ICC Sydney highlight innovation and agility are imperative to event delivery

Notwithstanding the additional obstacles presented to the event industry with the current COVID circumstances, the stringent health and safety processes in place at ICC Sydney, coupled with their team’s technological and audio-visual services, have ensured they remain able to deliver important messages and events.

ICC Sydney’s existing virtual event and broadcast spaces have been expanded in response to event organisers’ need to continue to meet and stage events during this heavily restricted period.

The broadened facilities, known as ICC Sydney Studios, encompass three purpose built virtual event spaces where event organisers and presenters can make full use of ICC Sydney's quality recording, live streaming and digital solutions — all supported by a passionate team and their ICC Sydney Connect customisable event platform.

Self-managed Wi-Fi services were recently refined at ICC Sydney. For the last five years, ICC Sydney has provided clients, exhibitors and visitors access to high-quality internet services both via Wi-Fi and cabled services. ICC Sydney have now enhanced the Wi-Fi platform to allow the choice between Complimentary Wi-Fi and Premium Wi-Fi, which can be upgraded directly via the new self-service platform.

ICC Sydney Chief Executive, Geoff Donaghy notes “while for the majority of us, meeting in-person remains our priority, there are events that must proceed despite the conditions. One leading example of technological agility in action was ICC Sydney’s swift conversion of the leading event from peak medical body, The Royal College of Pathologists Australasia (RCPA) Pathology Update 2021, a group which plays a vital role in the nation’s healthcare system and response to managing the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging infectious diseases, to be completely virtual using ICC Sydney’s Connect platform and the in-house experience of our team.

“Within a 48 hour period, ICC Sydney set in motion the digital event scenario that was built into early event plans to activate a seamless transition of the Pathology Update from a hybrid event, complete with keynote speakers, workshops, breakout sessions and exhibition content, to a 100% virtual experience.”

Innovative contactless solutions have been embedded into ICC Sydney EventSafe (COVID safety) protocols over the last year, providing contactless payments solutions in all retail outlets and the car parks. Touchless sanitisation stations are available throughout the venue, and contactless faucets are available in dedicated toilet facilities. Together these tech advancements reduce unnecessary touchpoints within the venue and help to stop the spread of COVID-19.

QR Codes are installed at every entrance to ICC Sydney and are the tool of choice to help NSW Health capture essential data to assist contact tracing efforts.

Donaghy highlights that ICC Sydney recently leveraged the convenience and capability of QR Codes to enhance their level of service in the Aware Super Theatre Members Lounge and the American Express Lounge at Aware Super Theatre noting “in this way, Aware Super Theatre is one of the first entertainment venues to introduce QR code services allowing visitors to order food and beverages from the comfort of their tables within the lounges.”

Donaghy adds “Prior to recent restrictions, in person events were returning in greater frequency and larger scale and it is expected they will continue to do so as we emerge further from the crisis.  It was wonderful to see the strength of our partnerships with our clients as we reflect on successfully delivered events including Stand Tall which our team hosted for the fifth consecutive year for our long standing charity partner. Many of our team members contributed their time to volunteering to facilitate the hybrid event that resulted in bringing together 6,000 secondary students in person and 100,000 joining online, inspiring them to build hope for the future.

“Day-by-day we are heading towards our recovery and working together to create a better and more connected tomorrow. Thank you for your collaboration and partnership in this process.”