Business Event Sydney (BESydney) and International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) are pioneering leaders in the business events sector, with a combined experience of 65 years.
Their commitment to impactful events focuses on more than just direct expenditure, highlighting knowledge transfer, talent attraction, and direct foreign investment.
BESydney’s research into beyond tourism benefits and ICC Sydney’s expanding Legacy Program exemplify their dedication to sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion, and First Nations cultures.
Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney, stated: “We see our role as two-fold by facilitating an event with purpose, social impact and knowledge exchange while also creating an impact foundation that can be built upon at the next meeting – wherever that may be held. We want the change we spark in Sydney to grow globally – hence our Change Starts Here Agenda”.
ICC Sydney CEO and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC) Geoff Donaghy said: “Reflecting on a decade long milestone, some of ICC Sydney’s greatest achievements have been in connecting our community to the world. Sharing Australia’s First Nations story, our newly launched Disability Inclusion Action Plan, our leadership in prioritising the planet through sustainability initiatives and giving back to our local and global community”.
ICC Sydney’s collaborative research with McCrindle highlights evolving delegate expectations, emphasising social impact as a standard practice.
BESydney’s partnership with PCMA Foundation resulted in a research which revealed significant gender disparities in leadership within the events industry, advocating for equitable leadership roles.
In 2023, BESydney piloted a new impact framework with the FDI Dental Association, showcasing significant results. The Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference, supported by BESydney and ICC Sydney, achieved groundbreaking impacts, influencing funding, legislation, and awareness.
BESydney’s Impact Strategy, set for release in Q3 2024, and ICC Sydney’s strong international brand and partnerships ensure a robust future. The venue has already secured 1,126 events until 2034, expecting 4.7 million attendees.