ICC Sydney director of events, Malu Barrios, announcing ICC Sydney as the 2017 MEA National Conference destination. Credit: Oneill Photographics
THE International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) will only be open in December 2016, but it already has the backing of national and international associations such as the Meetings & Events Australia (MEA).
MEA will be hosting its National Conference (April 30 – May 2, 2017) at ICC Sydney – part of a 20-hectare transformation of Darling Harbour – to recognise and award leaders in their field, while also fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration.
This is the latest in a line of high profile wins. Other events set to take place at ICC Sydney include the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) Conference and Exhibition (May 11-12, 2017) and Associations Forum’s National Conference (July 17-18, 2017). The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) has also announced ICC Sydney as the destination for its July 2017 conference.
CEO of ICC Sydney, Geoff Donaghy, said he is delighted with the local and international response to the precinct, and is looking forward to welcoming some of the industry’s top minds to a space that has been custom-designed to help foster innovation.
“Association events are critical to the mix of a global city as they drive business relationships, knowledge transfer, and industry investment. Their active support means ICC Sydney, and the business events we host, will play a fundamental role in supporting professional development and fostering the local knowledge economy – both of which are key to ensuring Sydney remains competitive and attracts top talent,” he added.
Business events are a major economic driver for the Australian economy and ICC Sydney will play a pivotal role in boosting returns for Sydney and the state, including an expected A$5 billion (US$3.8 billion) in economic benefit to New South Wales over the next 25 years.
