International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has reported its most successful year to date, welcoming 1.5 million attendees across 546 events in the 2025 financial year.
The venue’s performance generated an economic contribution of A$746 million through delegate spending, underscoring its role as a key driver in New South Wales’ (NSW) visitor economy.
The results, released in ICC Sydney’s Annual Performance Review for FY 2025, highlight significant year-on-year growth, up from 1.2 million attendees and A$718 million in delegate spending in FY 2024. The venue’s expansion in both international and local events reinforces Sydney’s position as a leading global destination for conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment.
Record Attendance and Economic Growth
ICC Sydney hosted 546 core events during the period, including 17 international events, 88 national events, 61 exhibitions, and 136 live entertainment performances. The remaining 244 events were single-day local gatherings. The combination of large-scale conferences and major entertainment productions, including the record-breaking Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular, contributed to increased delegate nights and hotel occupancy in Sydney’s central business district.
According to the report, ICC Sydney delivered 1.3 million hotel room nights, up from 1.2 million the previous year, while achieving 98% delegate satisfaction. The venue’s operations supported employment and spending across multiple sectors, with food and beverage procurement alone contributing A$13.85 million to NSW producers. ICC Sydney also maintained strong engagement with local communities, donating surplus food equivalent to 12,838 meals and 1,527 kilograms of goods to charity partners.
Anita Mitchell, Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW, said ICC Sydney continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the state’s economic and cultural agenda. “ICC Sydney continues to play a pivotal role in advancing New South Wales’ vision for a vibrant, productive and inclusive state. Through its delivery of world class events that champion innovation, sustainability and cultural celebration, the venue exemplifies how strategic investment in infrastructure can generate lasting economic and social impact,” said Mitchell.
Innovation and Industry Recognition
In FY 2025, ICC Sydney received 13 awards and accolades for its team, operations, and sustainability initiatives. These included the Venue Team of the Year and Sustainability Initiative – Social and Cultural awards from the Australian Business Events Association, and the NSW Wine Sommeliers Wine List Awards in both 2024 and 2025. The venue was also recognised for its environmental progress, achieving Silver certification from EarthCheck and Silver status in Pride in Diversity’s Australian Workplace Equality Index. Its facilities were powered by 24% renewable energy during the year.
Adam Mather-Brown, Chief Executive Officer of ICC Sydney, said the results reflected the venue’s alignment with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035. “ICC Sydney has ignited the local economy, elevated city vibrancy and advanced social justice through inclusive and impactful experiences. In this way, we are proud to be more than a venue. We’re a catalyst for innovation, talent development and community engagement,” said Mather-Brown.
The CEO added that the centre would continue to attract international events across priority sectors, including health and medical sciences, technology, education, finance, banking, and sustainability. “Our team at ICC Sydney will continue to welcome international events across priority sectors including health and medical sciences, technology, education, finance, banking and sustainability, reflecting the state’s strategic focus and ICC Sydney’s commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for the community,” Mather-Brown said.
Investing in People and Community
Beyond economic performance, the centre also invested heavily in workforce development. Over 10,499 hours of professional training were delivered to employees, with 13 graduates and interns supported across audiovisual, culinary, event management, and building services programs. The venue also strengthened partnerships with First Nations businesses, spending A$244,562 with 27 suppliers and generating more than 158,000 cultural impressions through its events.
ICC Sydney’s commitment to placemaking extended to creative and cultural initiatives such as the reimagining of Dancers’ Alley at Moriarty Walk, engaging Sydney’s dance community in revitalising public spaces. A total of 423 Legacy Program activations supported environmental protection, First Nations connections, and creative industries across NSW.
With the NSW Government continuing to promote the state as a global business and leisure destination, ICC Sydney’s strong results position it as a cornerstone of the visitor economy strategy leading into the next decade. As international travel and event demand rebound, the venue’s record-breaking year underscores the value of integrated infrastructure in driving sustainable growth, employment, and cultural engagement for Sydney and beyond.
Photo Credit: Guy Wilkinson
