New ICC Sydney exhibition venue will see split-level show from next year.
Exhibitors at this year’s Sydney International Boat show were given a taste of what to expect next year with the Boating Industry Association (BIA) presenting a display of plans and images of the new ICC Sydney venue.
The most notable change from next year when the show moves back to Darling Harbour is that it will occupy two separate floors of exhibition space as well as an elevated outdoor area called the Event Deck.
Level 1 of the venue comprises over 19,000 square metres of exhibition space across four halls accessed via an undercover loading dock with the capacity to hold up to 19 semi-trailers at the same time. Visitors to the show will enter via Level 2 and then descend to the exhibition space below.
In addition, there will be a further 13,560 square metres of exhibition space across three halls on Level 4 of the building. For exhibitors, these halls are accessed via an elevated one-way loading dock which can hold up to eight semi-trailers at once.
This level also features the 5,000 square metre open air Event Deck which can be used for a variety of activities and exhibits.
The BIA has not indicated yet how the exhibition will be split between the two levels or what types of exhibit will appear on each floor. Each level has the same load-carrying capacity although the upper level will be column-free.
In the lead-up to the boat show, the industry conference Marine17 will be held in the adjoining convention centre which is also equipped to host a shell-scheme trade show for B2B exhibitors.
The newly-developed precinct due to open later this year will also include three theatres and Australia’s largest ballroom with room to seat more than 2,000 guests.