Samantha Glass, director of corporate Affairs, communication and Sustainability, ICC Sydney, offers several ideas on how to create positive legacies that extend the life of a business event, while driving social impacts into the destination host community
Connect with community partners to embed cultural experiences unique to place into events
Residing on Gadigal Country on the shores of Sydney’s harbour in a place where First Nations communities have gathered for centuries to share stories and experiences, ICC Sydney’s team offers opportunities to activate sustainable, inclusive and accessible event practices that leave a lasting and positive legacy for the community in which it operates.
Through ICC Sydney’s Legacy Program, event organisers can open their events with an Acknowledgement or Welcome to Country, connect with Country through a Smoking Ceremony, inspire attendees with a live cultural performance, incorporate indigenous ingredients into the menu, discover the ancient heritage of the local area with Aunty Margret Campbell, discover a First Nations businesses to supply event needs and engage First Nations artists to create artwork and graphic design elements.
Choose a venue that priorities sustainable event practices
To understand the carbon footprint of an event, organisers can request venues to assist with reporting metrics such as waste, water and energy if they wish to undertake post-event sustainability reporting.
ICC Sydney has supported many local and international associations and businesses to meet their CSR objectives through events. For example, the International Council on Monuments and Sites General Assembly partnered with EarthCheck to undertake its EventCheck assessment, reviewing the carbon footprint of the event. Aligning with ICC Sydney, the venue emissions accounted for just five per cent of total event emissions, an impressively minimal impact due to the venue’s existing sustainable infrastructure and operations.
Swapping out certain items with a ‘greener’ alternative need not be a more expensive endeavour either. By making more informed decisions around F&B, organisers can actively reduce food waste. ICC Sydney’s culinary team has worked hard to curate a menu with many carbon-friendly options itemised. This takes the guesswork out of a greener menu design.
Strengthen the local community through social impact strategies
Organisers can also drive the social impact of events by connecting to community partners and charities that are as dedicated to making a difference.
A unique way that ICC Sydney’s supports the local community is through edible centrepieces which are an innovative, community-driven service that drives support for the residents at Matthew Talbot Hostel, a service caring for men experiencing homelessness run by the St. Vincent De Paul Society New South Wales.
With 7.3 million tonnes of food waste ending up in Australia’s landfill each year, ICC Sydney’s edible centrepieces initiative reduces waste but helps give back to those most in need. Edible centrepieces allow clients to replace floral arrangements with table centrepieces created from seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs, sourced from the venue’s New South Wales-based network of suppliers. These unique arrangements can be displayed in complimentary recycled vases.
Post-event, the ICC Sydney Culinary Services team uses the produce to donate nutritious meals and last year, edible centrepieces selected by ICC Sydney’s clients provided 480 meals for people in need.
Organisers can donate leftover event materials to ICC Sydney’s list of charity partners, including Youth Off The Streets, an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people and families; Pyrmont Cares, which supports people in need with furniture; Variety, a charity that supports disadvantaged children; or St Vincent de Paul – that supports the homeless.
Spark productivity and innovation by fostering connections for the next generation
Event organisers are encouraged to include the next generation of professionals at events.
For example, ICC Sydney has established connections with the local academic and startup ecosystem and can foster the inclusion of students and emerging leaders from technology, finance and healthcare industries and specialities. Backed by their research delivered with McCrindle, it is clear that Gen Z is twice as likely to volunteer than Baby Boomers, and event organisers can inspire Gen Z through volunteering, education and networking opportunities.
To tap into the rich and diverse startup ecosystem in Sydney, ICC Sydney’s partners at the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship, Sydney Startup Hub, UTS Startups and New South Wales Tech Central can help inject greater creative inspiration, transformational opportunities, problem-solving, and insights into events.
Create accessible events where everyone can experience a sense of belonging
Beyond ramps and accessible facilities in the venue, it is the personal touch that makes all the difference. Whether it is a warm welcome no matter your gender or nationality, an understanding of how busy environments can impact neurodivergent guests, or just making sure that a vegetarian meal is as delicious and well presented as other proteins, event organisers can create inclusion for delegates. After all, everyone benefits from diverse participation in events. It allows for greater exploration of industry intelligence, more robust discussion and better decision-making.
Elevate your event by including emerging local musicians and creative talent
Young creatives today face a landscape fraught with challenges, from the rapid rise of AI to the streaming revolution that often undervalues their work. It is essential to recognise these hurdles, as they can stifle innovation and passion.
Including local musicians and artists at in-person events enriches our society by fostering creativity, enhancing cultural understanding, and driving community cohesion.
