Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) have appointed industry veteran Monica Rizzi as its new General Manager, Operations - a newly created role as the venue enters its next phase of growth. Rizzi brings more than 20 years of operational and commercial leadership experience across Australia's events and hospitality sectors, having most recently served as General Manager of Events at Harry the Hirer, with earlier stints at Crown Ltd, Atlantic Group and Dann Event Hire. In her new position, she'll oversee MCEC's largest division, leading more than 1,000 casual and permanent employees with a focus on operational excellence and customer experience.

Alongside this appointment, MCEC is expanding its Business Development team to sharpen its domestic presence while chasing new opportunities in priority international markets notably India and China. Sandra Lady has been named Head of Business Development, taking charge of a team that brings over 150 years of combined industry experience to the table.

The moves come at a significant moment for MCEC and the broader Victorian Convention and Event Trust, which recently opened the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre and is now looking to build on that momentum. The renewed focus on India, in particular, points to Melbourne's growing interest in tapping into India's fast-expanding meetings and business events market.