When the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) opened its doors ten years ago, it set out to be more than a venue. It was designed as a catalyst for connection, innovation and economic impact. A place where ideas could scale, industries could evolve and experiences could leave a lasting impression.
Nearly a decade on and that vision has been realised and redefined.
Today, ICC Sydney stands as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most successful integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment venues. It continues to set benchmarks across innovation, sustainability and audience experience, while strengthening New South Wales’ position on the global stage.
A Venue Built for Impact
From global conventions and trade exhibitions to concerts and large-scale entertainment, ICC Sydney delivers with consistency and precision across a diverse event portfolio.
Over the past decade, this capability has translated into more than 4,000 events and 9.1m attendees, with a record 1.5m visitors in FY25 alone. These milestones reflect not only growing demand for live experiences, but the trust organisers place in ICC Sydney to deliver complex, high profile events at scale.
Recognition, including a Gold win for Business Events Venue at the NSW Tourism Awards, reinforces a culture of excellence across operations, service and innovation.
Events hosted at ICC Sydney span technology, AI, healthcare, education, finance, creative industries and entertainment, positioning the precinct as a powerful platform for knowledge exchange and industry advancement.
Beyond the venue, the impact is far reaching. ICC Sydney attracts international delegates, drives visitation, supports local businesses and strengthens Sydney’s global reputation as a leading destination for business and cultural exchange.
Importantly, this growth has been achieved alongside strong commitments to sustainability, accessibility and community engagement. Priorities that are increasingly central to how events are designed and delivered.
Where creativity meets capability
ICC Sydney’s Connect Create service
At the heart of ICC Sydney’s evolution is a focus on enhancing how events are experienced.
Central to this is Connect Create, ICC Sydney’s in house creative content and production offering.
“We are proud to provide creative content services that empower clients to amplify their stories, elevate their brand presence and deliver richer audience experiences,” says CEO Adam Mather Brown.
From digital storytelling to broadcast quality production, Connect Create enables organisers to extend the reach and impact of their events beyond the venue.
ICC Sydney_A Quick Yarn Podcast Studios
This is complemented by A Quick Yarn Podcast Studios. The studios provide professional grade podcasting infrastructure, supporting creators, founders and event hosts to capture and share content in real time.
Together, these initiatives reflect a broader shift. Events are no longer confined to a moment. They are platforms for content, connection and ongoing engagement.
A place where culture comes to life
ICC Sydney_House of Pickle_Pickleball
Innovation at ICC Sydney extends well beyond technology. The precinct has increasingly become a space where culture, sport and community converge, creating new reasons for people to engage with the venue outside traditional event formats.
ICC Sydney_Dancers Alley
Recent activations such as Pickleball events and the lively, creative Dancers’ Alley have introduced fresh, informal uses of space, attracting new audiences and redefining what an events centre can offer a city. These initiatives reflect a broader trend toward experiential, participatory programming that blends business, leisure and lifestyle.
The Cutaway: expanding creative possibility
ICC Sydney_The Cutaway
A major addition to the precinct, The Cutaway, represents a new chapter in immersive events. Spanning 5,000 sqm across two mezzanine levels, the venue accommodates up to 2,000 guests and is designed for flexibility. It includes a large main event space, exhibition areas, pre function zones and a dedicated First Nations education space, embedding storytelling and cultural learning at its core.
Architectural features such as 13 timber cultural design elements create a striking visual identity while enhancing acoustics and flow. Enclosed glass structures ensure premium sound performance without compromising scale. With step free access from Barangaroo Metro Station, The Cutaway is designed to be inclusive, accessible and adaptable to a wide range of event formats.
Sustainability, built in
Sustainability is embedded across ICC Sydney’s operations. The Cutaway at Barangaroo operates on an all electric model with zero fossil fuels, supporting emissions reduction and aligning with the priorities of clients and partners.
Meanwhile, ICC Sydney’s recognition through Green Music Venue accreditation highlights leadership in environmentally responsible live events. This commitment extends to waste reduction, resource efficiency and responsible sourcing across the supply chain.
Culinary Excellence That Sets the Benchmark
Food and beverage remain a defining part of the ICC Sydney experience. Led by its award winning culinary team, including Copper Skillet APAC recognition, the venue continues to redefine expectations of large scale catering.
Menus focus on seasonality, local sourcing and creativity, delivering restaurant quality experiences at scale. For organisers, this transforms catering into an integral part of the event narrative.
Looking Ahead
Ten years in, ICC Sydney shows no signs of slowing down. Its strategy for the future is grounded in continuous improvement expanding creative services, investing in people and technology, deepening cultural partnerships and reimagining how spaces can be used.
As industries evolve and audiences demand more meaningful, memorable experiences, ICC Sydney is well positioned to remain a leader. Its success to date has been built on collaboration with clients, partners, creatives and the community and that collaborative spirit will continue to shape the next chapter. In a rapidly changing events landscape, ICC Sydney stands as proof that scale and intimacy, innovation and sustainability, business and culture, can not only coexist but thrive together.
To learn more about ICC Sydney: visit here
