MCEC Appoints Monica Rizzi as General Manager as Venue Enters New Phase of Growth

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has appointed industry veteran Monica Rizzi as General Manager, Operations, creating a new senior role to lead its largest and busiest division 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 hire industries to the newly created position. She will oversee MCEC’s Operations department and more than 1,000 casual and permanent employees, with a remit centred on operational excellence, innovation and customer experience.

Her appointment comes as MCEC looks to build on its position as one of Australia’s leading business events venues and support its ambition to become the world’s trusted partner for delivering impactful events.

“Monica is an accomplished leader with a proven track record of delivering exceptional operational outcomes and leading high-performing teams,” said Lauren Milsop, Chief Operating Officer of the Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET). “As we continue to grow, Monica's extensive industry experience and customer focus will be invaluable in helping us deliver exceptional experiences for our customers and visitors.”

“I’m delighted to be joining MCEC and look forward to working with our talented Operations team and senior leaders to build on the venue’s strong reputation for delivering world-class events,” said Monica Rizzi, General Manager, Operations.

Rizzi most recently served as General Manager of Events at Harry the Hirer, having previously held senior leadership positions with some of Australia’s best-known hospitality and events organisations, including Crown Ltd, Atlantic Group and Dann Event Hire.

As Rizzi takes up the new position, Milsop will continue as a key member of the venue’s leadership team, providing executive oversight of operations across both MCEC and the newly opened Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, which are operated by VCET.
 

Expanding the business development team

MCEC is also expanding its Business Development team, with the aim of strengthening its domestic market position while pursuing new opportunities in priority international markets, including India and China.

Sandra Lady has been appointed Head of Business Development, leading a team comprising James Gilham, Rose Ryan Earles, Nicoleta Giurgiu and Pinky Brown. Collectively, the team brings more than 150 years of industry experience to the business.

“We are focused on creating new opportunities, strengthening partnerships and delivering value for our customers while showcasing Victoria’s exceptional business events capabilities across two world-class venues,” said Sandra Lady, Head of Business Development.

The expansion gives the venue a strengthened commercial platform at a significant moment for Victoria’s business events proposition. VCET, which operates MCEC, has now extended its footprint beyond Melbourne following the opening of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre in July 2026.

With two major convention and event venues now under its operation, VCET is positioning the expanded network to attract more events and deliver positive outcomes for customers, communities and the Victorian economy.

The scale of MCEC’s existing contribution provides a measure of what is at stake. In the last financial year, events held at the venue generated more than $700 million in economic impact for Victoria.

“In the last financial year, our events at MCEC generated more than $700 million in economic impact for Victoria. I’m incredibly proud of how we contribute – from supporting the businesses we work with directly to driving broader economic benefits for the state,” said Natalie O’Brien AM, Chief Executive of VCET.

The appointments therefore arrive at a moment when the organisation is simultaneously strengthening operational leadership at its flagship Melbourne venue, expanding its business development capabilities and extending its reach into regional Victoria, giving VCET a broader platform from which to grow the state’s business events economy.
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.