Food for thought

With its Feeding Your Performance program, ICC Sydney is creating a legacy for local farmers, growers and winemakers, as well as giving guests a taste of the state’s best local produce.

When you host a convention, exhibition or event at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), you’re booking more than a venue. ICC Sydney fosters authentic connections between visitors and the people of NSW. One way is through its Legacy Program, which is designed to foster knowledge exchange, collaboration and engagement across four key streams – Innovators, First Nations, Sustainable Events and Generation Next. Dedicated initiatives include direct exposure to Sydney’s network of entrepreneurs and startups to supporting the local economy through a food and beverage program with a NSW-focused supply chain. Here’s how the latter option, called Feeding Your Performance, is making a difference (so you can, too).

Contribute to economic development in regional NSW ICC Sydney has contributed around $8.28 million to the state’s economy through its annual food and wine purchases alone, with $4.3 million of that going directly to NSW food and beverage producers. When you choose Feeding Your Performance for your conference at ICC Sydney, small growers and makers like Printhie Wines in the NSW Central West and Westview Limes on the Mid North Coast are able to showcase their products in restaurant quality meals served to guests. That support leads to income, growth and jobs. “The stability given to a farmer because they have guaranteed business, payment and employment is a powerful way in which convention centres and cities more broadly can make a positive contribution to regional areas,” says ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy.

Focus on environmental sustainability

Helping regional producers is only part of the story – it’s also about environmental sustainability. Smart design strategies have been incorporated into the centre’s architecture to responsibly manage energy, waste and water. Usable food from events is redistributed to local communities in need thanks to an ongoing partnership with OzHarvest and waste is broken down into compost. A partnership with Sydney Water means tap water is served in reusable glass bottles. By not using plastic, ICC Sydney has prevented an estimated one million bottles from becoming landfill.

Showcase local produce to an international audience

With 86 per cent of the wines served at ICC Sydney coming from the NSW region, along with partnerships with dozens of food producers statewide, the Feeding Your Performance program is an exceptional way to give your guests a transformative Australian food and wine experience that they will remember long after your event is over. It’s about celebrating our outstanding regional produce – and the people who make it.