Industry leaders received a full-on show of International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney’s hosting capabilities at an exclusive Showcase Dinner in the venue’s Grand Ballroom (above) – the country’s largest.
Some 800 professionals from business, entertainment, media, academic and events communities attended, including clients from the venue’s 400 confirmed events.
The dinner was the latest in a calendar of 30 ‘test events’ designed to put every facet of the building through its paces prior to its official opening in December.
Event highlights
Attendees were treated to a five-course dinner in line with the venue’s ‘Feeding Your Performance’ philosophy, designed to fuel both body and mind.
“The venue’s approach to food and beverage will help showcase amazing local produce,” said Sandra Chipcase, Destination NSW CEO. “This is a fantastic way to shine a spotlight on what regional New South Wales has to offer.”
TV personality and chef Lyndey Milan said: “I am delighted to see an organisation as large as ICC Sydney sourcing local, sustainable produce and acknowledging the producers who work so hard to provide quality ingredients. It is a wonderful advertisement for Australia and our farmers.”
Local musicians from Australia’s Talent Development Project, one of the most successful youth training and development programmes in the Australian music and entertainment industry, performed throughout the evening.
ICC Sydney leaders also gave addresses, offering insights on how the venue will change the way events are delivered in Sydney.
Feedback
“The Showcase Dinner was a fantastic success and I would like to thank everyone who attended and congratulate all of the staff, performers and partners who made it possible,” said CEO of ICC Sydney, Geoff Donaghy. “This is a crucial stride in ensuring our team and venue meets our industry leading benchmark ahead of ICC Sydney’s official launch this December.
He added: “I am looking forward to seeing the precinct in full action and am pleased to say that we have an impressive array of secured events – from performances by international superstars like Keith Urban and PJ Harvey, to business events with the World Accountants Congress and International Bar Association.”
CEO of TEG, an Australian ticketing, live entertainment and data analytics company, Geoff Jones said: “ICC Sydney is set to become a mecca of entertainment. The level of detail in every aspect of tonight’s event shows that this is a precinct run by people who know what national and international audiences want from a venue.”
CEO of Business Events Sydney Lyn Lewis-Smith said: “What an event! This amazing venue underscores Sydney’s position as one of the world’s most attractive destinations and will help draw business, experts and events from around the globe to our shores. It’s a game-changer for our city.”
The venue
Once launched, the venue will offer five star convention and exhibition centres, 8,000sqm of meeting room space, a 5,000sqm open air event deck, and three individual theatre spaces, including the 9,000 capacity ICC Sydney Theatre, which houses Australia’s biggest stage area.
