Hillsong Conference
2001&ndash;2017: Move to Sydney Olympic Park
### 2001–2017: Move to Sydney Olympic Park

Hillsong Conference was first held in the [Qudos Bank Arena](/wiki/Qudos_Bank_Arena "Qudos Bank Arena") (formerly [Sydney SuperDome](/wiki/Sydney_SuperDome "Sydney SuperDome") and named Acer Arena at the time) and various venues throughout Sydney Olympic Park from 2001\.

In 2011 Hillsong Conference was not held in Sydney Olympic Park but instead in the Sydney Entertainment Centre for logistical reasons relating to the availability of Sydney Olympic Park.

The 2015 conference was marred with controversy when American pastor [Mark Driscoll](/wiki/Mark_Driscoll "Mark Driscoll") was invited to speak. A Melbourne based activist Benjamin Ady and his Wife Megan initiated a number of peaceful protests at Hillsong's Sydney and Melbourne campuses and from conversations with their church leaders was confident Mark would be disinvited. Prominent journalist [Julia Baird](/wiki/Julia_Baird_%28journalist%29 "Julia Baird (journalist)") covered the story that also noted a number of Christian leaders alarmed that Mark Driscoll's invitation was still offered.

Though Mark Driscoll was not physically in attendance at the conference, a pre\-recorded video was aired instead.

At the same 2015 conference [Tanya Levin](/wiki/Tanya_Levin "Tanya Levin") was arrested by Police Officers contracted to patrol the conference site for trespass. She was later charged however the case was dismissed in court. 

Also in 2015, UK gender church abuse activist [Natalie Collins](/wiki/Natalie_Collins "Natalie Collins") stage a peaceful protest at the London Hillsong conference in response to [Mark Driscoll's](/wiki/Mark_Driscoll "Mark Driscoll") invitation to speak.


What are some potential consequences for inviting controversial speakers to events like Hillsong Conference?