PCMA’s new European chair
The head of business events at Visit Scotland, Neil Brownlee, became the new chair for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) during its annual Convening Leaders conference held in Houston, Texas last week.
Brownlee has been leading the business events division at Visit Scotland for the past 14 years.
He is the first chair of the association from outside of North America since the body was founded in 1956.
“I am honoured to begin my tenure as chair of PCMA, the first non-North American do so, building on the leadership of my friend and colleague and immediate past chair, Leonard Hoops,” said Brownlee.
“I am also delighted to be working alongside the talented and dynamic Kelly Ricker, and Sherrif Karamat’s outstanding PCMA team.
“I am passionate about the role that business events can play in promoting social and economic progress and intend to use this year and our global voice to position business events as change makers.
“It is my aim to represent all members of our globally diverse community as we work together to drive impactful and meaningful change worldwide.”
PCMA will return to North American oversight in 2026, with Ricker, the chief operating officer of the Global Technology Industry Association, being sworn in as the chair elect at last week’s event.
Senthil Gopinath’s new role
In a similar fashion, Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), is moving into the role of chair for the Events Industry Council (EIC). Gopinath has been at the helm of ICCA for almost six years.
With the EIC restructuring its board in 2024 to line up its chairs two years in advance, president of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), Stephanie Harris, has moved into the chair-elect role for this year, while CEO of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, Jason Dunn, has been elected treasurer and, following the new direction of the board, will become chair-elect in 2026 and chair in 2027.
Novotel Geelong’s new GM
Closer to home, Scott Bear has been appointed general manager at Novotel Geelong, moving over from Mercure Sydney Manly Warringah where he was also GM.
Bear has advanced quickly, having graduated from the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School in 2017.
He joined Accor in 2021 as the front office manager at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, before moving to the Mercure property on Sydney’s northern beaches.
“I’m thrilled to join Novotel Geelong and to have the opportunity to contribute to such a vibrant region,” said Bear.
“I look forward to working with our team to elevate the guest experience, while building meaningful partnerships with the local community.”
