International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is counting down the months until it hosts Sibos 2018, the world’s premier financial services event, and welcomes more than 7,000 business leaders and 180 exhibitors through its doors.

Returning to Sydney after 12 years, the prestigious event will celebrate its 40th birthday with the vibrant city’s financial community.

Sibos 2018 takes place at a pivotal point in the growth of Sydney’s financial services sector, which is recognised as a global hub responsible for some of the industry’s most important trends and changes.

Taking place from 22-25 October, Sibos 2018 will see ICC Sydney become a hub of debate, networking and discussion, as exhibitors such as Barclays, J.P. Morgan, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse and Australia’s Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank and Westpac seek to engage attendees, providing insight into the future of the digital economy.

With preparations now underway, the venue is working closely with exhibitors to ensure they enjoy a seamless experience at the highly anticipated event.

Following initial briefings with partners across the globe, here are the top five things exhibitors are looking forward to at Sibos 2018.

1. An Australian odyssey

Launched in December 2016, ICC Sydney is Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment venue, custom built to cater to the future of meetings and events.

Featuring a striking contemporary design, leading technology and fully integrated multipurpose spaces, ICC Sydney will provide the quality, choice and flexibility that exhibitors require for a successful event.

Sibos 2018 will take over the entirety of the venue’s award-winning convention centre and 35,000sqm of exhibition space, internally linked and overlooking the harbour, park and city skyline, creating an exciting immersive experience for all attendees.

Guests will experience sweeping views from a 5,000sqm open-air deck, its spectacular 2,000 capacity grand ballroom – the largest of its kind in Australia – and world-class theatres, meeting rooms and event break out spaces.

A digital venue established on a 10Gbps optical fibre backbone, ICC Sydney also features the ultimate in connectivity, delivering high-speed WIFI and technical support backed by a high calibre and functional IT network hardwired into every room.

2. A truly spectacular location

Exhibitors are thrilled for Sibos 2018 to take place in Sydney.

A truly walkable city, the key sites including the Sydney Opera House, world class dining experiences and accommodation options are all easily accessible from the venue, making for a fulfilling trip for exhibitors and attendees alike.

Located in the heart of Sydney, ICC Sydney sits at the epicentre of the A$3.4 billion, 20-hectare transformation of Darling Harbour, a vibrant public domain.

Considered the ideal spot for Sibos 2018, it boasts a prime waterfront location within a dynamic dining, leisure and business precinct.

Conveniently situated on the doorstep of Sydney’s financial, creative and education districts, including the newly developed financial hub of Barangaroo, ICC Sydney will act as a key connection point for collaboration, inspiration and innovation.

3. An inspiring experience

All facets of the Sibos 2018 event will be fully customised to maximise the experience for guests and exhibitors – from a bespoke food and beverage offering to a tailored schedule of events, including Tai Chi on the open-air exhibition event deck and customised signage and displays throughout.

ICC Sydney’s award-winning Feeding Your Performance culinary philosophy will also be a highlight, with food being a major factor for exhibitors at previous events.

The ICC Sydney team will be delivering ‘smart’ menus comprising fresh, seasonal ingredients, expertly combined to drive physical and mental performance, ensuring the best possible event experience.

A host of dining options will be on offer to cater to all tastes and preferences, including sit-down menus, grab and go options, and refreshing juice bars to revitalise energy levels daily.

4. An event with purpose

Passionate about promoting sustainable event practices that benefit people and the planet, ICC Sydney’s event team is working hand-in-hand with event organisers, exhibitors and SWIFT to ensure Sibos 2018 is an environmentally sensitive event, with meaningful and measurable outcomes.

This includes promoting the consumption of Sydney’s tap water across the venue, delivered in partnership with Sydney Water.

The initiative supports a healthy and great tasting experience while minimising plastic use by providing reusable glass bottles.

To further reduce the ecological footprint of the event, ICC Sydney will look to divert 75 per cent of operational waste and 90 per cent of organic waste from the event through alternative disposal methods.

On-site recycling and off-site composting of food waste will also underpin the event’s environmental credentials, with appropriate excess food redistributed to communities in need across the city in partnership with OzHarvest.

5. Coffee culture

Australia has a stellar reputation worldwide for its coffee culture, and this is something exhibitors are absolutely looking forward to experiencing.

This will also be brought to life at the event by ICC Sydney’s award-winning in-house culinary team with a customised Sibos coffee blend, supplied by local company Delano, a boutique independent speciality roaster from Wollongong, 80km from Sydney.

Delano only source and roast sustainable and ethically certified coffees that are speciality grade.

Their roasting facilities are ACO Organic Certified, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Fairtrade Certified, & HACCP Certified, and utilise low-emission & Cropster controlled precision roasting technologies.

ICC Sydney and its barristers are set to provide a smooth but robust flavour profile for Sibos coffee lovers who are expected to consume up to 1,000 coffees per day.

Delegates won’t need to walk far to find excellent coffee, served up by some of Sydney’s most experienced baristas with the specially crafted brew available from café experiences and exhibitor stands situated conveniently throughout the venue.