ICC Sydney on Darling HarbourFrom training staff in inclusion practices to welcome delegates of all abilities to supporting clients with purpose-built planning resources, ICC Sydney champions accessibility. Central to this progress is the venue team’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2023–2027, an ambitious roadmap grounded in lived experience and informed by national and local policies. Yet, the DIAP is just one component of a broader ecosystem of inclusive programming now shaping the future of events at ICC Sydney.
The RESPECT Foundation
Launched formally in 2024, the RESPECT initiative sets the tone for ICC Sydney’s internal culture and client-facing offerings. RESPECT is a lens through which the organisation evaluates and evolves its people practices, event services, and stakeholder relationships. The approach actively removes barriers to participation -whether physical, cultural or attitudinal – and creates environments where all individuals, including First Nations communities, people with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and those from diverse cultures and religions, feel empowered and welcome.
This approach is enforced through ICC Sydney’s Legacy Program, which now includes a “Inclusion and Belonging” stream. Developed in partnership with trusted organisations such as Get Skilled Access, Aspect Australia, and the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Program, the stream equips organisers with the knowledge and supplier networks needed to design socially impactful events from start to finish.
Making Inclusion Tangible
Where many venues may stop at policy, ICC Sydney pushes forward with implementation. A core example is the Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide, which assists event organisers across the full lifecycle of an event, from marketing to on-site logistics to post-event communications. Practical advice spans inclusive signage, hearing loops, AUSLAN interpretation, quiet rooms, stage access for wheelchair users, and culturally inclusive catering menus. These enhancements are part of an integrated accessibility infrastructure.
ICC Sydney’s calendar now routinely features events that place diversity, equity and inclusion at their core. Elevate the Stage, a flagship event marking the UN International Day of People with Disability, showcases talent and leadership from individuals with disability and was supported by carefully designed venue adaptations, creating an environment where accessibility was integrated in the delegate experience and the focus remained on celebrating diverse voices on stage.
Separately, the Sydney Disability Connection Expo, one of the country’s largest events for the disability community, benefited from ICC Sydney’s embedded accessibility protocols. From inclusive exhibitor logistics to customer service trained in hidden disability awareness, the event was able to provide a dignified and empowering experience for all participants. Its founder, River Night, remarked: “ICC Sydney’s commitment to inclusion is exemplary… From accessible and inclusive event management services to logistics and exhibitor services, we commend the venue team for their outstanding contribution.”
Such testimonials are supported by data. The venue’s RESPECT: Shaping Events for Success report, developed in partnership with McCrindle in 2024, revealed that 66% of Australians value accessible and inclusive event spaces. Equally revealing was feedback from European-based organisers: 76% consider DEI to be important or very important, but only 42% are satisfied with the industry’s current progress. ICC Sydney is bridging that gap.
Education as a Catalyst
Internally, ICC Sydney has embedded DEI into its professional development structures. Staff receive regular training on topics ranging from hidden disabilities and cultural awareness to LGBTQIA+ allyship and First Nations reconciliation. The venue’s Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) accreditation reflects its status as an inclusive employer, supported by active working groups such as Able@Work, Same Same Collective, and Parents & Carers.
For visitors, this translates to a workforce not only trained in accessibility protocols, but personally invested in creating spaces of dignity and understanding. This intentionality extends to community access too. Through the IGNITE program, ICC Sydney donates concert tickets to young people facing barriers, ensuring cultural events are accessible to all, not just the privileged few.
A Vision for Long-Term Legacy
The short-term impacts of these initiatives are already measurable: improved delegate experiences, expanded client capabilities, and deeper community ties. However, it is the long-term vision that establishes ICC Sydney as a leader.
“At ICC Sydney, our mission is to make a difference for our clients, delegates and community. Being a people-first organisation, we strive to create events that are truly inclusive. Whether through specialised learning programs to upskill our team, to accessible amenities such as ramps, parking spaces or hearing loop technology, live captioning or supporting people with hidden disabilities – our trained and empathetic team consider all customer touchpoints and how we can elevate positive event experiences for everyone,” said Adam Mather-Brown, CEO of ICC Sydney
The breadth of events at the venue featuring DEI components is growing, from accessible conferences to inclusive performances. ICC Sydney’s sustained engagement with policymakers, industry associations, and community advocates ensures its approach remains contemporary and co-designed with the people it serves. This commitment was recognised when Sydney was named in 2024 Australia’s most sustainable destination and ranked Top 10 worldwide by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) – a title backed not just by environmental credentials but by the venue’s profound social impact.
Sponsored by ICC Sydney, in partnership with Business Events Australia