EVENT REPORT
EVENT REPORT
An eco-system in action
‘ Transformation ’ was the theme for this year ’ s International Association of Convention Centres ( AIPC ) annual conference , with host venue International Convention Centre Sydney ( ICC Sydney ) chosen specifically to showcase that theme in action , writes Sheridan Randall .
As the centre piece in the $ 1.5 billion transformation of the Darling Harbour precinct , the ICC Sydney gave fellow convention centre leaders from around the world a first-hand look at how convention centres need to be directly involved in the planning of their city if they are looking to attract key knowledge sectors .
Something that was in the planning for many years prior , through the rationalising of the State ’ s tourism and events bodies into Destination NSW and the subsequent Visitor Economy Action Plan and Task Force , which were instrumental in shaping the vision of Sydney in an increasingly competitive global events sector , according to Sandra Chipchase , CEO of Destination NSW , who spoke at the conference .
“ It was a big call for the government to make to shut down the convention centre for three years and rebuild a new one ,” she said .
“ It comes back to what do you want to be . We wanted to not only be number one in Australia but also the number one in the Asia Pacific region . We knew this was a golden opportunity to reposition Sydney . It became ‘ what does this centre need to be to shape the profile and change the future of the city ?’”
Michael Rose , chairman of the Committee of Sydney , also spoke about Sydney ’ s evolution as a city in terms of its destinational appeal and the way it does business .
“ The ICC Sydney in the way that it does things can send signals about the way the city does things ,” he said , a theme which was echoed by urbanisation expert Professor Greg Clark from the UK in his keynote session .
“ I want to talk about convention centres as part of the eco-system of urban innovation , about how cities host and convene as a key part of how cities evolve into global roles ,” he said . “ The meetings , convention and exhibition industries create visibility around the specialised edges and capabilities and competences of the city and its economy . The meetings industry adds to the connectivity of the city giving it global reach in playing those global roles . The meetings industry underpins specialisation enabling those cities to convene and host particular industries which demonstrate that ecosystem is alive and well .”
Geoff Donaghy , ICC Sydney CEO and outgoing president of AIPC , said Sydney ’ s planning vision had embraced the role business events play in its broader eco-system .
“ There is a great deal of focus now with convention centres about going beyond what is perhaps the traditional role of attracting delegates ,” he said .
“ The need to be involved and contribute to the planning of the cities they exist in and ICC Sydney has really been at the forefront of that . It ’ s not just about marketing the centre it ’ s about marketing the city , and that sense of cohesion and collaboration across all of the organisations in the city has come across very well .”
Newly elected AIPC president Aloysius Arlando said ICC Sydney ’ s recent experience in the re-invention process aligned perfectly with the challenges faced on a global scale of evolving client expectations and emerging competition in the industry .
“ To us , ‘ Transformation ’ is now an omnipresent process that enables us to respond to constant change , whether in terms of new industry demands ; discerning clients or changing international business conditions ,” he said . “ By bringing together our own experiences with those of international observers who can advise us on broader areas that will impact our ability to advance our business , we can provide members with the best possible insights for use in responding to their current challenges or their own future planning .”
24 Convention & Incentive Marketing , Issue 4 , 2017 www . cimmagazine . com