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International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney has taken the lead in uniting more than 80 event organisers at its ‘Harmonising Events’ forum, exploring how to shape creative and socially impactful events with the support of its community partners.              

The forum explored the best practices for organisers to match the delegate demands revealed in the ICC Sydney RESPECT: Shaping Events for Success McCrindle report for curated and meaningful experiences that respect First Nations Peoples, promote accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and prioritise sustainability with the activation of ICC Sydney’s Legacy Program.    

The top takeaways from leading community partners paving the way for engaging and inclusive events that resonate with attendees and communities alike are unveiled below.   

1. Nurture connections to First Nations culture and business
Proud Awabakal woman from Lake Macquarie and Supply Nation Chief Executive Officer, Kate Russell is committed to engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to co-design programs using international best practices to make changes in policy to empower her community.

Russell shared her advice for event organisers seeking to create opportunities for First Nations Peoples through events advising "Supply Nation empowers First Nations businesses by creating pathways for procurement that foster economic growth and honour and respect Indigenous culture and community. Supporting First Nations businesses is crucial for nurturing cultural resilience and community wellbeing. By investing in these enterprises through events, we forge a path for sustainable growth, fostering a future where Indigenous voices are heard and valued, ultimately leading to healthier, more vibrant communities.   

“Regardless of your budget, organisers can source a myriad of services and goods from Supply Nation accredited suppliers – from inspirational speakers to corporate gifts, photographers, designers, food products and art – there are thousands of Indigenous businesses ready to elevate events. First Nations procurement creates a ripple effect, fostering diversity and innovation. My advice to organisers is to seek genuine collaboration—understanding that true impact comes from building lasting relationships, not just checking boxes.’  

2. Elevate your event by including emerging local musicians and creative talent 
Talent Development Project Artistic Director, Peter Cousens, AM has vast experience in music and theatre as an award-winning actor and singer as well as a producer, director and teacher/trainer of actors and singers. He believes Sydney is a hot bed of high-quality artistic talent who can enhance every event.   

Cousens noted "Young creatives today face a landscape fraught with challenges, from the rapid rise of AI to the streaming revolution that often undervalues their work. It's essential to recognise these hurdles, as they can stifle innovation and passion.   

“With the support of ICC Sydney and its event organiser clients, Talent Development Project advocates for a more sustainable ecosystem that values creativity and empowers artists to thrive in this evolving environment. Investing in the arts enriches our society by fostering creativity, enhancing cultural understanding, and driving community cohesion. Events are a powerful platform for storytelling, conveying messages of sustainability, diversity, and inclusion in ways that resonate deeply with audiences.

"TDP offers music as the key element of inspiration to enhance the specific emotional narrative integral to the event. It is a powerful force for good and will help guide the event's message into the hearts and minds of those in attendance.”

3. Remove barriers for people with disabilities by making adjustments to your event 
JT Strategic Solutions and Events Director, John Trevillian, AM champions the annual Elevate the Stage event that celebrates the United Nations International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) - further developing Australia's reputation as the preeminent destination for outstanding major events that are creative, innovative, inclusive, and accessible.

As an inspiring leader of the events industry, Trevillian shared "to tackle unconscious bias, we must first cultivate awareness and actively seek diverse perspectives in our decision-making processes. It’s important to dream - challenge assumptions and prioritise inclusivity to create environments where everyone feels valued and represented.   

“The positive impact on the events industry is profound when we embrace diversity, we enhance creativity, drive innovation, and create experiences that resonate with a broader audience. Embedding visibility, representation, and accessibility into events is essential for creating an inclusive experience. This means integrating diverse voices in planning, ensuring physical and sensory access, and promoting awareness throughout the event. This empowers individuals with disabilities and enriches the experience for all attendees, while fostering success of the events industry as a whole.   

“Simple adjustments to an event can make a big difference such as those ICC Sydney provided for Elevate the Stage including a visual story to communicate the pathway to access the event, stage railings, access for performers in wheelchairs, ensuring AUSLAN interpreters are prominent, and live captioning and audio descriptions as part of the AV production.’

4. Connect with trusted partners to create experiences that are environmentally responsible, culturally respectful and accessible
ICC Sydney Director of Corporate Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Samantha Glass said that sustainability doesn’t exist in a bubble, and it is important to lean on partners with shared values and high quality credentials.    

"Engaging with suppliers and partners who align with sustainability goals is not just important - it's essential. Event delegates demand authenticity; when organisers partner with those who genuinely share our commitment to sustainability, they can build trust.     

“At ICC Sydney, we’ve taken the guess work out of finding credible partners to help support intersectional positive impacts, from First Nations cultural inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability.  

"Tapping into our Legacy Program’s Environmental Sustainability, First Nations, Creative Industries, Inclusion and Belonging, and Tech and Innovation streams, organisers can create experiences that are environmentally responsible, culturally respectful and accessible while accelerating community connection," Glass said.  

5. Set an intention, goals and actions to aid your environmental sustainability efforts
ICC Sydney Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Jess Zickar said organisers can turn the dial with small changes that make a big impact when it comes to environmental sustainability.     

Zickar advised “start somewhere, start small and start smart. It’s important to set a clear intention, goals and actions for your environmental sustainability efforts. The key is to lean into your strengths, keep it simple and do what is in your control. Swap out plastic or floral centrepieces for ICC Sydney’s edible centrepieces for example. Swap out vinyl signage for cardboard signage. Use an event content app rather than printing out your program. It’s also important to talk about your sustainability initiatives with your delegates and stakeholders, so that you can bring them on the journey with you.       

“Organisers are welcome to access ICC Sydney’s resources including our Legacy Program, and Sustainable Events Guide for our top tips on how to create environmentally sustainable and carbon friendly events.’

To find out more about ICC Sydney

Image. Panelists speaking at ICC Sydney's 'Harmonising Events.'  Credit: Tim Pascoe

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