Sydney came alive with more than 120 business leaders who gathered for a truly memorable celebration of the upcoming Sydney Festival and its vital role in our city’s well-being and economy.

Hosted by Business Sydney and Sydney Festival, the evening brought together industry leaders and cultural champions alongside the Hon Steve Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism. Minister Kamper shared valuable insights into the government’s priorities for the visitor economy and highlighted how major cultural events continue to activate precincts, drive visitation and support jobs.

Sydney Festival’s major free public events are a cornerstone of our summer calendar attracting tens of thousands of locals and visitors, boosting the night-time economy, and reinforcing Sydney’s reputation as a vibrant, world-class cultural destination. This reception underscored just how important the Festival is in strengthening our global profile and shaping the future of our city.

The panel discussion that followed the Minister's address, was facilitated by Business Sydney's Executive Director, Paul Nicolaou, and included comments by Christopher Tooher, CEO, Sydney Festival and Anna Guillan AM, Deputy Chair, Destination NSW.

Carl Contractor, CEO, The Fresh Collective welcomed the guests, and the vote of thanks was moved by Anita Mitchell, Chief Executive, Placemaking NSW.

A huge thank you to the The Fresh Collective, Folio and Sydney Theatre Company for partnering with us to make this event such a success.