Graphics, Animation, Art, and Technology Convention to be held in Sydney in 2023

SIGGRAPH Asia has announced Sydney to be the host city for its 2023 conference and exhibition, bringing together the world’s most respected technical and creative minds, and further building New South Wales’ position as a leading global knowledge hub for creative industries.

Widely recognised as the premier platform for the advancement of graphics, animation, art, and technology, the 2023/16th edition of SIGGRAPH Asia taking place from 12 – 15 December 2023, is expected to attract over 2,500 delegates to Sydney and thousands of visitors to the exhibition showcase, sharing expert knowledge on research, science, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education, and emerging technologies.

Global bidding services specialist BESydney secured this important gathering in partnership with the Australasian ACM SIGGRAPH Asia community and in coordination with trade fair organiser, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said: “New South Wales has the largest creative sector in Australia, and we expect the sector to be a key driver of the state's economic growth, exports and innovation over the next decade.

“Sydney is one of the world’s most creative cities and it’s great to see this latest win for the business events sector, which continues to play a key role in restarting our city and state’s economy as global communities reopen.”

NSW is home to 40% of Australia’s creative businesses, almost half of the creative workforce, and generates up to 70% of the country’s total creative exports. It also has a dedicated Creative Industries Knowledge Hub through the NSW Government Department of Industry.

SIGGRAPH Asia Chief Staff Executive, Prakash Ramajillu, said: “Sydney’s selection is a testament to the depth of the city’s creative sector and its world-class venue in the ICC Sydney.

“Sydney as the host city for 2023 is an exciting prospect for SIGGRAPH Asia and we look forward to further building on the foundations set by the various communities. We’re pleased to return to Australia’s thriving technology, creative industries and media scene, with so many new developments in this field since we were last here in 2019.

“The SIGGRAPH Asia Conference Advisory Group and Koelnmesse Pte Ltd are very thankful for the support that Team Sydney has given us so far. We hope to continue working together to create and execute a true world class event that will leave a strong impact in the thriving technology, creative industries, media and film sectors in the state of New South Wales and in Australia.”

BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said the organisation had secured 20 new meetings for Sydney in the last 12 months across technology, health, science and infrastructure which are expected to bring in almost 13,820 delegates staying 58,490 delegate days and generating an estimated $51 million for the local economy, under the most challenging conditions on record for the business events industry.

Ms. Lewis-Smith said: “The desire to meet face to face is getting stronger the longer people’s business activities are confined to Zoom, and this is another positive milestone towards the market’s return.

“Sound management of the pandemic across our city and state is giving increasing confidence to our local and global clientele to choose Sydney for their next meeting. I’m so proud of the efforts of my team and our Team Sydney industry partners, and the close collaboration to ensure Sydney continues to win business events that will secure global attention and business to further our innovation and leadership in this growing sector.

“In 2019, Sydney returned to the global Top 20 host cities, and international events like SIGGRAPH Asia prove the pulling power of Sydney as a global meeting destination,” said Ms. Lewis-Smith.

The event will deliver a robust conference program, including renowned keynotes, panel sessions, technical talks, a computer animation festival, and specialised exhibition for the latest products and services for computer graphics and interactive techniques professionals and enthusiasts from Asia and beyond. There will also be exclusive tours for delegates to visit research centres and industry hubs, networking opportunities onsite and at co-located events, and a student program in partnership with NSW Stem Industry School Partnerships, further building Sydney’s strengths as a global knowledge hub in creative technology.

The event will also focus on sharing content with creative industries students across NSW, with June Kim appointed as the SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 Conference Chair. Ms. Kim is a lecturer at the University of NSW (UNSW), who has also served and participated in ACM SIGGRAPH for over a decade.

“Engaging the next generation is critical to the ongoing success for our community. Globally, there is a need to increase participation of youths, women, first peoples and people from diverse backgrounds, to study and develop skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and design. Hosting SIGGRAPH Asia in Sydney will also provide the platform to launch new initiatives which help to scale and grow the local industry and spark interest amongst new audiences in this part of the world,” shared Ms. Kim.

UNSW Head of School, Professor Edward Scheer, said: “UNSW Art and Design has a long history of creative research dating back to 1833. But we also remember the future and we continue to develop new areas of research in 3D visualisation, visual effects, simulation and immersive design through our labs. We are proud to be partners in SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 and look forward to seeing you in Sydney."

SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 was secured for Australia with support from Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program and the NSW Government.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said that attracting large-scale events such as this are a mark of confidence to the world that Sydney and Australia are ready to welcome business visitors back and play a major role in kickstarting the visitor economy as the industry rebuilds.

“The business events sector is a significant economic driver and securing large-scale international events for future years will significantly support the recovery of our tourism industry and economy more broadly by filling venues, hotels and restaurants around the country,” Ms. Harrison said.

“Sydney is a world-renowned events destination and being home to so many incredible tourism offerings as well, I have no doubt it will provide the perfect setting for the 2023 SIGGRAPH Asia event.”

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au