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According to a Deloitte Access Economics study, delegates attending events at International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) generated $820 million in direct expenditure for the State in its second year of operation, an increase of $35 million on the $785 million direct contribution in 2017.

A key component of the NSW Government’s suite of infrastructure projects, ICC Sydney is a $1.5 billion development which comprises an industry leading convention centre, exhibition centre and major entertainment theatre.

International and interstate visitors helped generate 72% ($590 million) of the total expenditure, resulting in more than 1.57 million overnight stays in Sydney accommodation and the creation of 5,248 full time equivalent jobs for the local economy.

NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Victor Dominello said the results of the study demonstrated the remarkable success of ICC Sydney since its opening in December 2016, advising "the figures speak for themselves - ICC Sydney is a big win for Sydney, providing visitors with world class events, and boosting the economy and creating jobs.

“The venue has also enriched Darling Harbour and put Sydney on the map as Australia’s number one destination for events and exhibitions."

Chief Executive of ICC Sydney, Geoff Donaghy said he is proud of the venue’s achievements in stimulating the local economy while setting new standards for the business events industry.

Donaghy explained "ICC Sydney is proud to have welcomed another 1.3+ million visitors across more than 700 successful events in 2018 and simultaneously enhancing the city’s reputation globally and creating opportunities for our talented, local community.

“Our world class operation of ICC Sydney saw our satisfaction ratings improve on an already strong result in 2017, with a near-perfect delegate rating of 99% and client rating of 97%.”

Donaghy said ICC Sydney’s dual focus on putting its people first and serving the community has been critical to the venue’s strong performance.

He added “our investment in our people and our engagement with the community around us is ultimately what underscores the success of our clients and the experience of our visitors.

“We firmly believe in equipping our people with the skills they require to succeed, providing careers, not just jobs. This mindset is the foundation of our inclusive and diverse culture and directly correlates with our achievements as a business.

“This approach to diversity and inclusion extends to the community where we’ve built an incredible network that all come together to make our event delivery possible and create a ripple effect of positive outcomes.”

Further ICC Sydney achievements in 2018 include:
• Implementing the first Reconciliation Action Plan in a convention centre in Australia
• Deepening a unique multi-streamed Legacy Program, designed to enrich visitor experiences while delivering lasting impacts for Sydney’s vibrant community
• The seamless delivery of 32 international events, including Sibos, the world’s largest financial services conference, the ASEAN-Australia Special summit and the World Congress of Accountants
• Outstanding team member engagement score of 74%
• 93% team member retention rate

Awards and accolades including:
• Australia’s Best Conference Venue for the second year in the QANTAS Business Travel Awards
• Australian HR Institute – National Talent Development Award
• Exhibition and Events Association Australasia - Best Venue Team
• INCON Global Digital Infrastructure Awards – Technology
• Sydney Metropolitan Caterer of the Year
• Training Services NSW – Large Employer of the Year

Corporate Social Responsibility highlights:
• 350+ items donated to charity
• 340 team member volunteer hours clocked
• 23,666 meals donated to OzHarvest
• 87,500 plastic straws eliminated and support of the Sydney Doesn’t Suck campaign
• 648,000 plastic water bottles saved by promoting Sydney Water (a total of 1.4 million bottles since the campaign was implemented).

ICC Sydney’s 2018 results build on an impressive opening year with the venue set up for success in 2019 and beyond, having already secured a further 1,300 leading major national and international events across sectors to 2030.

To find out more about ICC Sydney, visit www.iccsydney.com 

Image: Conference delegates outside ICC Sydney.

Related Articles

15th December 2018 - ICC Sydney exceeds sustainability targets

6th December 2018 - ICC secures Best Venue Team at the Exhibition and Event Association Australasia Awards for Excellence

29th November 2018 - ICC Sydney introduces a new dedicated Creative Industries Stream

8th November 2018 - ICC Sydney launches a Reconciliation Action Plan

6th November 2018 - Darling Harbour Precinct Transformation Receives Urban Design Award

2nd November 2018 - ICC Sydney impresses on the global stage with seamless event execution

27th July 2018 - ICC Sydney leads in events and venues sector plastic bottle waste reduction

20th February 2018 - ICC Sydney first year operations generate $785 million in delegate income

2nd December 2017 - ICC Sydney launches innovative legacy program

23rd October 2015 - ICC Sydney leaders join debate on the future of convention centres

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