International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) hosted ReGen Expo 2025, an event centered on sustainable exhibitions, with initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact across all aspects of the show. The expo, organized by Diversified Communications, featured new waste reduction measures, sustainable catering, reusable resources, and the launch of the ReGen Sustainable Exhibitor Awards.
The event introduced innovative practices including the elimination of single-use plastics, sustainable stand designs, and a lower-carbon menu. ICC Sydney activated its Environmental Sustainability Legacy Program, worked with suppliers to reduce waste, and provided post-event sustainability reporting. These measures reinforced the venue’s commitment to climate-conscious action in the exhibitions sector.
Key Sustainability Initiatives at ReGen Expo 2025
| Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| Reusable cups | 4,200 Huskee cups provided; 1,950 used across kiosks and pop-up restaurant |
| Water stations | Three plumbed stations installed to encourage reusable bottles |
| Menu | 75% vegetarian and vegan canapé options at cocktail reception |
| Shell scheme design | Constructed from 100% recycled and recyclable materials |
| Waste diversion | 74.4% of waste diverted from landfill; 5% of average trade show waste generated |
| Carpeting | No aisle carpet used to reduce carbon from transport |
Venue Collaboration and Legacy Program
ICC Sydney partnered with Diversified Communications to deliver the expo through its Environmental Sustainability Legacy Program. The venue’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager worked with organizers to divert waste, donate goods to community groups, and monitor waste contamination. Post-event, ICC Sydney provided sustainability reports on waste, energy, and water metrics to support long-term environmental planning.
Ali Lawes, Event Director and Commercial Product Manager at Diversified Communications, said: “ReGen showcases cutting-edge technical displays, offers vital industry insights, and feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities. Together with the collaboration of our partners including the expert team at ICC Sydney, we are accelerating adoption of sustainable solutions and creating a circular economy that keeps resources in use, minimises waste, and regenerates natural systems.”
Awards and Professional Engagement
The ReGen Sustainable Exhibitor Awards were introduced to encourage exhibitors to adopt sustainable stand design and circular practices. ICC Sydney’s CSR Manager co-judged the awards, with Resource Marketplace named the overall winner for 2025. The event also featured the Innovation Zone and Pitch Fest, supported by Coles and Boomerang Labs, to engage emerging sustainability professionals.
“ICC Sydney is committed to making a difference. This partnership reflects the growing momentum across the events and exhibition industry to embed sustainability at the core of every experience. Through collaboration and shared values, events like ReGen Expo are helping to shape a more resilient, responsible future for the industry,” said Adam Mather-Brown, Chief Executive Officer, ICC Sydney.
Impact on Sustainable Exhibitions
The initiatives trialed at ReGen Expo 2025 highlighted a shift toward environmentally responsible exhibition practices. Huskee’s reusable cups reduced reliance on disposable coffee containers, while plant-based catering lowered the event’s carbon footprint. The elimination of aisle carpeting and the introduction of recycled shell schemes contributed to significant reductions in waste and emissions.
According to ICC Sydney’s reporting, the event diverted nearly three-quarters of its waste from landfill and generated only a fraction of the waste typical for trade shows. These outcomes underscored the effectiveness of collaborative planning between venue operators and event organizers in addressing environmental challenges within the exhibitions sector.
ReGen Expo 2025 demonstrated that sustainable exhibitions can balance professional networking, industry insights, and innovation while actively reducing environmental impact. ICC Sydney’s hosting of the event signals a growing industry trend toward embedding sustainability into the core of global events.
