Industry immersion ICC Sydney excursion for PG Event students

A private site visit of the iconic Sydney International Convention Centre (ICC), coupled with the opportunity to be a part of the Naturally Good Trade Expo, was an exercise in invaluable industry immersion for ICMS postgraduate event management students.

The ICMS Master of Event Management students, specialising in Business & Association Event Management and Sustainable Best Practice for Events, visited the ICC Sydney at Darling Harbour on 5 June under the guidance of ICMS Learning, Teaching and Innovation Manager Katrina Denoux.

The group were greeted by senior ICC department team members and received an insider’s perspective on event planning, government and association events, community and workplace culture, human resources, and sustainability innovation.

The students’ private site visit culminated in their participation in the Naturally Good Trade Expo, a sustainable business event held at the ICC’s Exhibition Halls.

Insights and Real-World Immersions

Throughout their visit, ICMS students had the privilege of learning from industry professionals who shared their expertise and experiences. The following ICC senior department team members provided invaluable insights:

• Gabriella Alberici – Senior Manager, Business Development, ICC
• Nicole Crozier – Senior Manager, Event Planning, ICC
• Jess Zickar – Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, ICC
• Jack Dunn – Advisor, Human Resources Business Partnering, ICC

By interacting with these professionals, the students gained practical knowledge about various aspects of event management, including event planning, business development, audio-visual technology, human resources, and corporate social responsibility.

ICC Spaces Explored

During the site visit, the ICMS students had the opportunity to explore some of the ICC’s most remarkable spaces, each designed to host diverse events and cater to specific needs. The spaces visited included:

• Grand Ballroom
• Darling Harbour Theatre
• Cockle Bay and C3 meeting rooms
• Exhibition Halls

By touring these areas, the students were able to visualise the possibilities and understand the versatility of the venue in accommodating a wide range of events, from large-scale conferences to intimate gatherings.

Naturally Good Trade Expo: A Sustainable Business Event

The site visit concluded with a visit to the Exhibition Halls where students participated in the Naturally Good Trade Expo.

By attending this innovative event, hosted at one of the world’s premier event venues, the ICMS students were able to immerse themselves in the themes of sustainability, wellbeing, and the experience economy.

Best Practice in Sustainability

The excursion also provided the students with exemplary instances of best practice in sustainability across the Australian event industry’s three key areas: environmental, socio-cultural, and governance.

The ICC’s commitment to sustainability and its integration into all aspects of event management served as a model for the students, showcasing the importance of incorporating sustainable practices into future events.

Observing Respect and Reconciliation in the Event Space

The students observed how ICC Sydney embraces indigenous traditions within many aspects, including the use of native flora and artworks for theming and catering and smoking ceremonies to commence events.

Throughout the whole venue and delivery of events there is Acknowledgement of Country, where ICC Sydney acknowledges that the venue stands and operates on Tumbalong, the land of the Gadigal clan of the Eora Nation.

It was beneficial for the students to witness the spirit of reconciliation and demonstration of respect for the traditional laws, customs, cultures and country of the First Nations of this land that ICC Sydney showed for the traditional custodians of Gadigal Country, and respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

This practice aligns with ICMS’ values as an Australian higher education institution.

Connecting practical on-site experiences with theoretical knowledge

Equipped with these real-world immersions and examples of best practice, the students are well-prepared to make a positive impact on the event industry by incorporating sustainability and innovation into their future endeavours.

The ICC site visit and experience at the Naturally Good Trade Expo helps students deepen their understanding and knowledge of the subjects that form part of their ICMS Master of Event Management degree. The course includes subjects such as:

• Sustainable Best Practice for Events (EVT804)

The introduction in 2012 of an International Standard for an Event Sustainability Management System – ISO 20121, has provided a guide to support event managers to minimise their environmental impact. This subject will use the standard as a framework for students to understand, plan, execute and evaluate sustainable best practice for events.

• Impacts and Strategic Planning of International Events (EVT603)

The aim of this subject is to analyse the economic, social, political, environmental and goodwill impacts of events with international outcomes. These include mega events, franchised events, touring events and local events attracting international attendance. The strategic planning processes used to create, develop, attract and assess these events is analysed.

• Event Innovation, Technology and Design (EVT805)

Events are a core part of how cities and towns communicate their brand attributes, they are a key part of destination marketing. In order to attract private and public sector investment, events require a solid business case based on critical and objective assessments. This subject provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare such a business case for an event.

• Event Operations and Quality Management (EVT806)

This subject aims to give students an understanding of the system of event operations, the combination of existing operations of the site or venue and the operational elements brought in for the event. The operations of the event are the support structure for the staging or production and must be of quality expected by the customers and the stakeholders.

To find out more about the ICMS Master of Event Management, click here.