International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has today released its Annual Performance Review revealing delegates attending events at the venue generated $510 million in direct expenditure for New South Wales (NSW), despite the economic fallout from COVID-19 on the 2019/20 financial operating year.
The report shows a year in two parts, with Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment venue initially on track for another strong economic and operational year in 2019/20.
The Hon. Rob Stokes, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, said: “In FY2019/20, ICC Sydney events generated $510 million in direct expenditure to NSW and created nearly 3,000 local jobs. Attracting investment and keeping people employed are the key drivers to our economic recovery and ICC Sydney is doing just that.”
ICC Sydney was one of the first convention centres globally to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by developing an industry leading set of protocols—ICC Sydney’s EventSafe Operating Framework—to enable and expedite the safe operating and return of events.
Minister Stokes continued: “As we look towards recovery from a devastating year, I am confident that ICC Sydney will play a pivotal role in the future success of NSW and Sydney’s continued success as a vibrant and culturally rich destination”.
Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney, said: “While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our operations and output in what was set to be another extraordinarily strong year, our Annual Performance Review is an important reminder of the enormous cultural, social and economic value of ICC Sydney. I am confident that both ICC Sydney and the wider business events industry will play an important role in Sydney’s and Australia’s recovery from this crisis”.
