We spoke with business events expert Karen Livermore on Sydney’s best dining, venues and experiences to include in your next incentive program.
Karen Livermore
Director of Sales, ID Events Australia
With over 25 years at ID Events Australia, Karen Livermore oversees all sales, marketing and communication. She often refers to herself as the pointy end of a very broad spear with a breadth of operational talent behind her. Karen’s passion lies within the international sector, influencing outcomes and delivering service excellence. She told us she loves communication and is always up for a chat! Together the ID team brings creativity and genuine partnerships to all program delivery.
What’s new in Sydney?
Sydney’s business events scene is thriving, with a constant stream of new hotels and venues emerging across the city. One development we’re especially excited about is the new Sydney Fish Market and Cooking School. Named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places, it’s set to deliver an authentic experience, celebrating world-class seafood, culinary creativity and one of the city’s most iconic waterfront locations.
When you want to book out a restaurant…
Sydney delivers in a big way when it comes to dining. We’re currently sourcing exclusivity across 26 restaurants for a major program, and the options are outstanding. Diverse cuisines, exceptional quality and unforgettable locations make Sydney one of the world’s great food destinations.
The place you personally visit for arts and culture is…
The Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art are world-class and regularly host extraordinary international exhibitions. But some of Sydney’s real gems are the smaller, under the radar galleries with a strong sense of place and story – such as the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills.
When you want to connect with Country…
We’re fortunate that Sydney is bordered by three national parks, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, meaning an escape to the countryside is quick. Experiences with First Nations guides in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park provide a meaningful connection to the world’s oldest living culture and offer a powerful reminder of the rich history and heritage that Australia values so deeply.
An adventure on the water not to be missed…
Sydney Harbour Sailing is hard to beat. Exploring hidden coves, discovering bays inaccessible by road and experiencing one of the world’s most iconic waterways it really ticks all the boxes. Add in an exceptional seafood lunch at one of our famous harbourside restaurants and you’ve got an unforgettable day.
Where do you go to explore beyond the city…
I love to pop to the home of some of Australia’s finest wineries, the Hunter Valley, just a short journey from Sydney. Renowned for its award-winning Semillon and Shiraz, it pairs world-class wines with exceptional dining experiences – creating the kind of unforgettable indulgence food and wine lovers enjoy reminiscing!
An experience no incentive program to Sydney should miss…
No incentive program should miss The Rocks and the Sydney Harbour foreshore. Nestled beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this historic precinct tells the story of modern Sydney’s beginnings through its charming laneways, sandstone buildings and vibrant local culture. Framed by the Sydney Opera House and one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours, it offers an authentic sense of place that is distinctly Sydney.
The space you would transform for a gala dinner…
We are particularly excited about an upcoming transformation of The Cutaway at Barangaroo. Inspired by the colour, character and humour that define Australia, the experience will reinterpret a classic Aussie theme through a highly creative and immersive environment, delivering something both uniquely local and completely unexpected.
What can we look forward to in Sydney in the coming year?
Sydney’s future is bright! Doltone House Harbourside will introduce a spectacular new waterfront venue for up to 1,250 guests, while the arrival of the Waldorf Astoria Sydney will set a new benchmark for harbourfront luxury. Add a growing collection of innovative venues and standout dining experiences it’s clear why Sydney remains one of the world’s most dynamic business events cities.
