The Boathouse Rose Bay, SydneyCredit: The Boathouse Group
The Boathouse Group has launched The Boathouse Rose Bay, a glamorous harbourside restaurant and kiosk on the Rose Bay Marina.
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NEW STAYS
Country chic
After a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, five-star Powerhouse Tamworth by Rydges has renamed their Powerhouse King Suite 131 the ‘Slim Dusty Suite’ in honour of the country music legend’s annual visits to the room for more than 30 years.
Camp with the animals
Mogo Wildlife Park, south of Batemans Bay, has opened up their zoo grounds overnight to guests with an all-inclusive camping experience. Tents, beds, meals, live music by the campfire, plus a group animal encounter and giraffe feeding experience, are all included in this unique stay.
NEW FOOD AND DRINK
The Boathouse travels East
The Boathouse Group has added another dining space to its list of venues, launching The Boathouse Rose Bay, a glamorous harbourside restaurant and kiosk on the Rose Bay Marina.
Reclaimed refreshments
Pioneering sustainable bar RE- has opened in the new South Eveleigh precinct. The inspirational new venue by Matt Whiley (Scout) and Maurice Terzini (Bondi’s Icebergs Dining Room & Bar and CicciaBella) features a cocktail menu built on diverted waste and recycled design elements.
Rustic renewal
One of NSW’s oldest pubs, The Royal Richmond Hotel in Sydney's north-west, has had a multi-million-dollar transformation, featuring a bright new bistro utilising Hawkesbury produce in its modern country-style menu. It’s the perfect pitstop on the way to the Blue Mountains or Hawkesbury region.
Four-level feast
Circular Quay’s newest dining experience Hinchcliff House encompasses four new venues in a refurbished heritage wool store: all-day Italian diner Grana on the ground floor, lively restaurant Lana on the first floor, basement cocktail den Apollonia, and Hinchcliff House Events on the top floor.
Taste the Canberra District
A new cellar door has arrived at Sapling Yard Wines in the Canberra District. Guests can try their award-winning cool climate wines alongside specially curated cheese platters at the new Bungendore venue.
Gourmet guide
More than 30 South Coast food artisans are on the map of the new Gourmet Coast Trail, a guide from Batemans Bay to Eden. The trail leads to local delicacies such as truffles from Gulaga Gold, tomatoes from Mountain View and wine at Breakfast Creek.
Birch in Orange
Award-winning Southern Highlands eatery Birch Restaurant will be popping up in Orange 22-25 July to host a series of exclusive events with local winemakers, producers and restaurants. Book now for a farm tour at Mandagery Creek, bubbles and breakfast masterclass at Printhie Wines, and more.
A new craft in Lismore
Taking over the old Tommys Pub in Lismore is gastropub The Sherwood, a new family-friendly hub for craft beer, burgers, pasta, specialty cocktails in the buzzing town in the Northern Rivers.
The Imperial lives on
Originally built in 1931, the Imperial Hotel in Murwillumbah has been given a new lease on life. After a beautiful restoration the venue has recently reopened as a modern restaurant and bar with live music, plus boutique accommodation coming soon.
Robertson Pie Shop Credit: Destination Southern Highlands/HCreations
This month-long celebration of Australia’s most iconic food is the perfect opportunity for domestic holidaymakers to come to the NSW Southern Pielands and rediscover one of the country’s greatest tourism destinations conveniently located just two hours from Sydney.
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Robertson Pie Shop Credit: Destination Southern Highlands/HCreations
This month-long celebration of Australia’s most iconic food is the perfect opportunity for domestic holidaymakers to come to the NSW Southern Pielands and rediscover one of the country’s greatest tourism destinations conveniently located just two hours from Sydney.
Indulgence The Star Sokyo Whisky Flights Credit: The Star Sydney
Each of The Star’s Signature restaurants – Sokyo, BLACK Bar & Grill, Flying Fish, Cucina Porto and CHUUKA – alongwith The Darling Spa, have been tasked with creating an entirely original menu that represents their vision of indulgence:silky-textured seafood crudos, marbled meat cooked over flames, and desserts laced with chocolate, cream and redfruit.
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Indulgence The Star Sokyo Whisky Flights Credit: The Star Sydney
Each of The Star’s Signature restaurants – Sokyo, BLACK Bar & Grill, Flying Fish, Cucina Porto and CHUUKA – alongwith The Darling Spa, have been tasked with creating an entirely original menu that represents their vision of indulgence:silky-textured seafood crudos, marbled meat cooked over flames, and desserts laced with chocolate, cream and redfruit.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Indulge your senses
The Star Sydney has new sensory experiences in collaboration with Australian artists at its signature venues throughout May. Tame Impala’s Cam Avery has curated a transformative sonic bath at The Darling Spa, DJ Alex Dimitriades has mixed a global soundtrack for a Japanese Whiskey flight at Sokyo and more.
Loop back to Luna Park
New thrills are coming to Sydney’s Luna Park — new family-friendly roller-coaster, Little Nipper, will be launched in June this year, the first of nine new rides in the harbourside fun park. Limited-edition Annual Passes will also give access to the new Luna Perks rewards program.
Pictures of the pandemic
Photography foundation Head On has launched a poignant new exhibition, 2020 Vision, at the Southern Highlands Artist Collective in Robertson. A glimpse into the complex year that was, the exhibit features images from across NSW that reflect on recovery, resilience and rebuilding the future.
Light up the Murray
A bright new festival is shining a light on Echuca-Moama, as immersive sound and light trail Moama Lights transforms Horseshoe Lagoon with colourful light installations and spectacular projections. The free event runs from to 8-22 May; bookings are essential.
A painter’s journey in Corowa
Follow in the century-old footsteps of English-born Australian artist Tom Roberts on the new Shearing the Rams Trail in Corowa. The new hiking track explores significant sites surrounding Roberts' stay in the region, including the Brocklesby Station, now famous in his 1890 Shearing the Rams painting.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HAMILTON | Sydney Lyric Theatre
Now showing
After breaking records worldwide, tickets are selling fast to Australia’s first shows of award-winning musical Hamilton at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre. The story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton is told through hip-hop and R&B, in a revolutionary Broadway moment.
Taste of the Beaches | Northern Beaches
1-31 May
From Manly to Palm Beach to Terrey Hills and everywhere in between, Taste of the Beaches is a month-long festival that celebrates the best places to eat, drink and play in the Northern Beaches.
Nudie Australian Boardriders Battle National Final | Newcastle
15-16 May
Newcastle will host the final surf competition of the Nudie Australian Boardriders Battle, the country's biggest grassroots boardriders’ event. More than 60 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs will compete on Newcastle’s Main Beach for $112,700 in prize money.
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week | Carriageworks, Sydney
31 May-4 June
Australia’s pinnacle fashion event, Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, will open its runways to the general public for the first time. Tickets are now available to various designer shows including KitX and Manning Cartell, as well as the coveted opening and closing runways.
Hunter Valley Food & Wine Festival | Hunter Valley
1-30 June
Winter is the perfect time to explore the best of wine country in the Hunter Valley. Cosy up by cellar door fireplaces, taste the valley’s hearty reds and fresh local produce, and tuck into farmhouse feasts and more at the Hunter Valley Food & Wine Festival next month.
Pie Time | Southern Highlands
1-30 June
The Southern Highlands will be celebrating the iconic Aussie pie throughout June, with hundreds of events, activities and festivals such as Pie Teas, the Pie Fest in Bowral, Pie-Cycle tours and Sweety Pie and Bubbles experiences.
Come From Away | Sydney Capitol Theatre
From 3 June
Opening in June at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, The Tony® and Olivier award-winning musical Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of thousands of stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland, Canada that welcomed them all.
Sydney Solstice | Across Sydney
8-20 June
Sydney Solstice is a new winter event celebrating Sydney’s world-class cuisine, as well as the city’s vibrant cultural, entertainment and dining precincts. Across two weeks, enjoy headline events including live music and performances, culinary experiences, local art, comedy and immersive workshops.
Vivid Sydney | Across Sydney
6-28 August
Australia’s biggest and brightest festival of its kind, Vivid Sydney is back for its 12th year 6-28 August 2021, illuminating the CBD with an outdoor gallery of contemporary light installations and 3D art, a cutting-edge line-up of live music acts, as well as engaging conversations and inspiring talks with renowned thought leaders.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA | Capitol Theatre, Sydney
From 16 November 2021
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA is the Tony Award® winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music that delighted Broadway audiences with its surprisingly contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features incredible orchestrations, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists!
Phantom of the Opera | Sydney Opera House
September 2021
Be enchanted by the Phantom of the Opera in Sydney Opera House, coming to Joan Sutherland Theatre in September. Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic tale unfolds with new direction by Laurence Connor, as well as new scenic and lighting design.
Moama Lights Hero Image Image Credit: Murray River Council
Moama Lights is a three week celebration of art, light and all things Echuca Moama. The inaugural festival is an immersive sound and light trail starting at the underside of the Echuca Moama bridge and highlighting the natural beauty through Horseshoe Lagoon before finishing at the Moama Wharf.
#lovensw
Moama Lights Hero Image Image Credit: Murray River Council
Moama Lights is a three week celebration of art, light and all things Echuca Moama. The inaugural festival is an immersive sound and light trail starting at the underside of the Echuca Moama bridge and highlighting the natural beauty through Horseshoe Lagoon before finishing at the Moama Wharf.
Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella Credit: Tyler Eisenreich, Kaitlyn Mayse and Gage Martin Credit: Carol Rosegg - US Touring Production
One of the most loved fairytale musicals of all time, Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella, will have its Australian Premiere in Sydney at the Capitol Theatre in November, presented by Opera Australia and the Gordon Frost Organisation.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella Credit: Tyler Eisenreich, Kaitlyn Mayse and Gage Martin Credit: Carol Rosegg - US Touring Production
One of the most loved fairytale musicals of all time, Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella, will have its Australian Premiere in Sydney at the Capitol Theatre in November, presented by Opera Australia and the Gordon Frost Organisation.
More News
Dorian RestaurantCredit: Dorian Restaurant
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
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A line-up of globally renowned chefs will feature across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen as part of Vivid Sydney 2024
Tickets on sale from Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com
Imagery: here
From near and far, some of the hottest names in the culinary world will appear at Vivid Sydney this year as part of Vivid Food, embracing the festival’s 2024 theme, Humanity, and highlighting food as a fundamental part of the human experience, connecting us through the universal language of cuisine.
This year’s roster of renowned local and international culinary talent across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen will craft diverse, innovative menus that celebrate our shared heritage and the rich tapestry of global cultures present in Sydney’s food scene, through a series of dynamic events spanning intimate fine dining experiences through to communal fire-cooked feasts.
Vivid Residence will bring Latin America’s best female chef 2022, Manoella ‘Manu’ Buffara of Manu Restaurant, to take over Peter Conistis’ waterside venue, Ploós, while hatted restaurants Fred’s, AALIA and The Charles Brasserie & Bar will be among the top dining spots hosting Vivid Chef Series events and unmissable foodie collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs including Max Coen, Sally Abé and Ivan Brehm.
Vivid Fire Kitchen returns to the Vivid Food program in a new home on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes including Christine Manfield; Firedoor's Lennox Hastie; Texas' Jess Pryles; Michelin-starred Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt; LA’s Shalamar Lane and more, firing up The Goods Line with cooking demonstrations and tasty BBQ fare from tandoor and teppanyaki to First Nations tucker.
This announcement bolsters an already impressive Vivid Food 2024 program including the Our Shared Humanity series featuring leading Australian chefs; Atelier by Sofitel – A Culinary Connection; VividPlace Food Trail, A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez, the return of Aster Vivid 2024 and much more, all with a nod to Vivid Sydney, Humanity.
John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, said:
“After a successful launch last year, I am pleased to see Vivid Food returning for a second year. Food is a cultural cornerstone, a fundamental part of the human experience, something we can all share and through that shared experience, enjoy new flavours and perspectives.
“Sydney has a wonderful food scene and Vivid Food is a great chance to explore that local scene. The Vivid Food program will range from headline experiences including the free BBQ demonstrations at Vivid Fire Kitchen. We invite Sydneysiders and visitors from across the globe to join us and enjoy one of Sydney’s great strengths.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director and Vivid Food curator Gill Minervini said:
“Vivid Food captures the essence of our shared humanity through the global language of food. It’s a celebration of how cuisine can mirror the diversity of cultures, while also being a bridge that connects us all. We’re thrilled to announce the incredible local and international culinary talent joining the Vivid Food program across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen, who will bring to life the rich tapestry of Sydney’s food scene. Our diverse range of Vivid Food events, from intimate dining experiences to communal feasts, promises to bring people together and showcase the unique and collective culinary heritage that makes our city so special.”
Stephanie Calape, Vice President of Culinary Events at IMG, which produces Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen in collaboration with Vivid Sydney, said:
“Following the phenomenal popularity of last year’s inaugural Vivid Food experiences, which saw Vivid Residence sell out within 48 hours, we are excited to bring back another incredible, diverse array of experiences and chefs for 2024. From world-renowned Chef Manoella Buffara’s one-of-a-kind fine dining Vivid Residence experience at Sydney’s Ploós, to Vivid Chef Series’ unmissable mash-up of Sydney and the world’s most exciting chefs, and the star-studded, immersive Vivid Fire Kitchen festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Manoella Buffara Credit: Manoella Buffara
Manoella Buffara for Vivid Residence
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Manoella Buffara Credit: Manoella Buffara
Manoella Buffara for Vivid Residence
Vivid Residence
Culinary artistry meets social responsibility at Vivid Residence as Latin America’s Best Female Chef 2022, Manoella Buffara of Manu Restaurant, Brazil, which was awarded the The Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award 2023, graces Peter Conistis’ waterfront venue, Ploós, right in the heart of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Renowned for putting Curitiba on the global culinary map, Buffara’s approach integrates local produce with a commitment to environmental and social sustainability. During her Vivid Sydney residency, Buffara will showcase her pioneering approach to fine dining for the first time in Australia, celebrating New South Wales’ produce alongside her team and Ploós's esteemed chefs.
Chef Manoella Buffara said: “I’m incredibly excited to be part of Vivid Food in Sydney, an event that highlights the importance of cuisine in our culture. As the culinary capital of Australia, Sydney becomes a hub for vibrant flavour exchanges, bringing together top chefs and local producers to create memorable food experiences. In the heart of this bustling city, I will launch a pop-up that showcases my love for high-quality ingredients and authentic flavours. Sharing my cooking and stories with Sydney is a true honour, and I look forward to being part of this amazing food event that Vivid Food offers.”
Buffara and the team will create two menus, with a nine-course tasting menu for dinner, and a seven-course tasting menu for lunch. Tickets for the nine-course dinner menu are $420 per person, with the shorter lunch tasting menu costing $320, with bespoke beverage pairings also available. Vivid Residence will run from 24 May to 2 June 2024 offering a unique dining experience in the middle of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.
Vivid Chef Series
The Vivid Chef Series will take over Sydney’s food scene, with the city’s best hatted restaurants and chefs pairing with some of the world’s most exciting culinary talent to bring the global contemporary culinary scene to Sydney for a limited number of nights.
The series of exclusive dinners will see local and international talent collaborate to create a never-to-be repeated menu that celebrates the best NSW produce and suppliers, imbued with global culinary sophistication.
London chef Sally Abé, who will take over The Charles Brasserie & Bar as part of Vivid Chef Series, said: “As a passionate chef, I am thrilled to be a part of the Vivid Food series in Sydney. It is an incredible platform that celebrates the intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, allowing me to showcase my culinary skills in a vibrant and innovative setting. I am excited to immerse myself in the diverse food scene of Sydney and collaborate with talented chefs from around the world, creating unforgettable culinary experiences.”
Chef collaborations include:
- The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abé | Once comrades in arms on the other side of the globe whilst working at the three Michelin-starred restaurant The Ledbury in London, Sally Abé of The Pem will be reuniting with Billy Hannigan of Sydney’s hatted The Charles Brasserie & Bar, for three unmissable lunches and dinners. The menu will merge Hannigan’s European-inspired cooking style with Abe’s passion for nostalgic British cuisine. Joining them in the kitchen will be head pastry chef Rhiann Mead, who will add her signature sweet and innovative flair to the evening.
- AALIA x Ivan Brehm | Ivan Brehm of Michelin-starred Singapore restaurant, Nouri and Paul Farag of AALIA (two hatted Sydney restaurant, previously named Gourmet Traveller’s NSW restaurant of the year, 2023) will collaborate on two exclusive dinners that celebrate global food traditions. The dinners will blend AALIA’s expertise in Middle Eastern cuisine with Nouri’s celebration of global food traditions, for a menu that honours diversity of cultures paying tribute to the richness of our collective culinary heritage.
- Fred’s x Max Coen | Max Coen of London Michelin-starred Dorian and Ben Greeno of acclaimed Sydney restaurant, Fred’s will unite for four exclusive dinners that fuse their culinary philosophies. Chef Coen’s meticulous focus on ingredient-focussed wood-fired grilling will meet Greeno’s farm-to-table approach and hyper-seasonal cooking, for a menu that celebrates the beauty and artistry found in simplicity, all while utilising the best in local produce.
Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.
The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
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The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Fred's x Max Coen Credit: Steven Woodburn
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
Fred's x Max Coen Credit: Steven Woodburn
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Vivid Fire Kitchen
Vivid Fire Kitchen will light up its new home of The Goods Line across 23 nights, with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes joining forces with acclaimed local flame-focused restaurants for a festival of accessible fire demos, cooking sessions and exclusive BBQ dishes, with drinks, DJs and entertainment ablaze with Fire Sculptures, Flame Shooters and fire drums. Using the best NSW produce, a line-up of acclaimed local and international chefs will serve up a selection of flame-seared street food from around the globe, from tandoor and Argentinian Asado, First Nations tucker, alongside hearty sausages, tender brisket, charred eggplant, and aromatic satay, offering a nightly multicultural feast.
Guests will enjoy demonstrations combining local produce and raw-fire cooking from chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie of Sydney’s two-hatted Firedoor who returns for Vivid Food 2024; one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs and culinary ambassadors Christine Manfield; reigning Seafood Champion in the World Food Championships, John McFadden; chef, restaurateur, proud Bundjalung woman and owner of Karkalla restaurant, Mindy Woods; Michelin starred chef of Sweden’s Ekstedt at The Yard, Niklas Ekstedt; Texas-based live fire cook, author, TV personality Jess Pryles; Pitmaster of LA-based My Father’s Barbeque, Shalamar Lane and more.
Australian chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie who will appear at Vivid Fire Kitchen, said: “For me, food is an integral part of my creative expression because it engages all my senses and allows me to connect with ingredients and people on a deeply personal level. Vivid Food celebrates the rich and diverse nature of our food culture of Australia, reminding us that food is not just about sustenance but a powerful form of connection supporting community, evoking emotions, and creating lasting memories.”
Alongside BBQ offerings and the blazing atmosphere on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk, Vivid Sydney audiences will also be able to enjoy dishes from a curated selection of Sydney’s hottest dining concepts at Vivid Fire Kitchen, from casual eateries to acclaimed restaurants, including Messina Milk Bar, a culinary time capsule that transforms beloved chocolate bars and classic sweets into modern gelato delights. A menu highlight: a warm Milo fudge sundae, specially developed to warm you up on cold winter nights.
Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen events are produced by IMG in collaboration with Vivid Sydney. IMG is the global events company behind the likes of Gourmet Escape, Taste Festivals, The Big Feastival, New York Fashion Week: The Shows and Frieze art fairs.
Vivid Food is part of Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, which will run from 24 May to 15 June 2024. Tickets for Vivid Residence and Vivid Chef Series will go on sale Friday 19 April via https://www.vividsydney.com/food. Vivid Fire Kitchen events, taking place at The Goods Line in Ultimo, are free for all to attend. Food and drink can be purchased on site.
For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com
Niklas Ekstedt Credit: Niklas Ekstedt
Niklas Ekstedt for Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024
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Niklas Ekstedt Credit: Niklas Ekstedt
Niklas Ekstedt for Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
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Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
Media contacts:
Hannah Fedeli, +61437166571 or hannah.f@thecru.agency
Shannon Blanchard, +61432543377 or shannon@thecru.agency
James Toovey, Vivid Sydney PR Manager, +61407828310 or james.toovey@dnsw.com.au
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, celebrating creativity, innovation and technology, and transforming Sydney into a kaleidoscope of colour and events for 23 nights. Staged for its 14th year in 2024, Vivid Sydney will bring together mesmerising displays from the world’s brightest light artists, exhilarating live music performances, deep-dive discussions with thought leaders, and innovative experiences from food creatives. Vivid Sydney attracts domestic and international visitors, fuelling economic growth while fostering a cultural celebration across Light, Music, Ideas and Food. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com
About Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.
About IMG
IMG is a global sports, events and representation company. It is a leader in rights management, multi-channel content production and distribution, consultancy and fan engagement; owns, produces and commercially represents hundreds of live events and experiences; and manages licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.