The business events industry continues to prove its resilience in the second half of 2022 as more and more events report higher — and even record — attendee numbers even amid growing economic concerns. Australia’s International Convention Center (ICC) Sydney is one of several high-profile venues around the world seeing promising growth and getting back to busy event calendars.
The venue, managed by ASM Global, will have hosted 100 events and 138,000 attendees throughout September and October, which Geoff Donaghy, ICC Sydney CEO and Group Director, APAC Convention Centres at ASM Global, noted were the most productive months since June. Events held in the past two months include international and national conventions, exhibitions, entertainment events, and awards and gala dinners.
The resumption of event activities at ICC Sydney have also had a significant impact on the labor market and economy, as delegate expenditure tied to events in the past two months alone have contributed over A$100 million to the local economy.
“The full gamut of our services has been activated and this activity supports our long supply chain,” said Donaghy. Our team has been able to re-engage and purchase from local farmers and producers once more from New South Wales regions including Orange, Riverina, Hunter and Hawksbury areas. Importantly, we have been able to create employment opportunities for almost 200 new team members both permanent and casuals to support the delivery of client events.
Recent events taking place at the venue have included the International Desalination Association World Congress 2022, which welcomed 75 percent of its attendees from international locations, as well as Xerocon Sydney 2022. The convention center also continues to cater to hybrid events, including the Congress of the International Academy of Pathology 2022, and prioritizes connecting delegates with First Nations culture and promoting sustainable initiatives.
To close out the year, ICC Sydney still has several consumer and trade events on the schedule, including performances by George Ezra, The Lumineers, and David Gray.