In the back half of November, the three regions had their state or territory tourism awards, with a best business event venue named for each.
In New South Wales, following the category being uncontested last year, ICC Sydney has emerged victorious in 2025.
Sydney’s convention centre took home the gold, beating the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, which took silver, and Mantra on Salt Beach, located close to the NSW-Queensland border, claimed bronze.
“This award is a testament to the passion and professionalism of our entire ICC Sydney team,” said ICC Sydney’s CEO, Adam Mather-Brown.
“We’re honoured to be recognised by our industry peers and we’re grateful to our clients, partners, attendees and community for their continued trust and collaboration.
“Together, we are making a difference.”
During the qualifying period, ICC Sydney hosted 546 events and saw 1.5 million visitors through its doors, culminating in a $746 million economic injection.
Meanwhile, at the Victorian Tourism Awards, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) took the win in the same category, with MCG Events getting the silver and Higher Mark at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong awarded the bronze.
MCEC was also inducted into the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, for winning the business event venues category for three years in a row.
“We’re thrilled to receive the Business Event Venue award and be recognised amongst such a fantastic group of finalists,” said MCEC’s chief executive, Natalie O’Brien AM.
And in Canberra, Hotel Realm won the business events venues category, as well as the 5 star luxury accommodation category.
These final three state and territory winners join the five other winners from South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, who will now all vie to be named Australia’s best business event venue when the Australian Tourism Award winners are announced in Fremantle in early March.
