International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) represents a pivotal connection point between clients, delegates and the local Sydney stakeholders, as the team ensures the events it hosts create a lasting legacy, giving back to the communities in which it operates and placing people first.
Acknowledging and celebrating First Nations communities
Through its First Australians Legacy Program stream, the venue is promoting First Nations businesses and simultaneously offering authentic delegate experiences. This is underpinned by a commitment to building greater acknowledgement for the original custodians of the land on which it stands, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
Already, there are a number of ways event organisers can engage First Nations communities and businesses at ICC Sydney – from inviting a Gadgil elder to perform a Welcome to Country via the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, to organising a cultural tour with Dreamtime Southern X as part of delegate registration on site.
In further recognition of the importance of First Nations cultures and heritage, ICC Sydney is preparing to launch its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) later this year. The plan will see the introduction of a number of new initiatives moving forward.
Aunty Margret Campbell, Director of Dreamtime Southern X, Chairperson of theNSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council and member of the ICC Sydney RAP Working Group, said that the venue’s support of Australia’s First Nations people will open up a myriad of opportunities. “With more than a million people welcomed through its doors every year, ICC Sydney is in a unique position to facilitate connections between international and interstate visitors and local First Nations businesses via employment and economic development. This is helping to strengthen and celebrate our diverse cultures in an innovative and purposeful way,” she says.
Supporting Sydney’s students and startups
ICC Sydney is an important contributor to innovation in Sydney – actively strengthening its local knowledge economy by providing a platform to share ideas and information.
Through its network of partners and Legacy Program, the venue is also fostering the next generation of talent via student and startup engagement, helping these important groups reach their potential, while enriching event programs. In practical terms, clients have the opportunity to engage students through volunteering opportunities and participation in conference workshops, networking and more.
ICC Sydney is also setting the industry benchmark for entrepreneurial collaboration by providing event organisers with direct exposure to Sydney’s network of startups. Clients may choose to invite entrepreneurs or students to pitch and present their ideas to delegates, giving them the opportunity to support the commercialisation of local business. Young bright minds can be invited to networking sessions where they can connect with those who have the potential to bring their idea to life.
A gateway to regional communities
Taking its people-first approach beyond the city borders, ICC Sydney is proudly driving business growth and economic development in regional communities through its Feeding Your Performance (FYP) program and local supply chain.
Beginning with the venue’s in-house culinary team, ICC Sydney is committed to providing delegates with a culinary experience that caters to all event requirements. The approach focuses on sourcing highly nutritious, seasonal ingredients which have been produced locally and sustainably. The resulting menus served at ICC Sydney showcase the best of Sydney’s surrounding areas to an international audience while providing financial security for farmers and producers, supporting improvements to infrastructure, boosting production and creating opportunities for new and speciality produce.
Heralded as a blueprint for innovation in the sector, this approach has generated A$4.3M in direct expenditurefor a network of more than 85 NSW farmers, with investmentin local producers generatingA$8.3 millionin total benefits in ICC Sydney’s first year of operation.
To learn more, contact the team at ICC Sydney today / sales@iccsydney.com