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A new survey conducted by International Convention Center Sydney, conducted by ASM Global, reveals that 86% of event planners in the United Kingdom and Europe who book international venues consider sustainability critical to event management.

Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney and Group Director of Convention Centers at ASM Global (APAC), said the finding underscores the importance of the venue team’s commitment to delivering sustainable events through their best practices in corporate social responsibility.

“This client survey builds on the results of our visitor survey released in February – both revealing high demand for enhancing delegate and attendee experiences with an integrated approach to sustainability, diversity and inclusion,” Mr. Donaghy said.

Notably, 88% of respondents believe that sustainability, including social impact and equity, is paramount in event practices. This sentiment aligns with an industry increasingly dedicated to reducing waste, reducing carbon footprints and promoting ethical practices.

Key Findings:

• 86% of respondents who book international venues consider sustainability integral to event management.
• 88% of respondents affirm that integrating sustainability, diversity and inclusion enhances delegate and attendee experiences.
• 83% emphasize the crucial role of accessibility in event planning.
• 42% consider sustainability commitments highly influential in their venue selection process.
• A third (37%) of respondents advocate clear sustainability signage and communication, 28% support inclusion in promotional materials and 16% prioritize social media campaigns.

ICC Sydney’s commitment to enhancing community engagement, environmental sustainability and economic development aligns with clients’ efforts to achieve a net-zero future.

Energy Management at ICC Sydney

Together with its Darling Harbor Live partners, ICC Sydney purchases 20% renewable energy through its energy contract. Combined with an onsite community-owned solar array, 25% of the venue’s power comes from renewable sources.

Stop it campaign

ICC Sydney promotes environmental awareness across the venue with its ‘Switch It Off’ campaign, encouraging team members to switch off lights, air conditioning and electrical appliances when not in use. The initiative aims to further reduce the venue’s energy footprint.

Decrease in water

In 2023, ICC Sydney diverts 65% of waste from landfill. Through a partnership with Sydney Water, the venue installed refill stations, saving more than 2.65 million plastic water bottles.

Managing food waste for social impact

Since inception, ICC Sydney has donated 34.6 tonnes of unserved food, the equivalent of 98,857 meals, and 24.5 tonnes of goods to local charities, contributing to a sustainable circular economy.

Accessible and inclusive

ICC Sydney’s Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide for event planners ensures a welcoming environment, reflecting the venue’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Mr. Donaghy continued: “A conference organized between event professionals based in the United Kingdom and Europe and an industry survey conducted in collaboration with Incentive Travel underscore a profound shift in attitudes towards sustainability, highlighting it not just as an option but as an essential commitment.”

ICC Sydney’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Communication and Sustainability, Samantha Glass reflected on the survey findings, sharing: “Looking forward, the survey indicates a strong need for event professionals to increase communication on sustainability and social impact initiatives – initiatives that ICC Sydney underpins and internalises. Resources are both.

“Through our Legacy Program and resources like the Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide and the Sustainable Events Guide, we encourage our customers to embrace a more sustainable and inclusive future as we strive together for the net zero, nature positive future that is possible. “Leave a positive impact on Sydney beyond the conclusion of events,” said Mrs. Glass.