Between July 2024 and June 2025, ICC Sydney saw 1.5 million visitors through its doors – up 300,000 on the previous year and above the previous highest mark for the veue, set in the 2018-2019 financial year, when the centre’s visitation was 1.4 million.
The direct spend from those attending events at the convention centre has not quite recovered to pre-COVID levels yet however, with direct expenditure from attendees and delegates sitting at $746 million – a comfortable rise from last year’s $718 million, but still below the record set in 2018-2019 of $896 million.
Overall ICC Sydney hosted 546 events over the last financial year, including a record 136 live entertainment events. The number of events was up from 507 in 2023-2024, however the number of international events was notably down, with the venue hosting 18 international conferences over the last year, compared to 25 the year prior. This would also explain why expenditure per delegate fell by about $100.
Other high points within the convention centre’s results include a 100 per cent client satisfaction rating, a 98 per cent delegate satisfaction rating and a massive jump in the use of ICC Sydney’s Legacy Program offering, from 325 to 423 activations.
However, the number of participants in ICC Sydney’s graduate programs dropped by more than a third. Alongside this, with the venue reducing its spending overall, procurement from NSW businesses dropped by more than $14 million, although the venue still spent $48.2 million with locally based suppliers, including $13.85 million on local produce. Wine procurement from NSW also inched down a touch, from 99 per cent in 2023-2024 to 96 per cent in 2024-2025.
Internal promotions dropped substantially – from 71 in 2023-2024 to 39 in 2024-2025 – although this could simply indicate stabilisation in the workforce.
Donations to community organisations continued, with the equivalent of 12,838 meals donated along with 1,527kg of goods.
“ICC Sydney continues to play a pivotal role in advancing New South Wales’ vision for a vibrant, productive and inclusive state,” said Placemaking NSW chief executive, Anita Mitchell.
“Through its delivery of world class events that champion innovation, sustainability and cultural celebration, the venue exemplifies how strategic investment in infrastructure can generate lasting economic and social impact.”
ICC Sydney’s CEO, Adam Mather-Brown, called the venue “a catalyst for innovation, talent development and community engagement”.
“Our team at ICC Sydney will continue to welcome international events across priority sectors including health and medical sciences, technology, education, finance, banking and sustainability, reflecting the state’s strategic focus and ICC Sydney’s commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for the community,” he said.
