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Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Chief Executive Leigh Harry (pictured) is the new Chairman of the Business Events Council of Australia, taking over from AEG Ogden's Convention Director Geoff Donaghy at the Council's AGM last week.

Adelaide Convention Bureau Chief Executive Damien Kitto, was elected Vice-Chairman of the Associatuin while Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amerongen retained the position of Treasurer.

Harry brings extensive global experience to the role through his presidency of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC). He is a past president of Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) and has served on the BECA Council for 10 years.

Speaking after the vote Harry said he wanted to focus on building a broader understanding of the business events industry and strengthen the critical partnership between governments and the private sector, stating "business events are critical elements in building international relations and helping to stimulate economic growth, and I want to work to ensure the role of our industry is well understood and that the critical issues facing us are identified and addressed."

Harry paid tribute to Donaghy's five years as BECA Chair, adding "Geoff has worked tirelessly to progress the advocacy of the business events industry, and the profile that has been created through his efforts provides the ideal platform to continue the future work of BECA."

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