But beyond the venue itself, ICC Sydney
is part of broader investment in Sydney’s
CBD, with a whole of city approach looking
to attract more big international meetings.
“It is imperative that convention centres
and the broader city organisations work
together so that they can continue to
attract international conventions and
exhibitions to their shores,” he says. “You
need to create a seamless experience, from
the moment your delegates arrive at the
host city to the second they leave.”
Adelaide Convention Centre is also
in the final stages of its $400 million
transformation that is another piece in the
massive revamp of the Riverside Precinct.
A pioneer in increasing public engagement,
chief executive Alec Gilbert says that they
have a responsibility to continually educate
the public and community about the role
the Centre plays “economically, socially
and culturally”.
“Opening up the Centre for more public events
(our own and others) and creating community
partnerships to bring in a wider audience have
assisted in helping to change perceptions of
the Centre and what we do,” he says.
That increase in public awareness on the role
For all your event requirements, contact us today
12 Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 7, 2016 www.cimmagazine.com
convention centres play in the broader social
and economic picture coincides with a rapidly
evolving industry.
“The conference industry continues to evolve
with technologies changing quicker than at any
time in the industry’s history,” says Gilbert.
“The nature and configuration of conferences
is also changing with a general trend towards
smaller but more frequent conferences or
business meetings. Also, organisers want the
ability to quickly reconfigure space during a
conference and this is leading to convention
centres being designed to be much more
flexible and adaptable.