International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has launched its Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide, providing guidance and resources for event planners to activate welcoming events that cater for everyone.
From an inventory of physical accessibility features at the venue, to advice on creating a welcoming experience for people of all abilities, the guide delivers on ICC Sydney’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and exemplifies its broader mission to provide accessible, equitable and inclusive events, delivered by its diverse and experienced workforce.
Critically, the new guide for event organisers complements the information and services provided to venue delegates and patrons via an accessible format on ICC Sydney’s website. The guide supports planners to create inclusive events while leveraging the venue’s excellent customer experience and sustainability services to ensure events are welcoming and supportive of all visitors, while leaving a positive social impact.
CEO of ICC Sydney and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy said the venue’s passionate team, new toolkit for clients and accessible environment supported Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment centre to be inclusive for all.
“At ICC Sydney, our ambition to be More Than A Venue carries through to our diversity, accessibility and inclusion approach. Attendees of every walk of life have the right to feel respected and valued, and we recognise the powerful role our customer service plays in this.
“Our aspiration to create the most accessible and inclusive environment for events means that every visitor feels welcome and can participate — and our new Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide, corporate culture and state of the art amenities support event organisers to deliver this,” Mr Donaghy said.
Australia’s largest disability related event – Sydney Disability Connection Expo, Founder River Night said the Expo was ready to resume its place as the best attended and most inclusive event in Australia.
“The support from the whole team at ICC Sydney has been exemplary. From event management services to logistics and exhibitor services, the venue team has been a real contributor in the successful planning of the most accessible and inclusive Sydney Disability Connection Expo. We look forward to providing an unparalleled platform for visitors to engage with disability service providers at this exceptional event,” Mr Night said.
ICC Sydney Director of Human Resources, Luke Fleming said: “ICC Sydney’s ability to deliver extraordinary event experiences is grounded in our diverse and inclusive workplace. Our diversity strategy is aligned with the ASM Global ACTS framework and spans five key focus areas: Able @ Work, First Nations, Generation Success, LGBTQIA+, New Australians and Parents and Carers.
“As an employer of choice, we strive for visibility across these areas in our workforce and this in turn has ensured the successful delivery of events including the recent Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference, Premier’s Gala Concerts for Seniors and the Source Kids Disability Expo,” Mr Fleming said.
With 1.3 billion people worldwide experiencing disability today, and one in five Australians, ICC Sydney is committed to driving accessibility. On par with the broader Australian population according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 census data, approximately 5.5% of all visitors to ICC Sydney’s live entertainment events require increased accessibility provisions.
Across ICC Sydney venues, physical amenities include:
- Low gradient, step free access across all three interconnected venues: Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre and Aware Super Theatre
- Sensory-friendly rooms
- Accessible toilets
- A fully fitted changing place
- Wheelchair accessible parenting rooms
- Prayer rooms
- Induction loop hearing augmentation syste
- Braille on room door signage
- Fixed directional signage throughout
- Accessible parking.
