantee a memorable experience from the moment guests walk through the door,” said Donaghy.

Sara Lewis, Business Sales and Account Manager of Jomablue, commented, “I find it really refreshing how technology is being embraced and encouraged. I can’t wait for ICC Sydney to open.”

 

4. 360 degree connections

ICC Sydney is smartly positioned at the core of an unprecedented urban revitalisation, which is creating seamless connectivity from the precinct through to the city’s key hubs, including commerce, start up and academic districts.

Donaghy said: “As well as running world class events, we are here to help our clients engage with all that Sydney has to offer. We are connected with business leaders, research centres, universities and cultural facilities, which from our convenient location are also easy to access once at the venue.”

The precinct is a unique connection point for a vast network of stakeholders who are working together to craft and showcase ICC Sydney as an extraordinary addition to the city.

An outstanding example of cross-city and country collaboration, the project is being delivered by the NSW Government in partnership with Darling Harbour Live, comprising Lendlease, Hostplus, Capella Capital, AEG Ogden and Spotless FM, and supported by a raft of business and destination marketing partners, including Business Events Sydney, Business Events Australia, Destination NSW and the City of Sydney.

 

5. Global business & innovation hub

ICC Sydney sits within Australia’s commercial powerhouse and at the gateway to its distinguished research, scientific and technology communities. It is adjacent to the new global financial services hub in Barangaroo and sits alongside burgeoning media and technology sectors, and the academic and start-up hubs of neighbouring suburbs.

More than 600 multinational companies run their Asia Pacific operations from Sydney, with almost 40 per cent of the top 500 companies in Australia located in New South Wales. Sydney is also Australia’s start-up capital with the inner city suburb of Ultimo having the highest density of start-ups in the country.

The thriving multiculturalism of Sydney also constantly inspires the imagination of visitors and the city is now internationally recognised as a global hub for business with a thriving knowledge economy.

“All of this combined makes ICC Sydney stand out in the market and we are seeing this reflected through increasing levels of support and business enquiries. We will provide the ultimate in quality, choice and flexibility for the world’s leaders and thinkers to meet, collaborate and cannot wait to showcase our world class new precinct in just 245 days,” said Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney.
Opening in December 2016, ICC Sydney is Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct.

For more information, visit www.iccsydney.com and to join the conversation, visit FacebookLinkedIn or Twitter.