International Convention Centre Sydney has announced a new multi-streamed Legacy Program, designed to foster knowledge exchange, collaboration and engagement across four key streams — Innovators, Generation Next, Aboriginal Australia and Sustainability.
Each stream will provide clients with an opportunity to connect with locals through dedicated initiatives — from direct exposure to Sydney’s network of entrepreneurs and startups, and fostering the next generation of thought leaders via student engagement, to working with local Aboriginal businesses, and measuring the ecological impact of events.
The streams will be delivered in partnership with private enterprise, government and education providers.
Already, relationships have been established with the New South Wales (NSW) Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC), TAFE NSW, Sydney Water, the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship (SSE) and 11 NSW universities, among others.
Drawing from Sydney’s startup community, a high-profile Steering Committee has also been established to specifically support the Innovators stream.
Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney, said the venue’s Legacy Program will support the creation of impactful end-to-end experiences which are felt long after convention, exhibition and networking events take place.
“At ICC Sydney, we are committed to driving meaningful social, economic and environmental outcomes and delivering world class events, and our robust Legacy Program will help us to continue doing just that.
“We have already been working collaboratively with a network of partners across the four streams and are thrilled to formalise a program which will invigorate our clients’ event programs, strengthen Sydney’s knowledge economy and support local businesses with tangible commercial benefit.”
Steering Committee member and CEO of Arinex, Roslyn McLeod, said the program is set to be a world leading example of stakeholder, industry and entrepreneurial cross-collaboration.
“International business events are incredibly important for building the intellectual capital of our city. ICC Sydney is setting an industry benchmark by bringing together key local stakeholders, industry leaders and entrepreneurs to collectively invest in innovation.”
Deb Barwick, Chairperson of the First Australians Chamber of Commerce and Industry and CEO of the NSWICC, also welcomed the Legacy Program launch and said ICC Sydney is helping to build greater acknowledgement and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
“ICC Sydney is an important economic contributor to Sydney and New South Wales, and this initiative will help connect the millions of people it is expected to welcome through its doors each year with local Aboriginal businesses and culture in a purposeful and enriching way.
“From investment in the development of a Welcome to Country video, purchasing Indigenous Australian produce from local Aboriginal businesses, to facilitating cultural tours of Sydney and local artist collaboration, it will open up a myriad of opportunities.”
