A message from Geoff Donaghy CEO, ICC Sydney regarding their Annual Performance Review
Please find a link to ICC Sydney’s Annual Performance Review for FY 2021/22, which outlines the venue’s contributions through events delivered throughout the year.
The last financial year has delivered headwinds and tailwinds in almost equal measure. Through the support of the NSW Government and Darling Harbour Live consortium, ICC Sydney was able to continue communication with its clients and stakeholders throughout the ongoing challenges of the year, and was in a position to respond in real time to the extraordinary level of pent up demand and incredible desire of people to meet face to face.
With the support and direction of ASM Global, ICC Sydney continued to implement its parent group’s VenueShield environmental protection program informing its EventSafe Operating Protocols as it adapted to evolving public health requirements. Additionally, ASM Global’s approach to venue management, human resourcing and learning and development opportunities ensured best practice business management methodologies remained the foundation of ICC Sydney’s successful operations.
The moment operating conditions in Sydney allowed it, ICC Sydney was back to pre-COVID levels of domestic business activity with record breaking attendance at some of its events across the March to June period. Attendance, which was largely over the last four months of the year, was more than double the previous financial year as was visitor spend. Importantly, we are on track to returning to deliver A$1 billion a year in economic contribution to our city and regional communities within the next three years.
The role of convention centres in activating their host cities is understood by city and state governments, which is why they invest hundreds of millions of dollars into the development of venues such as ICC Sydney. And while the future looks bright for ICC Sydney, for international visitation to return to these pre-COVID levels the increased investment in our city and national marketing bureaux and the current operating conditions need to be maintained.
Over the financial year we continued to invest in our people and this great venue, ensuring our team remained the wise counsel event organisers turned to when planning their events, particularly during times of change.
ICC Sydney has not been immune to the current labour and supply chain challenges, yet it has maintained high satisfaction ratings with client satisfaction at 99% and delegate satisfaction at 99% for the financial year period. We were delighted to receive accolades for our approach to supporting clients and speakers through new digital solutions, our culinary service achievements and crisis and issues management over the year.
Despite continued disruption to programming, our strong partnership with Aware Super through Aware Super Theatre was maintained and the theatre hosted its longest running, highest selling show – Guy Sebastian, who attracted 25,000 people over five shows.
We also continued our focus on making a difference and released our second Reconciliation Action Plan, renewed our Legacy Program guide for event organisers wanting to create positive social impacts or lighten their environmental footprint through their events with us and built on our ‘employer of choice’ position through an active diversity and inclusion program across the workforce.
We’re continuing to focus on an ever more successful future and we look forward to keeping you updated.
Yours faithfully,
Geoff Donaghy
CEO, ICC Sydney