A Memorable Day at Royal Randwick: LinkedIn’s Bright Choice

FAST FACTS

Event: LinkedIn Talent Connect 2025
Guests: 2000 attendees including senior business leaders, industry experts, and the LinkedIn community
Location: Royal Randwick – Exclusive Full-Site Takeover
Venue Spaces: Winx Pavilion (Ground Floor & Level 1), Owners Pavilion, Ballroom, Grandview Restaurant, Chairman’s Restaurant, Trackside Lawns
Date: March, 2025

Guest Arrival:

• Light Rail: Direct service from the CBD, offering convenient public transport options.
• Car: On-site Multi-Deck Carpark, ensuring easy access with ample parking.
• Bus: Multiple bus routes available with an integrated on-site Bus Terminal.
• Uber/Taxi: Easy drop-off and pick-up directly within the venue precinct.

Sometimes, you can just feel the buzz in the air. That was exactly the atmosphere at Royal Randwick recently when LinkedIn decided to host their latest event with us at the Australian Turf Club (ATC). LinkedIn’s team arrived with a clear vision: they wanted something more than a typical city-centre conference. And you know what? We reckon we delivered.

A VENUE THAT’S ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY

So why did LinkedIn choose Royal Randwick instead of a traditional conference centre? According to Ashleigh Moore, Senior Manager Field Marketing at LinkedIn, the reason is simple: “We’re pretty intentional about avoiding cookie-cutter venues… Royal Randwick gave us all the professionalism of a traditional venue, but with personality, flexibility, and space to actually create something memorable.”

With a setup across most of the site, attendees were free to explore, network, and enjoy the conference’s lively atmosphere. Some guests remarked on how it never felt disjointed or awkward moving from one section of the venue to the next. In fact, Ashleigh noted that despite having to “flip to a wet weather registration plan at 5 a.m.—not ideal,” the venue didn’t blink, and everything went ahead without a hitch.”

ARRIVING WITH EASE AND STAYING ALL DAY

Of course, no event runs smoothly unless people can get there easily. That’s why we pride ourselves on multiple transport solutions. Whether attendees travelled by Light Rail, parked in our multi-deck car park, caught a bus, or took a taxi or rideshare, everyone arrived without fuss.

The fact that we’re a little bit outside the CBD turned out to be a plus, too. Ashleigh mentioned that about a third of their attendees drove, and having on-site parking made it simple. Plus, when you’re not smack in the middle of the city, folks tend to settle in and stay—so the event’s show rate actually soared higher than expected. That’s the sort of positive turnout that can really shape a successful day.

CREATING A “LATE-NIGHT TALK SHOW” FEEL

The main stage was, without question, a highlight. LinkedIn flipped the room around, brought in an LED screen, and gave the entire space a fresh, talk-show-like vibe. Picture it: the Head of People at Canva speaking with the glowing Sydney skyline as a backdrop. It felt intimate yet professional—exactly the kind of atmosphere LinkedIn wanted for their big keynote moments.

AWARD-WINNING CUISINE AND WARM HOSPITALITY

No event is complete without a fabulous meal (or two!). Over the full day, LinkedIn’s attendees enjoyed catering provided by our award-winning culinary team. Our chefs design, cook, and serve food that caters to all tastes and dietary preferences. The feedback was glowing, and Ashleigh mentioned that when they asked about adding a last-minute lunch for 40 people in the Owners Pavilion—just two weeks’ notice—our response was simply, “Of course.”

THINKING OF HOSTING AT RANDWICK? GIVE IT A SHOT

Ashleigh’s final piece of advice to anyone curious about leaving the CBD behind? “Give it a shot!” Going non-CBD might feel like a gamble at first, but LinkedIn discovered that it didn’t hamper attendance or engagement. In fact, it boosted both. Our spacious grounds, flexibility, and team spirit mean you can build an experience that’s unique and, quite frankly, memorable. As Ashleigh puts it, “They don’t say no, they say, ‘Let’s find a way.’”

Ultimately, that sums up our ethos at the Australian Turf Club. We don’t want to just host your event; we want to help you create something special, your ultimate Dream