Paul Kanaan, former F&B head of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, has been named acting GM.
The Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET) has appointed Paul Kanaan as acting GM of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, months after the launch of the venue with Ricky Aylett at the helm.
Kanaan joins from Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), where he was head of food and beverage. He brings more than 20 years of experience at MCEC, with expertise in venue operations and the delivery of major international events.
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His event experience includes the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour’s “Lion’s Den” hospitality operation and the 20th International AIDS Conference in 2014.
Kanaan succeeds Aylett, who concluded his tenure as GM of the convention centre on 16 October to become CEO of Melbourne Royal, the organisation behind the Melbourne Royal Show.
Aylett had been involved in Nyaal Banyul since 2022, initially leading its development project before taking on the GM role ahead of the venue’s opening in June 2026.
VCET COO Lauren Milsop said Kanaan’s appointment would provide continuity and stability for the team, clients and stakeholders during the venue’s first full year of operation. The trust plans to make arrangements for a permanent GM appointment in 2027.
Kanaan said he looked forward to working with the Greater Geelong region and its business and community stakeholders, and building on the foundations established by the team as the venue heads into 2027.
Nyaal Banyul, a A$450 million waterfront development, is Victoria’s second major convention centre. The venue features a 1,000-seat plenary theatre, exhibition areas, meeting rooms and flexible conference facilities, and opened in June 2026 with more than 80 events already secured.