Following a 30-year career at ASM Global, Donaghy (pictured, above) has moved on from his role as chief executive officer of ICC Sydney and group director, convention centres, at ASM Global (APAC).
Business leaders and community organisations from across Sydney, NSW, Australia and the world have honoured the former ICC Sydney chief for his longevity and influence across the tourism and events sector.
Commencing his career as a school teacher, Donaghy moved into the tourism sector through airline and hotel industry roles, before being appointed general manager of Tourism Tropical North Queensland in 1989.
He joined ASM Global in 1994 to open Cairns Convention Centre, and in 2003, he moved to Brisbane to lead the opening of Suncorp Stadum as the venue’s CEO.
Donaghy’s next venture was leading the team that opened ICC Sydney in December 2016.
Under his stewardship, ICC Sydney delivered more than 3665 events that attracted 6.4 million visitors, who contributed $3.9 billion in economic benefit to the local economy.
During his time at the helm of ICC Sydney, Donaghy and his team received 95 industry awards, achieved an average delegate satisfaction rating of 97.4 per cent, and a client satisfaction rating of 98.2 per cent.
“Beyond the significant impact driven by ICC Sydney’s role as economic infrastructure, I look back on my time at ICC Sydney and beyond as part of the ASM Global network with pride – working to inspire our team to live up to our mission to make a difference for one another, our clients, community and the planet,” he says.
Donaghy’s career was recently celebrated at an event at ICC Sydney – attended by Spice – and here is a snapshot of the industry tributes to his remarkable career:
Harvey Lister AM, chairman and chief executive, ASM Global (APAC): “On behalf of ASM Global, we thank Geoff for his outstanding dedication to the company and our people during his more than 30 years of service.
“Under his steady direction, Geoff led the team that would eventually open International Convention Centre Sydney, which is now arguably one of the world’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment centres.”
Anita Mitchell, chief executive, Placemaking NSW: “We thank Geoff for his 10-year tenure leading Australia’s premier entertainment, convention and exhibition venue.
“ICC Sydney is the centrepiece of the $3.4 billion revitalisation of Darling Harbour and underpins Sydney’s reputation as a world-class destination offering industry leading event, entertainment and cultural experiences.
“ICC Sydney is also the NSW Government’s best performing asset – contributing $3.9 billion to the local economy through delegate expenditure since its opening.
“Under Geoff’s leadership, ICC Sydney has delivered more than 3600 events, including 500 delivered in FY23, and welcomed 6.4 million visitors through its doors since opening in 2016.
“He has also fostered a culture of care, encouraging his team to make a difference for our local communities through many worthy campaigns including Reconciliation, NSW First procurement, Disability Inclusion and Pride in Diversity.”
Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO, Business Events Sydney: “Bringing his decades of rich experience opening major venues around the world to Sydney 10 years ago, Geoff’s contribution to the establishment of International Convention Centre Sydney has shaped Sydney into an elite global city capable of hosting the world’s most influential meetings, conferences and exhibitions.
“Through Geoff’s leadership, ICC Sydney’s incredibly talented venue team is best placed to welcome the world’s best thinkers, policymakers, industry and business leaders, and drive the innovations and solutions of our future.
“We are ever grateful for the years of successful collaboration and partnership with Geoff, as together we have built a formidable platform to showcase Sydney on the global stage.”
Paul Nicolaou, executive director, Business Sydney: “Geoff Donaghy’s career contribution stands out as a beacon of leadership, innovation and industry collaboration.
“He is a Sydney ambassador in every sense of the word, and our Business Sydney team was honoured to present him with the inaugural Sydney Champion award in recognition of his great contribution to Sydney as the premier global city in the Asia Pacific region.”
Michael Rose AM, chairman, Committee for Sydney: “Geoff has been a genuine civic leader, elevating Sydney’s profile as a global city and business destination.
“His vision for ICC Sydney has been to welcome the world to Sydney and provide a window to our city and state.
“Under Geoff’s leadership, every aspect of ICC Sydney has demonstrated what an open, smart, diverse and vibrant place we live in.
“Throughout his tenure, Geoff has been a pleasure to work with, a model of thoughtful leadership, a champion for the city and regions, a driver of diversity and inclusion, and a generous host to millions.”
Margy Osmond, chief executive officer, Tourism and Transport Forum: “ICC Sydney has earned an unparalleled reputation as a leader in the tourism and business events industries due, in large part, to Geoff Donaghy’s steadfast leadership and commitment to innovation, advocacy and collaboration.
“Geoff’s contribution is expansive as he has been instrumental in establishing ICC Sydney as a destination of choice for event organisers from around the world.
“Beyond his team’s world-class event delivery, Geoff’s legacy has been to ensure ICC Sydney fulfills its mission to make a difference to the community through his commitment to Reconciliation with Australia’s First Nations Peoples, championing of the venue’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, and industry leading event Legacy Program.
“Beyond his remarkable professional contribution, Geoff is one of the true gentlemen of our industry, showing great kindness and support to colleagues throughout the sector.”
Peter King, chair, Australian Business Events Association: “During the many years I have known Geoff, he has consistently stood out as a beacon of leadership, innovation and industry collaboration.
“He has been instrumental in elevating the organised events industry on a local, regional and global level.
“In particular, his steady leadership demonstrated during the recent COVID-19 pandemic-impacted years has been critical in the business events sector’s recovery and rebound.
“Geoff’s reputation is world-renowned, not only for the successful establishment and operation of major venues but moreover because he is the ultimate professional who exhibits great empathy, integrity and a steadfast commitment to making a difference to the community.
“I thank him for the legacy he created and, importantly, his friendship.”
