Bolinger named as BestCities 2014 chair

Bolinger named as BestCities 2014 chair
By admin


Melbourne Convention Bureau chief executive Karen Bolinger will bring her expertise to the BestCities Global Alliance following her appointment as its 2014 Board Chair.

Bolinger is also the Australia chair for the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), treasurer and board member of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), board member of Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) and a member of the Victorian Advisory Board for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

She has been “deeply involved” with the MCB’s partnership with BestCities since she joined as chief executive in 2011 and, through her existing role on the BestCities Expansion Committee, has played a significant part in the continued growth of the alliance.

“As a BestCities founding partner, MCB has strong ties with BestCities and we value the power of the strategic relationship with our nine partners,” Bolinger said.

“As such I am delighted to take on the role of Board Chair for 2014 and look forward to continuing the excellent work of my predecessors.”

Bolinger will kick off her new responsibilities with a media breakfast at MCB-owned trade show, Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) which takes place in Melbourne next month.

The event is in line with the alliance’s plans to focus on more face-to-face meetings with clients and meetings this year, she revealed.

“AIME will provide the first opportunity for us sit down and talk to PCOs, meeting organisers and media about what’s in store for 2014.”

In addition, BestCities will work on developing additional client benefits that offer practical value to associations and will also continue expanding into new markets through its Regional Affiliate Programme.

“One of BestCities’ most important business development activities is the Client Workshop which will be held, this year, in Cape Town in December, providing an amazing opportunity for meeting planners and partners to come together and experience the best that South Africa’s most dynamic city has to offer,” Bolinger added.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News

  • Conferences

Cvent Accelerate Sydney finds event growth will come from pre-, during and post-event data

Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has concluded its third edition of Cvent Accelerate in Sydney, where technology’s role in catapulting growth was front and centre. The 341 attendees were challenged to think how they are currently using data and additional ways to unlock its potential, particularly across marketing, in scaling event […]

  • Food & Beverage

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney popular Aperitivo returns to Grain Bar

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is relaunching its popular Aperitivo, now located in the George St venue’s award-winning Grain Bar. Originally launched into Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo is inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual where guests enjoy a cocktail, paired with traditional Italian antipasti bites. It became a much-loved offering for Sydneysiders […]

  • Hotels

nb_ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa completes US$60 million renovation

Hawai’i’s OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa has completed its US$60 million (AU$90 million) renovation as is once again ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies “New Era”. The revitalised 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces blend the property’s heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. The concept of “koi au” inspired […]

  • Events

Merlin Venues Sydney partners with bespoke catering

Merlin Venues Sydney, the events arm of Merlin Entertainments, has announced a new partnership with Sydney-based culinary experts, Bespoke Catering ahead of its event season. Merlin Venues Sydney hosts a range of unique public and private events across their four leading attractions in the city. These include the iconic SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE […]

  • Business
  • Events
  • Exhibitions

Sprintr launches world’s first 100% recyclable kiosk for delegate registration

Sprintr has launched its sustainable, lightweight, modular EcoKiosk for delegate registrations, to support the events industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Made from Re-Board® Technology, a durable, versatile, lightweight, printable and 100 percent recyclable product, this impressive design gives the business events industry the option to reduce their environmental impact and deliver on sustainability KPIs. […]