Seven international events for the new International Convention Centre Sydney at Darling Harbour

Hoardings are currently going up for the construction of the new International Convention Centre Sydney at Darling Harbour (ICC Sydney), and Business Events Sydney announced it has secured seven international events for the venue worth almost $50 million to the state economy.

“The success we have had so far in securing events for ICC Sydney, three years from its opening in late 2016, is phenomenal,” NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said.

“Securing these events, in addition to the ones already booked for the interim exhibition centre Glebe Island, is a vote of confidence in the NSW Government’s plans for the state’s conventions and exhibitions industry.

The seven international events Business Events Sydney has secured for Sydney’s new convention and exhibition facilities are:

• International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference 2017: 4,000 delegates estimated economic impact $18 million.
• 2017 AIPPI World Intellectual Property Congress: 2,000 delegates, estimated economic impact $7.3 million.
• International Association of Restructuring Insolvency Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL) World Quadrennial Congress 2017: 800 delegates, estimated economic impact over $2.1 million.
• International Conference of the Institute of Internal Auditors 2017: 1,600 delegates, estimated economic impact $6.8 million.
• Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors Congress: PAQS 2018: 500 delegates, estimated economic impact $2.2 million.
• 20th International Congress of Cytology 2019: 1,200 delegates, estimated economic impact of $4.8 million.
• Confidential international meeting 2022: 1,500 delegates, estimated economic impact of $6 million. “By the end of 2016, Darling Harbour will be transformed into a new 20-hectare precinct known as ‘Darling Harbour Live’, which will be home to the new $1 billion world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities, a premium harbour side hotel and increased public space,” Mr Stoner said.

“The regeneration of Darling Harbour will ensure Sydney remains the first choice in Australia and the Asia Pacific for the major events industry,” he said.

In the meantime, Sydney’s new interim exhibition centre at Glebe Island opened on 14 February for its first event, Reed Gift Fairs.

The interim exhibition venue – called Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island – will provide a home for exhibitions while the new world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities are built at Darling Harbour.

“This impressive 25,000 square metre site has been completed in just six months with the Government delivering on its promise to provide a place for the industry to do business in 2014, 2015 and 2016,” Mr Stoner said.

“The venue offers incredible harbour views and has enough space to accommodate Sydney’s largest exhibitions, providing exhibition organisers and visitors with a great experience.”

“Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island will keep Sydney open for business while the important task of revitalising Darling Harbour is underway."