In an era where societal values are rapidly shifting, the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), operated by ASM Global, is leading the charge in creating events that are not only engaging but also socially responsible. The center recently hosted its ‘Harmonising Events’ forum, a groundbreaking event that gathered over 80 event organizers to inspire them to craft creative and impactful experiences.
The forum drew on the expertise of ICC Sydney’s community partners, providing a platform for event professionals to discuss best practices and explore how to create events that truly resonate with attendees and the broader community. The discussions were guided by insights from ICC Sydney’s RESPECT: Shaping Events for Success McCrindle report, which highlighted the evolving expectations of delegates. The report calls for event experiences that respect and celebrate First Nations Peoples, enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and prioritize sustainability.
ICC Sydney’s Legacy Program, which focuses on these key areas, was a central topic of discussion. The program aims to create a positive and lasting impact by embedding these values into every event held at ICC Sydney.
Championing Indigenous Representation and Cultural Inclusivity
Kate Russell, a proud Awabakal woman from Lake Macquarie and CEO of Supply Nation, emphasized the crucial role of Indigenous representation and cultural inclusivity in event planning. Drawing on international best practices, Russell advocates for empowering Indigenous communities by creating opportunities through events.
Russell stressed the importance of co-designing programs with Indigenous communities to ensure their voices and contributions are integral to the event planning process. This approach fosters a sense of respect and inclusion, helping to shape events that genuinely reflect and uplift First Nations culture and business.
“Supply Nation empowers First Nations businesses by creating pathways for procurement that foster economic growth and honour and respect Indigenous culture and community. Supporting First Nations businesses is crucial for nurturing cultural resilience and community wellbeing. By investing in these enterprises through events, we forge a path for sustainable growth, fostering a future where Indigenous voices are heard and valued, ultimately leading to healthier, more vibrant communities,” said Russell.
Russell also highlighted the opportunity for event organizers to source a wide range of services and goods from Supply Nation accredited Indigenous suppliers, including speakers, corporate gifts, photographers, designers, food products, and art. This not only fosters diversity and innovation but also creates a ripple effect that contributes to a more inclusive and equitable event landscape.
Investing in Creative Talent and Empowering Emerging Artists
Peter Cousens, AM, Artistic Director of the Talent Development Project, brought a wealth of experience from the world of music and theatre, having excelled as an award-winning actor, singer, producer, and director. As a seasoned teacher and trainer for aspiring performers, Cousens believes that Sydney is brimming with exceptional artistic talent.
Cousens urged event organizers to integrate emerging local musicians and creatives into their events, enriching the overall experience and infusing it with energy and cultural richness. He emphasized the challenges faced by young creatives today, such as the rapid rise of AI and the streaming revolution, which often undervalues their work.
“With the support of ICC Sydney and its event organizer clients, Talent Development Project advocates for a more sustainable ecosystem that values creativity and empowers artists to thrive in this evolving environment. Investing in the arts enriches our society by fostering creativity, enhancing cultural understanding, and driving community cohesion. Events are a powerful platform for storytelling, conveying messages of sustainability, diversity, and inclusion in ways that resonate deeply with audiences,” said Cousens.
Creating Inclusive and Accessible Events for All
John Trevillian, AM, Events Director of JT Strategic Solutions and Events, champions the annual Elevate the Stage event, which celebrates the United Nations International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). He highlighted the importance of tackling unconscious bias and actively seeking diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.
“To tackle unconscious bias, we must first cultivate awareness and actively seek diverse perspectives in our decision-making processes. It’s important to dream – challenge assumptions and prioritize inclusivity to create environments where everyone feels valued and represented,” said Trevillian.
Trevillian also stressed the positive impact of embracing diversity on the events industry, stating that it enhances creativity, drives innovation, and creates experiences that resonate with a broader audience.
“Embedding visibility, representation, and accessibility into events is essential for creating an inclusive experience. This means integrating diverse voices in planning, ensuring physical and sensory access, and promoting awareness throughout the event. This empowers individuals with disabilities and enriches the experience for all attendees, while fostering success of the events industry as a whole,” added Trevillian.
He provided practical examples of simple adjustments that can make a big difference, such as visual stories to communicate accessibility routes, stage railings, access for performers in wheelchairs, AUSLAN interpreters, and live captioning and audio descriptions.
Prioritizing Sustainability and Building Partnerships for Positive Change
Samantha Glass, Director of Corporate Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at ICC Sydney, emphasized that sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation. She stressed the importance of partnering with organizations that share similar values and uphold high standards.
“Engaging with suppliers and partners who align with sustainability goals is not just important—it’s essential. Event delegates demand authenticity; when organizers partner with those who genuinely share our commitment to sustainability, they can build trust,” said Glass.
Glass highlighted the ICC Sydney Legacy Program’s Environmental Sustainability, First Nations, Creative Industries, Inclusion and Belonging, and Tech and Innovation streams, which empower organizers to create experiences that are environmentally responsible, culturally respectful, and accessible while accelerating community connection.
Taking Small Steps Towards a Sustainable Future
Jess Zickar, ICC Sydney’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, stressed the importance of taking small, concrete actions to drive meaningful change in environmental sustainability.
“Start somewhere, start small and start smart. It’s important to set a clear intention, goals and actions for your environmental sustainability efforts. The key is to lean into your strengths, keep it simple and do what is in your control. Swap out plastic or floral centrepieces for ICC Sydney’s edible centrepieces for example. Swap out vinyl signage for cardboard signage. Use an event content app rather than printing out your program,” said Zickar.
She also emphasized the importance of communicating sustainability initiatives with delegates and stakeholders to bring them on the journey towards a more sustainable future.
The ‘Harmonising Events’ forum served as a powerful platform for sharing best practices and inspiring event organizers to embrace a more inclusive, sustainable, and impactful approach to event planning. By prioritizing Indigenous representation, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, the event industry can create experiences that truly resonate with diverse audiences while leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.