International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has activated its Audio Visual (AV) Graduate Program for the fifth time with seven recruits – the highest ever number of audio visual professionals joining the venue’s ranks following completion of their tertiary education courses.
Part of a comprehensive series of learning opportunities at ICC Sydney, the program provides unparalleled vocational training and development opportunities for emerging technical professionals and access to industry leading equipment following the venue’s continuous investment and inventory upgrades.
ICC Sydney CEO and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy said the program provided candidates with a fast-tracked gateway into the dynamic world of events as they gain experience working in a world class venue under the direction of award-winning industry leaders and professionals.
“In step with trending attendee expectations for human-centric event technology outlined in our RESPECT: Shaping Events for Success report, ICC Sydney is committed to creating innovative events that connect with audiences of today and into the future.
“Our AV graduates play a pivotal role in this – they gain invaluable experience delivering exciting events to best practice, grow their careers as they are mentored by seasoned AV professionals – while helping us to future proof events of tomorrow,” Mr Donaghy said.
ICC Sydney Director of Audio Visual Services, Brian Nash said that previous AV professional development programs had nurtured a total of 29 AV professionals (including 38% female and 3% non-binary participants) – driving beneficial legacies for both the candidates and the venue team alike.
“We’re delighted to kick start ICC Sydney’s 2024 AV Graduate Program with our highest ever number of recruits. Our program is a proven pathway for candidates to experience delivering a diverse calendar of creative and complex events, developing their in-demand skills, all while working towards potential employment opportunities through the program that has retained 100% of past graduates, progressing them through to casual and permanent roles,” Mr Nash said.
New recruit Alexia Testa said of her selection, “The ICC Sydney AV Graduate Program is well-known in the AV industry as the best entry-level professional development programs in the country. I’m looking forward to absorbing all the knowledge the team shares with me and grasping opportunities ahead as I work within each discipline of the AV department,” she said.
Through the year-long initiative, the graduates are exposed to hundreds of international, national and local business and entertainment events – from conventions, exhibitions, banquets to concerts – working across all areas of ICC Sydney’s leading AV and production services spanning audio, lighting, vision, rigging, staging and digital event solutions.
As an employer of choice, ICC Sydney invests in the professional development of its team members who are able to participate in more than 3,000 courses delivered through ASM Global’s Academy of Extraordinary, and in conjunction with external providers such as the Australian Institute of Management, International Association of Convention Centres, American Chamber of Commerce Global Leadership Academy and the Venue Management Association.
