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ICC Sydney Recognised for Pioneering Sustainable Operations

06 Jun 2019

A new global report and online database released by UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – reviewing the industry’s contribution to sustainable development, has recognised International Convention Centre Sydney’s (ICC Sydney) for its exemplary practice.

Launched to track progressive initiatives and projects in the exhibitions business in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN), 20 global submissions were accepted including three from ICC Sydney – the most of any venue.

Here, ICC Sydney was mentioned for translating the UN’s goals into actions through its Feeding Your Performance culinary program, which strives to feed the performance of ICC Sydney delegates and visitors, team members, and the local economy, through a unique New South Wales-focused supply chain.

ICC Sydney was equally acknowledged for launching the first Reconciliation Action Plan in an Australian convention centre to celebrate Australia’s First Nations people, alongside the launch of its industry-first Legacy Program, which actively enriches visitor experiences while delivering lasting impacts for Sydney’s vibrant community, long after events conclude.

ICC Sydney CEO, Geoff Donaghy said ICC Sydney welcomes the launch of the new resource as a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable future.

“The exhibition industry has an exceptionally large value chain of suppliers and partners. It’s incredibly important that we work together to proactively deliver a meaningful collective impact – from purchasing from local suppliers to reducing single-use plastics and forming important partnerships so that the community around us can thrive.

“Operating sustainably underpins our entire business model and we are exceptionally proud to have our work in the community recognised as best practice.

“We look forward to working with UFI and our global colleagues to continue demonstrating leadership through actions, tracking our impact across all sectors of the business and our supply chain.”

The resource is the first of its kind and aims to showcase work by exhibition organisers, venues, and service providers alike to inspire others to launch projects under the United Nations framework scheme.

To read the report “The Exhibition Industry and the UN SDGs: Connecting People, Multiplying Impact” in full, visit www.ufi.org/unsdg.