AUSTRALASIA - The organiser behind the 2014 Rotary International Convention has confirmed its 18,000-delegate event will remain in Sydney but move to a new location following the announcement of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (SCEC) redevelopment plans.
 
After winning the initial bid in 2006, Sydney was required to resubmit an extensive proposal showcasing Sydney Olympic Park as the host venue, due to the closure of SCEC for the Sydney International Convention and Exhibition Precinct (SICEP) development.
 
The June 2014 convention is expected to generate AU$60.5m (US$61m) in economic impact and will re-locate to the Sydney Olympic Park. The event is expected to attract up to 18,000 delegates who will spend 72,000 delegate days in Sydney.

Recently the New South Wales (NSW) state Premier Barry O'Farrell announced that the SCEC would shut down for three years from late 2013 to late 2016. He said a phased closure of the exisiting venues would have delayed the completition of the project until 2019. The project is expected to cost $1bn and will expand the site to 20 hectares.

 
“Government and the private sector have rallied together to make sure that the promised Rotary 2014 event will be delivered seamlessly, despite the required venue change,” said NSW state Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris.
 
Cityside convention bureau Business Events Sydney’s CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said: “BESydney worked hand in hand with the NSW Government and Sydney Olympic Park Authority on venue options.”
 
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