Dealing with the now and preparing for the future
Geoff Donaghy
Previously CEO ICC Sydney & Group Director Convention Centres ASM Global (Asia Pacific) No longer engaged fulltime but still an interested industry observer
Colleagues and friends across the events industry have been feeling the rapid and harsh impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 for over a month now. This week in Australia we had to deal with the hard reality of indoor events for over 100 people being shut down as part of the progressive measures taken by our Federal Government to protect Australian people this time.
We now find ourselves in a situation where venues, including ICC Sydney, are no longer able to deliver nearly any events. This is, quite simply, an unprecedented situation.
However, amongst the uncertainty there is one certainty; this will end. When it does, our industry leaders have a responsibility to our clients, employees and communities to be ready, and emerge as a healthy and thriving industry.
So, while we deal with the situation at hand, we must also have one foot in the future. This is why at ICC Sydney we have put in place measures to take care of our people and support the wider industry today and tomorrow.
Taking care of our extraordinary team
Our team at ICC Sydney is our number one asset. Without these people’s hard work and professionalism ICC Sydney could not put on world class events. They are also critical to our recovery, so our top priority from day one of this crisis has been to protect them.
This is why we have moved permanent team members into different locations and duties across the business. We have also put in place all recommended measures to help keep them safe at this time.
A voice for the industry
ICC Sydney has been working closely with industry representative bodies, particularly our peak national body the Business Events Council of Australia. I have been providing input on lobbying and submissions to the Federal Government for ongoing support and an appropriate focus on recovery.
Going digital
ICC Sydney has adapted to the situation to continue to deliver events. We have set up audio visual services so clients can connect with their audiences through online technologies. These include live or recorded web streaming, remote presentations, video conferencing and a broadcast studio. This service has already been used with great success by the Committee for Sydney earlier this week.
Not losing sight of the future
I will not downplay the impact of a pandemic and economic downturn on Australia’s events industry. This means that it has never been more critical to focus on the future. Undertaking planning and readiness post-crisis must not be neglected. The events industry, and ICC Sydney as part of this, will be at the forefront of local and national economic recovery; we must ensure we are ready for that moment.
Chair Australian War Widows Queensland (AWWQ), Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Queensland Chapter Chair/National Director and Chair Aquatic Paradise Moorings Limited
5yWell said Geoff. A lot of work to be done now and as we work through all of this. Considerable damage will need a well considered repair strategy.
Senior Logistics Manager
5yWell done Geoff, great forward thinking and respect for your staff
Global Visitor Economy Specialist
5yWell said Geoff Donaghy
Strategic Consultant • Emcee & Facilitator • AI & Venue Training for the Events Industry
5yThanks for sharing Geoff. Rebuilding confidence in the power of face to face meetings will paramount to reenergising our sector. I have no doubts as so many across the world go through isolation, the need to re-connect when we come out the other side will more powerful than ever.
Business Leader | Technology Innovator | APAC Digital Solutions Leader
5yI feel for your people and business at this time Geoff. I’m still coming to grips with the enormity of the disruption. Wishing you and your team all the best over the coming months.