Big things are happening in Sydney’s west, with unprecedented progression in civil works and huge infrastructure projects bringing economic prosperity to the region. None more so than Western Sydney International Airport, which opens in 2026 and will service 10 million passengers per year.

Decades in the making, the new 24-hour airport has completed its major construction phase and is nearing completion ahead of opening in the second half of next year. Once operational, the facility will bring a new international gateway to western Sydney, opening huge local economic opportunities. The airport has already generated $500 million in spending across the city’s west.

Located just 18km north of the airport site, the city of Penrith, at the foot of the Blue Mountains, is a major beneficiary of the area’s explosion in investment and urban development. In preparation for the anticipated influx of people transiting to the region and using it as a hub to do business and host events, Western Sydney Convention Centre has opened its doors at 5-star Pullman Sydney Penrith hotel.

Capitalising on the ease of access of delegates flying into the new airport and being just 20 minutes from baggage carousels to the 1250 square metres of multifunctional events space, the convention centre and hotel offering under one roof – just five minutes from Penrith city centre – is a $110 million centrepiece of meetings, conferencing and events excellence.

Helmed by new general manager Charlie Young – who brings 30 years’ experience in hospitality, and most recently worked as general manager at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, MGallery Collection – the hotel and convention centre is taking western Sydney forward as a business, conference and leisure destination.

Young boasts expertise in growing established hotels and launching new brands in emerging markets. “What attracted me to Pullman Sydney Penrith and Western Sydney Convention Centre is the new life and energy we are infusing into the community,” he says.

“I’m especially looking forward to Western Sydney Convention Centre becoming a key player in attracting large events and conventions to Penrith, and injecting vitality and attention into western Sydney.”

Young will oversee the continued development of the precinct, which includes Western Sydney Convention Centre, Pullman Sydney Penrith – the region’s first 5-star hotel, which opened in August 2023 – Tori Bar and Cafe on the property’s ground floor, and Marcel Bar & Bistro, which offers a modern European and Australian dining experience, including a private dining space.

Pullman Sydney Penrith features 152 rooms and the purpose-built convention centre offers 1250 square metres of conference facilities, accommodating up to 1000 seated guests. It is filled with natural light and has a column-free design, features adaptable spaces that can transition via smart-wall mechanics, and is complemented by breakout rooms, a pre-function bar and outdoor terraces.

The site is also home to the Panthers Precinct, which is directly across the road from the hotel’s front door. The two entities have joined forces to offer expansive events and hospitality services in a one-stop conferencing and events destination.

In total, they offer 4000 square metres of events facilities across 11 venues, with access to unique entertainment, dining and sporting experiences.

The Panthers Precinct has capability of hosting 2800 seated guests at one time across the venues and up to 10,000 people in an exhibition-style set-up. It is also home to 17 dining and bar options across both venues, including Squires Terrace Bar, Alexander’s restaurant and 900-seat Evan Theatre.

“As we prepare for the Western Sydney International Airport opening and [welcome] the international market, it makes perfect sense to refine our offering and align Western Sydney Convention Centre and Panthers Precinct as a one-stop destination for domestic and international MICE programs,” says Young.

“By combining Western Sydney Convention Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities with the precinct’s unique experiences, we’ve created an unforgettable destination. From exclusive access to sporting legends, fine cuisine and a location right at the foot of the Blue Mountains, there is nowhere else in the world with access to this type of offering, and there are endless possibilities at a conference organiser’s fingertips.”

Bringing its events expertise to Western Sydney Convention Centre is Encore Event Technologies, which has been appointed event production partner at the venue.

“Encore brings an unmatched suite of cutting-edge technologies to help us deliver elevated client experiences,” says Young. “We’re proud to partner with Encore, a global leader in technology and creative production. This new partnership reflects our commitment to excellence and forward-thinking conference and event hospitality.”

The Encore team is embracing the opportunity to work with Western Sydney Convention Centre at such a critical juncture in time.

“We are excited to partner with Western Sydney Convention Centre,” says Katherine Pfahl, senior director of strategic commercial partnerships at Encore APAC. “This collaboration allows us to bring our cutting-edge technology and creative event solutions to one of Sydney’s fastest-growing regions. Our advanced production capabilities and innovative services will elevate every event at the venue, ensuring unforgettable experiences for all clients.”

Beyond conferencing facilities, accommodation and elevated food and beverage, delegates visiting the western Sydney precinct can also indulge in fun and exciting incentive activities thanks to the range of team building and leisure offerings just footsteps from the hotel.

Thrill-seekers can experience indoor skydiving at iFLY, tee off at aqua golf and get wet at Cables Wake Park, while also utilising the expansive outdoor spaces at the back of the precinct.

Panthers Rugby League Academy is also located onsite, and is home to juggernaut rugby league club Penrith Panthers – the reigning four-time NRL premiers. The elite sports facility is where the club trains, and delegates can tour inside its four walls to see how players and staff prepare for peak performance. Past and present Panthers players, health and wellbeing experts, coaches and other key figures in the club are available to address delegates about leadership strategies, team dynamics, sports science, and health and wellness.

The Panthers’ home stadium is adjacent to the precinct, and it is currently undergoing a $309 million redevelopment by the NSW Government that includes new eastern and western grandstands, corporate suites and events spaces. Construction is due for completion at the end of 2026, with the venue returning to being the Panthers home ground for the 2027 NRL season.