The launch signals the readiness of Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment centre to recommence running events, pending the further rollback of Federal and State restrictions. The shutdown of business events due to COVID-19 is estimated to have cost Australia’s economy in excess of $35 billion over 12 months.
The comprehensive set of protocols spans 16 key areas of event management, including the customer journey, environmental hygiene, food service, technology and equipment, employees and public awareness, and covers meetings, conferences, exhibitions, live events and internal operations.
It integrates best practice from parent group ASM Global’s soon to be launched VenueShield – a program of the most advanced hygienic safeguards, informed by public health authorities, medical and industry experts – which will be deployed in ASM Global’s 325 worldwide facilities.
The framework also operates within the safety protocols of Safe Work Australia’s Codes of Practice, which underpins how ICC Sydney works under the Work Health Safety law and, more recently, the COVID-19 Safe Workplace Principles.
The plan further draws on ICC Sydney’s work with national and international industry bodies, to develop industrywide protocols in response to COVID-19. These have been evolved into a venue specific framework, which responds to the need of clients for a level of detail that will allow them to confidently start planning future events.