Meet BCEC’s new communications and marketing manager
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has appointed Karyn Sutton as communications and marketing manager.
Sutton, who joined the venue in late 2024, has worked in marketing roles across hotel groups, including Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and The Ritz-Carlton brand. She also has experience with cruise lines and in local government, including at a physical precinct level.
“With her professional qualifications and diverse experience, I am confident Karyn will contribute greatly to the continuing growth of the business, helping to accelerate Brisbane’s business events sector,” said BCEC’s general manager, Kym Guesdon.
Sutton is pleased to be joining the centre in the lead-up to Brisbane’s hosting of the Olympic Games in 2032, which will put both the city and the venue in the global spotlight. BCEC is expected to host some sporting events during the Olympics.
“To join at such a significant time is an incredible opportunity. Helping to craft the narrative and tell the story of BCEC’s contribution to the Brisbane landscape is hugely exciting to me,” she said.
Sutton’s appointment comes as the centre’s existing marketing and communications manager, Gail Sawyer, has decided to scale back to part time following more than a quarter-century heading up the venue’s marketing efforts.
“Gail’s contribution to BCEC has been truly extraordinary,” said BCEC’s CEO, Bob O’Keeffe AM.
“As a former senior journalist and deputy editor of one of Australia’s leading newspapers, we were fortunate to have had Gail guide BCEC’s media and communications over the last two decades.
“The centre’s 198 awards and our strong relationships with both trade and general media reflect Gail’s remarkable commitment and strategic vision.
“We are very fortunate to continue benefiting from her knowledge and insight and expertise during this transition.”
New GM for Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral
Charles Cowell has been appointed general manager of the hotel in the New South Wales Southern Highlands.
Cowell moves over from Bendooley Estate, a winery, dining, accommodation, event and bookshop offering also in the Southern Highlands, where he was general manager. He also has previous experience in hotels.
“What I love about hospitality is that you get to be part of people’s lives and work together in unison to create a moment or achieve the unachievable,” said Cowell.
“Every day is different, and it keeps life fresh and energising. The sense of pride and satisfaction when you see a guest leave happy is truly a gift.
“We have a clear ambition to make Park Proxi a hotel of the locals. Not only will the hotel offer tourists the opportunity to explore this idyllic destination, but we also want to give the locals the opportunity to enjoy the hotel and the facilities.”
Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral is the first hotel under the Park Proxi brand globally and is part of Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts. The 78-room hotel offers standard and unique event spaces, alongside an 18-hole golf course. In 2024, the hotel also partnered with Lotus Dining Group to create Lotus Bowral, bringing the established Chinese culinary brand to the Southern Highlands.
“We’re thrilled to have Charles take up the helm at Park Proxi and guide the hotel and the brand into a new exciting chapter,” said Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts’ CEO, Lee Richards.
“With a proven track record of excellence in the hospitality industry, he will bring a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of the property.
“Charles’ leadership, passion for guest satisfaction and commitment to fostering relationships with the local community will be the key drivers as we continue to elevate the guest experience at Park Proxi and strengthen our position as a premier destination in Bowral.”
