We’ve had a few members of the MICE community moving and shaking their way around the industry, so grab the maracas and join in the celebrations!

Brumby to Chair Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust

The Victorian State Government has appointed John Brumby AO as chairperson of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET), replacing outgoing chairperson, Robert Annells after more than 20 years of service.

Brumby’s contribution to public life has been vast, serving for more than ten years as Treasurer and then Premier of Victoria. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in January 2017.

As Premier, Brumby led early development of Victoria’s $1 billion Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, the Hon. John Eren said he was delighted to formally announce the appointment of John Brumby as chairperson of the MCET.

“John’s extensive experience and contribution to Victoria make him an outstanding choice to successfully lead the Trust, and the future of this world-renowned Centre.”

“I also thank Robert Annells for his work as Chair, and for his contribution to business events and conventions in Victoria over many years – his dedication has been crucial to our state’s success in this sector,” Eren said.

MCEC Chief Executive, Peter King said he was looking forward to continuing MCEC’s success under the guidance of Brumby, while thanking Annells for his significant contribution and support.

“MCEC is currently one of the world’s leading business events venues, and with our current expansion well underway the future looks even brighter.

“We are excited about the appointment of John as Chair and have no doubt he will continue to guide our business forward,” King said.

“After more than 20 years of outstanding service to our business, Bob’s contribution to the evolution of MCEC is one that cannot be overstated.

“I have personally appreciated Bob’s guidance and support, and I wish him all the very best in his future endeavours,” Mr King added.

Brumby’s three year appointment as Chair of the Trust will commence on 11 August 2017.

MCEC Chief Executive appointed to AIPC Board

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) Chief Executive, Peter King was appointed to the International Association of Convention Centre’s (AIPC) Board of Directors during their 2017 General Assembly held in Sydney, Australia this week.

AIPC represents a global network of more than 180 of the world’s leading convention centres across 59 countries, all committed to excellence in convention centre management. Their membership represents over 900 active management professionals in diverse fields of centre management, hosting a broad representation of industry knowledge and expertise.

King said he was excited to be appointed to the Board and was particularly looking forward to representing the Australasian region.

“The Australasian business events industry is regarded as one of the most competitive and creative in the world and we’re driven by being nimble and customer centric.

“If we want to continue to successfully compete with the likes of Europe and the US, it’s important that we’re actively represented and engaged in the global environment through AIPC,” King said.

“I have enjoyed my regular involvement with AIPC over the past five years and am looking forward to increasing this through my contribution to the Board. AIPC recognises and promotes the essential role of the international meetings industry in supporting economic development, developing professional skills, and researching and benchmarking what is a very diverse business sector.

“AIPC is a successful and focussed organisation, and I am looking to build on the legacy of those who have gone before me,” King added.

King also represents the meetings and events industry on a number of Boards in Australia, including Deputy Chairman of both the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) and the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), along with the Exhibition and Events Association of Australia (EEAA). He is also on the Board of the Melbourne Cricket Club which operates the nation’s largest sporting venue, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.