The Luncheon comes two years after COVID-19 shut down in person events, marking a new milestone in the industry’s ongoing recovery.
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), welcomed 1,400 guests into its Grand Ballroom to celebrate the annual Lansdowne Club St. Patrick’s Day lunch last week, restriction free for the first time since March 2020.
The sold-out event marked a milestone in the recovery of Australia’s business events industry following the devastating impacts of COVID-19. The lunch was the last in person event held at the venue two years ago prior to restrictions imposed by the NSW Ministry of Health which triggered the cancellation of large, and subsequently nearly all, in person events intermittently over two years – devastating Australia’s event industry.
While the lunch went ahead in 2021, guests attending enjoyed a restriction-free celebration for the first time in two years. This included a three course Irish-inspired menu, traditional dancing, music, comedy, an infamous raffle and the ease of in person networking – all planned and delivered to a world class standard by ICC Sydney’s team.
The event reflects growing demand for in person events as well as the momentum building behind the recovery of Australia’s business events industry. Prior to COVID-19, the sector generated $36 billion annually for the national economy, delivering flow-on benefits to local businesses, tourism, hospitality and the many workers who are reliant on the success of the industry. In FY20/21 ICC Sydney’s economic contribution to the broader economy was just 10% of a usual year due to COVID-19 – down from $900m to $80m annually.
Commenting on the successful event, Geoff Donaghy, ICC Sydney CEO, said, “ICC Sydney couldn’t be more pleased to welcome back the Lansdowne St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon, restriction free. After the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s business events industry, this was a real celebration and big milestone towards the recovery and widespread return of in person events”.
He continued, “While ICC Sydney continued to operate throughout the last two years, navigating lockdowns, restrictions and border closures, it has been extremely challenging. However, I couldn’t be more proud of our world class team which used this time to raise the bar. We have developed new products, enhanced our services and built our skills, to deliver even more exceptional events into 2022 and beyond. The Lansdowne Club lunch is just one example of the team doing what they do best”.
David O’Leary, Chairman at the Lansdowne Club, said, “We’re delighted to be able to once again present the St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at ICC Sydney for the sixth consecutive year – this time free of the weight of restrictions. The venue provided a premium experience, quality food and beverage service and their experienced team ensured 1,400 of our members from Irish and Australian community in attendance in ICC Sydney’s Grand Ballroom, had the opportunity to build industry connections, network with quality businesses, be entertained and make new friends.”
Like the sold-out Lansdowne Club St. Patrick’s Day lunch, event bookings and enquiries across the board are resurging. Demand is up as event restrictions are removed and international and state borders have opened up, restoring national and international confidence in the Australian events market.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
