Rick Aylett has been appointed as the general manager of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET) has announced. This appointment follows Rick’s successful tenure as project director for Nyaal Banyul since 2022, where he has played a key role in the venue’s design and development.
Rick has successfully led the strategic development and operational delivery of over 60 major international events, including the Commonwealth Games in India and the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. His experience also includes serving as Chief Executive of the North Melbourne Football Club, Managing Director of Peter Rowland Major Events, and providing consultancy services to the Australian Football League. Rick is a former Board Director of William Angliss.
Funded by the Geelong City Deal, the Nyaal Banyul precinct will include a purpose-built convention and exhibition space, incorporating a 1,000-seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces. The precinct will also be home to retail and hospitality spaces, with a large public plaza that promises to become a feature of the Geelong waterfront and a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel.
Chief executive of MCET Natalie O’Brien AM said that Rick’s “proven leadership and vast experience in the industry will be instrumental in establishing Nyaal Banyul as the best regional convention centre in Australia.”
Rick commented: “I’m honoured to be given this opportunity … I’m also thrilled to be connecting and partnering with the Geelong community. The longstanding local support and advocacy for the convention centre is the reason we exist.”
“Nyaal Banyul will be a game-changer for Geelong, and I’m eager to contribute to its success,” he concluded.
