BESydney appoints new North America director

City CVB BESydney has appointed Rahul Shah as director for North America to lead the organisation’s presence across the US and Canada to maximise global meeting opportunities in both the association and corporate/incentive markets. Based in Toronto, Shah is an association specialist with over 20 years’ experience in the North American business events industry, having represented the Metro Toronto Convention Centre as well as several international hotel brands. He will take up the role on 25 September 2023. Kristian Nicholls, executive general manager, client engagement of BESydney said: “We are very excited to have Rahul onboard, completing a formidable international team in the northern hemisphere, working alongside Jamie Ades, director, client engagement, Europe, based in the UK, and Sebastian Gonzalez, associate director, Europe, based in Germany. Shah said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the BESydney team and building on Sydney’s strong profile in the North American market. Sydney is the leading APAC destination for business events, showcasing Australia’s unmatched industry sector offerings.” In other news from Australia, the latest offering from The Ascott Limited Australia, Citadines Walker, boasts the highest room count in North Sydney, offering 252 rooms across 19 levels inside the now complete 88 Walker St development, which stands as the tallest tower in North Sydney. Citadines Walker’s design embraces a two-story mezzanine. Level 5 houses reception and a guest lounge. Level 6 includes a Fitness Centre and a business centre with a Boardroom and workstations. The hotel is strategically located adjacent to the upcoming Victoria Cross metro station, which will connect North Sydney with Barangaroo in three minutes, and Martin Place in five minutes.