Newly launched Western Sydney Conference Centre hosts Penrith Panthers Merv Cartwright Medal awards ceremony

October 9, 2023

The newly launched Western Sydney Conference Centre saw over 700 VIP guests gather on 4th October for the oﬃcial awards ceremony for the prestigious Penrith Panthers Merv Cartwright Medal.

As one of the largest conference centres outside of Sydney’s CBD, Western Sydney Conference Centre (WSCC) is part of the new $110 million precinct built by Panthers Group, adjoined to the region’s ﬁrst ﬁve-star hotel, the Pullman Sydney Penrith with world-leading hospitality group ACCOR.

Players, advocates, peers and their supporters came together at the venue to celebrate the undefeated team who made football history just days prior, winning their third NRL championship in a row.

The world-class destination boasts an innovative and captivating design, taking curved cues from the nearby Blue Mountain Ranges and the Nepean River. Its column-free design features 6.8 metre high ceilings and LED walls, with state-of-the-art AV capabilities.

The experienced WSCC team delivered a 5-star service and ensured the evening’s proceedings were as seamless as possible. Executive Chef Colin Chun curated an impressive gastronomic menu with sustainably sourced ingredients featuring Jack’s Creek Beef from Tamworth and Glacier 51 Toothﬁsh from Heard Island. While drinks paid homage to the ﬁnest wines of the region, and the team curated specialty cocktails at pop-up bars from Maker’s Mark and Bombay Sapphire.

On arrival, guests were ushered to the media wall by striking acrobats who danced and rolled throughout the spaces on stilts and inside transparent bubbles. Premium grazing platters with fresh oysters and ﬂowing refreshments were served while ambient DJ tunes took centre stage in the outdoor pre-function cocktail area. Inside the ballroom guests felt as if they were transported across the world, with a dark palette and moody ambience which set the tone. The team at WSCC introduced a sense of classic luxury with a traditional washroom attendant oﬀering everything from mouthwash and lint rollers to perfumes and colognes to ensure that guests always felt at their best.

As oﬃcial proceedings commenced, a live orchestra created a grand atmosphere, with Channel 9 TODAY Sports Presenter Alex Cullen as the oﬃcial MC. A range of inspiring speeches captivated the room, including Panthers Coach Ivan Cleary, who was followed with a special comedic performance by Vince Sorrenti.

Panthers lock Isaah Yeo was rewarded for an impressive season by winning the prestigious Merv Cartwright Medal. The Panthers co-captain was presented the award by Dean Jones, the grandson of Merv Cartwright.

With a captivating design both inside and out, state-of-the-art technology, and inspiring culinary options, the 1,250 square metre WSCC is sure to redeﬁne possibilities for conferences, events, entertainment, formal dinners and wedding celebrations.

The world-class venue embraces originality through ﬂexibility and showcases Western Sydney as a vibrant lifestyle destination deserving of global recognition. More information at westernsydneyconferencecentre.com.au

20th September 2023 - NSW budget invests in grassroots sports facilities and confirms Penrith Stadium planning

12th September 2023 - AFL and NRL fans warned to look out for finals ticketing scams

31st August 2023 - Australian Business Events Association reveals nationwide leadership roles

28th August 2023 - Major sporting infrastructure upgrades completed for Penrith

26th August 2023 - NSW Government scraps plans for all new Penrith Stadium

11th August 2023 - NRL and players agree new Collective Bargaining Agreement

24th July 2023 - Sydney’s Accor Stadium announced as host venue for 2023 NRL Grand Final

17th July 2023 - Melissa Brown appointed as Australian Business Events Association inaugural Chief Executive

28th November 2022 - Local alliance formed to push for new Penrith Stadium

19th August 2022 - Indoor Sports Stadium and Entertainment Precinct among Penrith City Council’s $397 million WestInvest wish list

6th July 2022 - NSW Government looks to acquire harness racing track as site for new Penrith Stadium

13th May 2016 - NRL’s Panthers sell out Christchurch fixture

4th April 2016 - Penrith Panthers open $22 million rugby league Academy

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