Encanta Managing Director Renee Bennett is this year celebrating 20 years with the event management company, after starting with the organisation in 2002 back when it was called EventEdge. Renee thought she would be in the job for three months or so before she got the travel bug and departed for Europe, however fast forward 20 years, and while she never did go on that working holiday what a journey it has been, from EventEdge to EECW and now Encanta. In 2007, Renee undertook her first opportunity to become a shareholder in the business, and now 15 years later is the owner and Managing Director of Encanta. Congratulations Renee!

Encore, a global leader in event technology and production services, has appointed Scott Nodsle as Managing Director, APAC. Nodsle has been at the helm since January and has already made a huge impact to the business. In his short time in the position, Nodsle has championed numerous strategic commercial and operational growth initiatives and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to customer service excellence. This has resulted in growing Encore's venue partnerships to include an additional five venues and the renewal of 40 existing agreements. Nodsle has also focused on Encore’s employees, growing the teams since the strong return in demand the business has seen, as well as promoting over 40 employees, providing a clear path to career development.

A highly focused and competitive hospitality industry manager with over 40 years' experience, Tony Hart has recently joined Holiday Inn West Perth as General Manager, where he brings with him his passion for service, colleague development and developing supplier relationships specifically championing local produce and talent. With a strong background as Executive Chef at Hilton Fiji, Director of Food and Beverage at InterContinental Adelaide, and extensive secondments at properties in Hayman Island, Canberra, Auckland, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, and Queenstown, Tony most recently worked at the Hotel Indigo Adelaide Market as pre-opening Operations Manager and with the team oversaw the successful launch of the Indigo brand into Australia, before making the move to Perth to take on his new role at Holiday Inn West Perth.

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre is delighted to announce that Ramon Van De Griendt has joined the team as Executive Chef. Ramon has extensive international experience with over 30 years of working in a range of prestigious kitchens, such as The Ritz-Carlton, InterContinental Hotel Group and Pullman Hotels & Resorts. "With a reduced number of events at PCEC over the last two years due to COVID, we’re excited for events to be returning back in full swing. To do so, we will be moving in a new culinary direction. Soon, we will introduce new and innovative menus, using local, and Indigenous West Australian produce, blended together with global culinary influences," said Ramon. “PCEC is looking forward to seeing the venue’s exciting new culinary direction take shape as Ramon and PCEC’s newly appointed Director of Culinary Operations, Andrew Mann share their knowledge and experience to enhance PCEC’s food and beverage reputation at Western Australia’s premier event destination,” said Nigel Keen, PCEC’s General Manager.

Frasers Hospitality Australia welcomes Irina Pavlyuk into the role of Director of Sales & Marketing for Fraser Suites Perth. Irina holds a master’s degree from Cesar Ritz Colleges in Switzerland and is currently a PhD candidate in CQUniversity. With an extensive career background in Sales & Marketing, working with Starwood, Marriott & IHG, Irina joins Frasers Hospitality at a pivotal time for the industry, as we rebuild and prepare for the rise in tourism and travel across the country and overseas.

Virginia Loyola has joined national event management company Arinex as Senior Business Development Manager – International. Based in Sydney, Virginia brings 20 years’ experience and extensive knowledge in the international business events industry, specifically with associations and academic institutions. She was previously engaged by ASM Global venues – Darwin Convention Centre and Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre to target international association business, and Mayvin Global in global market research and effective sales strategy development for clients such as the Association of Australian Convention Bureau and the Barangaroo Development Authority. Virginia also spent 15 years with Business Events Sydney working in client and stakeholder engagement and bid development.

Daiwa Living Nesuto has appointed Michelle Black as their new Sales Manager for Western Australia. She brings a wealth of experience having worked in various sales roles in hospitality, corporate travel and other industries, including Accor and CTM. Based in Perth, Michelle will be responsible for business development for Nesuto Mounts Bay Perth Apartment Hotel, Nesuto Geraldton Apartment Hotel and the newly-opened Nesuto Curtin Perth Hotel.

Oh Hey WA is excited to announce that Robyn Ennis has been promoted to Industry Partnerships Manager on top of her existing role as Bookings Manager. Along with her sister and Oh Hey WA founder Adie, Robyn has been passionately building the business since joining in 2017. Robyn will bring her strong interpersonal and organisational skills to the role and will be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships within the Tourism industry. Make sure to introduce yourself to Robyn if you see her around town or at networking events!

Frasers Hospitality Australia welcomes Andrew Bird into the role of Business Development Manager – Hotel Corporate Sales for Fraser Suites Perth. Andrew has been involved in the Western Australian tourism industry since 1986 with extensive experience in Inbound, tour wholesaling, domestic and international airlines, hotel sales and marketing with a range of hotel groups and meetings and events operating his own PCO business. A strong team player and customer focused ensuring customer satisfaction.