ICC Sydney will mark its 10th anniversary on December 14, with the venue staging its first event a decade ago on that night with a Keith Urban concert in what is now known as the TikTok Entertainment Centre.
Even with a pandemic putting a significant dent in its ability operate as normal for a considerable period, since opening, ICC Sydney has hosted 5,296 events for 10.5 million delegates and attendees. Its events have driven a $5.8 billion spend in the New South Wales economy by those 10.5 million attendees.
Events held at the venue have included 196 international business events, 922 national business events, 519 exhibitions, 2,919 banquets, seminars and other meetings and 740 live entertainment events.
The venue has also won 128 awards and supported 35,782 jobs.
Built as a public-private partnership between the state government and Legends Global, Capella Capital, Lendlease, Hostplus, Aware Super and Downer, ICC Sydney has been managed by Legends Global – then known as AEG Ogden – since its pre-opening period. In early 2024, Legends Global secured the operating contract for the venue for another 10 years.
“ICC Sydney’s anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships and progress that have defined the venue’s first decade,” said ICC Sydney CEO, Adam Mather-Brown.
“Together with our clients, partners and team members, we attract global knowledge, drive economic growth, support employment, foster innovation and strengthen communities – all underscored by this unparalleled events destination and content creation engine.
“Last financial year alone, ICC Sydney generated an estimated A$784 million in visitor expenditure through 533 events that saw 1.4 million attendees arrive through the doors.
“We remain focused on what comes next, continuing to innovate, elevate client experiences and deliver positive outcomes that make a difference.”
The CEOs of both BESydney and Placemaking NSW – which owns and manages the Darling Harbour precinct in which the convention centre is located – praised ICC Sydney’s impact over its first 10 years.
“ICC Sydney is instrumental in bringing the world’s business events community closer to the people, ideas and opportunities that make Sydney such a compelling destination,” said BESydney CEO, Amanda Lampe.
“Its exceptional facilities and experienced team give organisers confidence, while its role within Sydney’s globally connected innovation ecosystem helps conferences foster collaboration, fresh thinking and meaningful outcomes.
“The result is impact that extends far beyond the venue, creating lasting benefits for industries, communities and future generations.”
Placemaking NSW CEO, Susan Lee, said: “For a decade, ICC Sydney has played an important role in bringing people, ideas and experiences into the heart of Sydney.
“Its diverse calendar of business and entertainment events has helped create energy and vibrancy across Darling Harbour, while driving impact in Sydney.
“This milestone reflects the enduring value of a world class venue that supports an active, welcoming and globally connected precinct.”
Around ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour has continued to develop over the last decade – Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour opened next door to the convention centre within a year of its first event, the largest W Hotel in the world opened adjacent to the venue in 2023 and new complex is being developed by Mirvac beside ICC Sydney, with a large event space to open under the stewardship of Doltone House next year.
