Managed by Legends Global, the venue — a NSW Government project delivered through the Darling Harbour Live consortium — has hosted 5,296 events across the decade, drawing 10.5 million attendees and contributing 10.9 million hotel room nights across the state. The venue has supported the creation of 35,782 jobs and accumulated 128 industry awards over the same period.

The Darling Harbour Live consortium brought together Capella Capital, Legends Global, Lendlease, Hostplus, Aware Super and Downer in a public-private partnership with the NSW Government. The venue opened on 14 December 2016 with a Keith Urban concert held in TikTok Entertainment Centre (formerly ICC Sydney Theatre).

Decade of activity

Across 10 years, ICC Sydney has hosted 196 international business events, 922 national business events, 519 exhibitions, 2,919 banquets, meetings, functions and seminars, and 740 live entertainment events. In the most recent financial year, the venue generated an estimated A$784 million in visitor expenditure from 533 events attended by 1.4 million people.

"ICC Sydney's anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships and progress that have defined the venue's first decade," says Adam Mather-Brown, Chief Executive Officer, ICC Sydney. "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 unparallelled events destination and content creation engine. We remain focused on what comes next, continuing to innovate, elevate client experiences and deliver positive outcomes that make a difference."

Venue expansion and new services

Recent years have seen ICC Sydney expand its portfolio to include The Cutaway at Barangaroo, alongside a range of new service offerings: A Quick Yarn Podcast Studios, Connect Create content capture and creation, pickleball courts on the Event Deck, and an LED Activation Zone. The venue has also deepened community engagement through initiatives including Dancers' Alley.

Sustainability and community commitments

ICC Sydney operates using 100% renewable power through solar generation and renewable energy procurement. The venue has introduced a Planet First Menu Collection, is progressing a Disability Inclusion Action Plan and is embarking on its third Reconciliation Action Plan in partnership with First Nations organisations. Its industry-leading Legacy Program continues to extend the benefits of major events into the broader community.

"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," says Amanda Lampe, Chief Executive Officer, Business Events Sydney. "Its role within Sydney's globally connected innovation ecosystem helps conferences foster collaboration, fresh thinking and meaningful outcomes — creating lasting benefits for industries, communities and future generations."

Susan Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Placemaking NSW, notes that the venue's diverse calendar has helped sustain activity across the Darling Harbour precinct. "This milestone reflects the enduring value of a world class venue that supports an active, welcoming and globally connected precinct," she says.

Image: ICC Sydney / Supplied

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