Other results from the survey include that 42 per cent of organisers consider sustainability commitments to be highly influential when selecting a venue, while 88 per cent believe incorporating sustainability, diversity and inclusion boosts the event experience for attendees.
Accessibility is also considered essential in event planning by 83 per cent of respondents.
“This client survey builds on the results from our visitor survey released in February – with both revealing the high demand to enhance delegate and attendee experiences with an integrated approach to sustainability, diversity, and inclusion,” said ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy.
“The industry survey, delivered in collaboration with Conference and Incentive Travel, conducted among event professionals based across the United Kingdom and Europe, underscores a profound shift in attitudes towards sustainability, highlighting it not merely as an option but as an essential commitment.”
ICC Sydney has a multitude of infrastructure, collaborations and processes in place to reduce its environmental footprint.
These include deriving 25 per cent of its energy from renewable sources, including from a solar array in the Darling Harbour precinct, diverting 65 per cent of waste from landfill last year, partnering with Sydney Water to install water refill stations, saving 2.65 million plastic water bottles, and donating 34.6 tonnes of unserved food and 24.5 tonnes of goods to local charities.
Alongside this, an internal campaign encourages ICC Sydney staff to turn off lights, air conditioning and electrical appliances that are not being used.
The venue also has a guide for creating accessible and inclusive events.
“Through our Legacy Program and resources such as the Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide and Sustainable Events Guide, we encourage our customers to embrace a more sustainable and inclusive future as together we strive for a net zero, nature positive future that has the potential to leave a positive impact on Sydney well beyond the conclusion of events,” said ICC Sydney’s director of corporate affairs, communication and sustainability, Samantha Glass.
