Business Details
28 Years
experience
World-Class Event Venue in Sydney | Sydney Showground
Sydney Showground, the venue and event management arm of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), has been a leader in event excellence since 1998. Our purpose-built facilities host over 150 national and international events annually, including music festivals, sporting events, exhibitions, and the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Our team of experts combines decades of industry experience with a client-centric approach, ensuring seamless execution from concept to completion. We pride ourselves on innovation, having pioneered sustainable practices and accessibility initiatives that set industry benchmarks.As a not-for-profit, we reinvest all profits into Australian agriculture and rural communities, aligning our success with the prosperity of the sector we serve. Our accolades, including multiple 'Best Event Venue' awards, reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and service.
Services
Event Hosting
Catering Services
Venue Rental
Technical Production
Security Management
Floor Operations
Accessibility Solutions
Sustainability Consulting
Marketing Support
Logistics Coordination
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- Award-winning team with 25+ years of event management expertise
- Dedicated event managers ensure seamless planning and execution
- State-of-the-art facilities across 21 hectares in Sydney Olympic Park
- Sustainable practices certified through Climate Conscious Events initiative
- Reinvestment of profits into Australian agriculture and rural communities
What people say
Exceptional service
Seamless execution
Supportive team
Successful events
Client-focused approach
Services
Event Hosting
Sydney Showground provides versatile event hosting solutions across 21 hectares of purpose-built facilities. Our venues accommodate events from intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals, with dedicated teams managing logistics, infrastructure, and compliance. With capacity for 150+ annual events, we combine operational expertise with cutting-edge amenities to ensure seamless execution for clients ranging from sports organisations to entertainment promoters.
Catering Services
Our catering division delivers premium food experiences using Australia's finest produce. From corporate lunches to 6,600-dish gala dinners, we handle complex dietary requirements, multilingual service teams, and large-scale meal coordination. Certified by Restaurant & Catering NSW, our menus combine innovation with practicality, ensuring exceptional culinary experiences for events like Jeunesse Global's international gala.
Technical Production
Technical services include in-house electricians, plumbers, and production specialists supporting audio-visual requirements. Partnering with Harry the Hirer, we provide staging, lighting, and sound systems for events like Green Day concerts and FIFA World Cup broadcast centres. Our infrastructure accommodates high-demand technical specifications while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.
Security Management
Our security team operates a 24-hour control room with 120+ CCTV cameras, managing crowd safety for events up to 80,000 attendees. Certified in Crowd Safety Management, we coordinate with NSW Police and implement emergency protocols tested during major events like X Games Australia. Services include access control, incident response, and venue security audits.
Accessibility Solutions
We offer sensory rooms, adult change facilities, and wayfinding systems to support diverse attendee needs. Certified through the Venue Management Association, our accessibility initiatives include staff training programs and physical infrastructure upgrades. Recent implementations for the Invictus Games and Sydney Thunder matches demonstrate our commitment to creating inclusive event environments.
People
Darryl Jeffrey
General Manager
With 19 years military leadership experience and 15+ years in event management, Darryl oversees Sydney Showground's operations. Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors, he also leads Sydney Olympic Park Business Association.
Andrew Roberts
Director of Sales and Marketing
Andrew brings 20+ years event industry expertise, including roles at Business Events Sydney. Holds MBA from Cranfield School of Management, focusing on customer journey optimisation and long-term relationship building.
Melissa Goodman
Head of Events and Venue Operations
Mel has managed major events like FIFA Women's World Cup since 2021. Certified in Crowd Safety and Risk Analysis, she instructs at Institute of Venue Safety and Security and holds Advanced Event Management Diploma.
James Farr
Director of Food and Beverage
With 20+ years hospitality experience, James leads catering operations. Former Sydney Royal Cheese Show judge, he combines fine dining expertise with large-scale event catering, holding Venue Management School certification.
Laura Jackson
Senior Stadium Manager
Laura manages ENGIE Stadium operations with 15+ years event experience. Certified in Crowd Safety Management, she oversees major sporting events including GWS GIANTS AFL fixtures and international cricket matches.
Questions
What types of events can Sydney Showground host?
We accommodate music festivals, sporting events, exhibitions, corporate functions, and community events. Our venues support capacities from 1,000 to 80,000 attendees across 21 hectares of indoor and outdoor spaces.
How do I book venue space at Sydney Showground?
Contact our Business Development team via the website or phone 02 9704 1111. Dedicated event managers will guide you through site inspections, contract negotiations, and planning coordination.
What catering options are available?
Our menus feature Australian produce with options ranging from casual dining to premium banquets. We accommodate complex dietary requirements and have experience serving 12,000+ meals within two-hour windows.
Is Sydney Showground accessible for disabled visitors?
Yes, we provide sensory rooms, adult change facilities, and wayfinding systems. Our accessibility initiatives received 2024 Destination NSW Sustainability Skills Micro-credentials.
How does Sydney Showground support sustainability?
Through our Climate Conscious Events initiative, including GreenPower partnerships, reusable cup programs saving 2,200 single-use cups per event, and carbon-neutral match programs with Sydney Thunder.
What security measures are in place?
We maintain 24/7 security control with 120+ CCTV cameras, certified crowd safety personnel, and emergency protocols tested during major events like X Games Australia.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Jaala May
Dec 26, 2021
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I've been here for the Easter show a few times and now for Comic com and it's been great each time. Good clean facilities. Massive spacious area.
Lili Mh
Dec 23, 2021
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Dinosaur festival was a joke
After waiting for couple of month to get over covid and take the kids to this festival.
Had to wait for a long time in a line to get in, you could barely see the dinos coz of too many people and it wasn't covid safe at all!!! Couple of dino's displayed with lighting and sound and then you get into this venue full of shops that basically sell everything 10,000 times more than what they worth. Never going to buy tickets again!
After waiting for couple of month to get over covid and take the kids to this festival.
Had to wait for a long time in a line to get in, you could barely see the dinos coz of too many people and it wasn't covid safe at all!!! Couple of dino's displayed with lighting and sound and then you get into this venue full of shops that basically sell everything 10,000 times more than what they worth. Never going to buy tickets again!
Lyn Hamblin
Dec 19, 2021
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The Sydney Showgrounds are great. Lit up for the BBL last night was so good. Plenty of food outlets and souvenirs to buy. A wonderful time was had by all.
Es L.
Apr 07, 2021
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Fantastic! Plenty to look at and experience for the day. Try food sampling at woolworths, it's great learning experience at the same time get to try some of their food sampling.
Mandy Ella Edwards
Apr 05, 2021
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I went with someone that I support and his family. It was great to go out and fun after over a year-long of restrictions because of Corona Virus. I did not go on the rides, but I had the chance to watch the dogs, seeing people, browsing show bags and having good food and drinks. I will definitely go back next year, but not for work; I will go to enjoy myself. Easter Show is suitable for all ages. I loved it, and I highly recommend it
