BESydney Global Ambassador Dinner 2026: Igniting Growth in Sydney

Igniting Growth

On Thursday 25 June 2026, BESydney hosted its 13th Global Ambassador Dinner at Sydney’s newest and most stunning venue, The Cutaway, Barangaroo. The gala dinner celebrated those who ignite growth. The innovators, creators, leaders and bold thinkers who share a deep passion for Sydney and understand that securing global business meetings sparks our local knowledge economy, powers trade and investment outcomes, and fires-up talent attraction to Australia.

The evening brought together more than 400 members of the BESydney community, including our 6 new Global Ambassadors who were formally invested at the dinner.

Meet BESydney's newest Global Ambassadors

Longbing Cao Distinguished Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Director of the Frontier AI Research Centre, Macquarie University View Details

Steven Marshall AO President of the American Australian Association, New York View Details

Kim McKay AO Director and CEO, Australian Museum View Details

Kate Pounder Chair of RNA Australia and leader in Australia's technology sector View Details

Aaron Quigley Dean of the College of Systems and Society, Australian National University View Details

George Williams AO Vice-Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University View Details

Video still of Katherine Bennell-Pegg addressing a full auditorium of delegates

Watch the video showcasing the power of global business events in driving Sydney's growth

We were honoured to be joined by the Premier of New South Wales, the Hon. Chris Minns MP, Patron of the Global Ambassador Program, as well as the Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Minister for Industry and Trade. We thank the NSW Government for its continued support.

An established highlight of the Global Ambassador Gala Dinner, the Australia Oration was this year delivered by Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, who shared her vision for the foundations upon which to build a flourishing Australia. The MC for the evening was Holly Ransom.

BESydney extends its thanks to our major partner, ICC Sydney, and the team at The Cutaway, for hosting and supporting our Global Ambassador Dinner. Thank you also to the vital collaboration of our corporate partners.