March 29, 2024 5:27 AM
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ICC Sydney attracts executive chef from competing venue

Following much anticipation, facilities management company AEG Ogden appointed an executive chef for International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

In an industry move set to shake up the convention and business events market, the appointment of Tony Panetta to the venue’s culinary team is a positive coup for Sydney. It highlights the city’s ongoing attraction as a national and global talent hub.

ECN 072015_POM_ ICC Sydney, Tony PanettaA senior practitioner with more than 20 years industry experience at leading Australian venues, Panetta joined the ICC Sydney team following five years as executive chef of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Prior to MCEC, he was the executive chef at the renowned Aitken Hill Conference and Events VIC and The Yacht Club Hotel VIC.

Panetta said, “Creating innovative culinary solutions, using local produce, is a life-long passion of mine. I feel a natural affinity with the ICC Sydney Culinary Plan; to ensure the venue delivers a fresh, five star creative cuisine, while encompassing the AEG Ogden philosophy to deliver a seasonal, locally-supplied, superior food and beverage experience. I am genuinely thrilled to be appointed to this position.”

The appointment solidifies an esteemed leadership team, alongside Director of Culinary Services Lynell Peck and General Manager Adam Mather-Brown. Combining Peck’s Sydney expertise at five star venues, Mather-Brown’s extensive international convention center experience and Panetta’s outstanding skills in delivering superior dining at large scale events, the powerful trio will deliver a world-class food and beverage experience to every event held at ICC Sydney.

Venue manager AEG Ogden builds exceptionally talented teams of highly experienced people who have an international outlook combined with a local focus.

ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy said, “AEG Ogden is committed to developing a world class team to manage Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct, ICC Sydney. Panetta’s background and award-winning accomplishments made him a clear choice for us in this role.”

The exceptional service and commitment displayed by Panetta and his teams throughout his career has been recognized by numerous industry awards and accolades; Panetta was responsible for planning and executing the culinary services for the largest medical conference ever held in Australia; the 2014 International AIDS Conference for 12,000 delegates.

Under Panetta’s leadership, MCEC was awarded six medals and champion trophies at the prestigious 2015 Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards (RMFFA), including three gold for their house-made dairy products as well as MEA Awards for Banqueting and Catering 2013 and 2014.

When ICC Sydney opens in December 2016, it will employ more than 320 full-time and up to 1,500 casual staff.

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