SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE
PARTNERSHIP

Overview

In 2023, Solotel became the exclusive hospitality partner of Sydney WorldPride the first WorldPride held in the Southern Hemisphere.

Having worked alongside Mardi Gras for years in an unofficial capacity, we identified an opportunity to formalise the relationship and create a partnership that genuinely backed the LGBTQIA+ community, rather than simply celebrating from the sidelines.

I helped facilitate the partnership between Solotel and Sydney WorldPride, working across internal stakeholders, venue teams and external partners to bring the collaboration to life across multiple venues and activations.

The Approach

Rather than approaching WorldPride as a traditional sponsorship, the focus was on creating a partnership that felt authentic, community-led and embedded within Sydney’s nightlife and culture.

The partnership activated across multiple Solotel venues including Kings Cross Hotel, The Abercrombie, Goros, The Clock, Darlo Bar and The Bank, transforming them into official WorldPride destinations throughout the 17-day festival.

A key part of the approach was collaborating directly with LGBTQIA+ tastemakers, DJs, performers and promoters to curate venue programming and experiences unique to each location. From large-scale parties and parade afterparties to drag bingo, queer collectives, karaoke nights and immersive venue takeovers, the programming was designed to celebrate and platform the community authentically.

My role

I helped facilitate the partnership between Solotel and Sydney WorldPride, working across internal stakeholders, venue teams and external partners to bring the collaboration to life.

This included:

  • Identifying and pitching the partnership opportunity internally

  • Assisting in partnership negotiations and planning

  • Aligning the partnership with Solotel’s brand and venue culture

  • Coordinating rollout across marketing, programming and venue teams

  • Ensuring the partnership felt authentic, inclusive and culturally relevant

  • Leading the marketing and roll out for Sydney WorldPride across Solotel