BEIA appoints Michael Shah to expanded role
New Zealand’s flagship body for the business events industry, BEIA, has appointed Michael Shah as partnerships and exhibition manager.
Shah will lead both delivery of New Zealand’s business events trade show MEETINGS, which BEIA owns and runs, and the association’s broader partnerships.
For MEETINGS, Shah will oversea exhibitor recruitment and retention as well as the exhibitor experience.
Shah was previously the chief executive of the Northern Club in Auckland and spent more than five years heading up sales and marketing for New Zealand’s largest conference hotel, Cordis, Auckland. He was also GM of Hamilton Island’s luxury resort qualia between 2011 and 2013.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Michael back to the business events industry and to the BEIA team,” says BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins.
“Michael’s a highly regarded industry leader with a strong commercial background, extensive relationships and a clear understanding of what drives successful partnerships.
“He also knows MEETINGS from both sides of the floor, having participated as an exhibitor and a buyer. That perspective will be invaluable as BEIA continues to evolve the event and increase the value it delivers for our members and the wider sector.”
New GM for The Imperial Gold Coast
Hilton has appointed Morgan Meredith as general manager of The Imperial Gold Coast ahead of its transition into Hilton’s management on August 31.
Meredith moves over from Hyatt where she was working for a hotel in its Unbound Collection in Indonesia and brings over 15 years’ experience to her new role at Hilton.
With the 200-room set to undergo a “significant refurbishment” before it joins Hilton’s luxury LXR brand in 2027, Meredith will play a key role in guiding the property through its transformation and into the new brand.
“Morgan’s appointment marks an important milestone in bringing the vision for The Imperial Gold Coast to life,” said Hilton’s cluster general manager for southeast Queensland, Fiona Pryde.
“Her experience leading luxury hotels through complex renovation and repositioning projects, combined with her deep understanding of the local market, makes her exceptionally well placed to guide the property through this exciting transformation.
“As we prepare to introduce LXR Hotels & Resorts to Australasia, Morgan will play a pivotal role in shaping a highly personalised luxury experience that reflects the individuality of the destination and the exceptional service for which the brand is known.”
Meredith has previously worked for The Langham, Gold Coast and the Park Hyatt in Kyoto, Japan.
“Returning to the Gold Coast to lead The Imperial into its next chapter is an incredible privilege,” she said.
“I look forward to working with Hilton, our owners and the hotel team to shape an experience that honours the property’s heritage while celebrating the essence of its remarkable location.”
The hotel was previously the Palazzo Versace hotel, but moved on from the fashion-centric brand in 2023.
