International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has launched what it’s claiming to be a convention industry first: a hybrid onsite and virtual event solution.
The dual product will allow clients to host more than 300 people at the venue in accordance with strict social distancing measures, while also live streaming to an unlimited number of remote attendees.
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, ICC Sydney developed a virtual events service which has seen the venue host multiple world-class gatherings over the past three months, including the Meetings and Events Australia 2019 National Awards and Stand Tall 2020 – Australia’s largest youth event, which was streamed to more than 40,000 students.
As COVID-19 restrictions are progressively rolled back, ICC Sydney said its Hybrid Event Solutions is the next step in getting the events industry back on track.
The organisation said it will be an ongoing suite of products available to clients, reflecting the merging of technology with live experiences needed for the current and post-pandemic era.
To deliver the dual model, ICC Sydney has applied cutting-edge technology into its new hybrid spaces, including projection screens, entertainment lighting and PA systems.
This set-up will allow both attendees in the rooms and guests located remotely to have the same high-quality event experience, according to the organisation
ICC Sydney chief executive Geoff Donaghy said: “COVID-19 has meant that as a business we have had to change the way we meet the needs of clients.
“Our skilled team was quick to initially put in place a format that allowed us to continue to deliver extraordinary events online.
“We have now evolved this into a world-class hybrid solution which enables us to transition back to in-person gatherings while giving clients greater choice in the longer term.”
