Current head of food and beverage at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Paul Kanaan, will step up to the helm of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre next Monday as its acting general manager.
Both MCEC and Nyaal Banyul are managed by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET).
“We are delighted to welcome Paul to the role of acting general manager [for] Nyaal Banyul,” said VCET’s chief operations officer Lauren Milsop.
“His extensive experience and proven track record delivering major global events includes [the] 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, the “Lion’s Den” for [the] British and Irish Lions tour in 2025 and the 20th International Aids Conference in 2014.
“He will ensure we continue to establish Nyaal Banyul as a world-class business events destination.
“Paul’s appointment provides continuity and stability for our team, clients and stakeholders for the first full year of operation.
“Arrangements will be made to appoint a permanent general manager next year.”
Nyaal Banyul’s current general manager, Rick Aylett, is moving on to become the CEO of Melbourne Royal, which manages Melbourne Showgrounds. After nearly a decade with VCET, including over six years working on the development and opening of Nyaal Banyul, Aylett begins his new role with Melbourne Royal in early November.
The $449 million Geelong venue opened in June as Victoria’s second major convention centre, offering a 1,000-seat plenary space and 3,700m2 of flexible event space.
