ICC Sydney spotlights its sustainable solutions activation for ReGen Expo 2025

The ReGen Expo 2025 - held at ICC Sydney’s renowned Exhibition Centre - brought together innovation, collaboration, and climate-conscious action.

Key Statistics

• A 100% sustainable kiosk (no single use plastics).

• Sustainable supplier ‘Huskee’ provided 4,200 reusable cups for kiosk and pop-up restaurant (with 1,950 total cups used).

• Three plumbed water stations on the show floor to encourage refillable bottles.

• Cocktail reception provided 75% vegetarian and vegan canapé options. ICC Sydney supported pre-event and signage communications with sustainability messaging. 

• Activation of ICC Sydney’s Environmental Sustainability Legacy Program stream.

• ICC Sydney CSR Manager invited to co-judge Sustainable Exhibitor Awards.

• Introduction of the inaugural ReGen Sustainable Exhibitor Awards to proactively encourage our exhibitors to exhibit sustainably.

• Engagement of the next generation of sustainability professionals through the Innovation Zone on the show floor and the Pitch Fest within the speaker program, sponsored by Coles and supported by Boomerang Labs.

• Trialled innovative new shell scheme design in collaboration with exhibition contractor, constructed out of 100% recycled and recyclable materials.

• No aisle carpet used to reduce carbon associated with transportation miles.

As the official partner of the ReGen Expo 2025, ICC Sydney provided tailored, sustainable solutions and the expertise of its award winning event professionals to support the success of the expo.

Diversified Communications engaged with ICC Sydney’s Legacy Program and collaborated with the ICC Sydney team to deliver a range of initiatives aimed at–helping to significantly reduce Regen Expo’s environmental footprint. Employing a wealth of sustainability initiatives, including innovative waste management strategies, incentives for sustainable exhibition stands, lower-carbon menu options, energy-efficient practices and post event waste and sustainability reporting, the collaboration has set a new standard for sustainable exhibitions.  

Elimination of Single Use Plastics
ICC Sydney’s culinary team partnered with the event organiser to deliver a lower carbon menu that featured a higher proportion of vegetarian and vegan options during the events cocktail reception. Huskee reusable coffee cups were also introduced at kiosk outlets, washed offsite and returned for reuse, therefore eliminating the need for single-use coffee cups. In line with the venue’s broader commitment to sustainability, plastic bottles and disposable packaging were also eliminated, and food was served using environmentally preferred alternatives. Three plumbed water stations were additionally installed on the exhibition floor, helping reduce reliance on plastic bottled water. 

Comprehensive Services
ReGen Expo 2025 activated ICC Sydney’s suite of sustainable services. ICC Sydney's Legacy Program Environmental Sustainability stream was activated with the organiser directly collaborating with ICC Sydney’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager to divert exhibition waste, donate to community groups, and reduce contamination of waste streams. Post-event, ICC Sydney provided organisers with sustainability reporting that included waste, energy, and water metrics, enabling clear benchmarking and supporting Diversified Communications’ long-term sustainability planning. A typical trade show can generate 20.4 kg/m2.1 (The event was reported to have diverted 74.4% of waste from landfill and produced about 5% of the total waste of the average trade show.

Professional Expertise and Social Impact 
The venue’s commitment to creating meaningful impact extended to community and industry engagement. As part of the event’s circularity goals, ICC Sydney offered a goods donation program, that the organiser highlighted through the exhibitor manual and online exhibitor briefing.

In addition, ICC Sydney’s highly skilled professionals contributed their expertise to the ReGen Circular/Sustainable Exhibitor Awards, with the venue’s CSR Manager serving on the judging panel. The awards celebrated exhibitors who demonstrated leadership in sustainable stand design and circular practices, further elevating the event’s industry impact with Resource Marketplace selected as the overall winner of the 2025 Regen Expo Sustainable Exhibitor Award. 

Ali Lawes, Regen Expo Event Director/Commercial Product Manager, Diversified Communications noted “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.”

Adam Mather-Brown, Chief Executive ICC Sydney  added “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.” 

To find out more about ICC Sydney’s Legacy Program or Corporate Social Responsibility practices, visit CSR Corporate Social Responsibility - ICC Sydney