Nyaal Banyul appoints first GM

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET) has announced the appointment of Rick Aylett as the first general manager of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

This appointment follows Mr Aylett’s tenure as project director for Nyaal Banyul since 2022, where he has played a pivotal role in the venue’s design and development, while laying the foundations for its future operations. 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, a large public plaza that promises to become a feature of the Geelong waterfront and a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel.

Mr Aylett brings more than 30 years of extensive experience in senior leadership and operations management to this role.

His career highlights include five years as head of operations at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where he honed his expertise in managing large-scale events and operations.

An internationally accomplished executive, Mr Aylett 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 officer of the North Melbourne Football Club, managing director of Peter Rowland Major Events, and providing consultancy services to the Australian Football League.

He is a former board director of William Angliss.

MCET chief executive officer Natalie O’Brien said Mr Aylett was selected from a strong field of candidates for his experience, skills and passion for delivering excellence in event management.

“We’re thrilled to have Rick at the helm of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

“His proven leadership and vast experience in the industry will be instrumental in establishing Nyaal Banyul as the best regional convention centre in Australia.”

Mr Aylett said he was excited to get to work preparing Nyaal Banyul for opening in 2026.

“I’m honoured to be given this opportunity and look forward to working with the team to deliver meaningful and world-class experiences for event organisers and attendees.

“Greater Geelong is such an incredible destination with so much to offer.

“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.”