Jenny Graham announces retirement from Cairns Convention Centre

Jenny Graham, after an illustrious career spanning nearly 24 years at the Cairns Convention Centre, has announced her retirement. Currently in the role of Bid Strategy Manager, her tenure has been marked by numerous achievements and memorable moments, significantly contributing to the Centre’s success.

Reflecting on her career, Graham highlighted three standout moments:

• Global Recognition: Jenny was part of the exceptional team that won the AIPC World’s Best Congress Centre award twice. Representing this team on the global stage has been a career highlight.

• Valuable Connections: The richness of connections made with global industry colleagues and clients has been incredibly rewarding. Jenny has had the honour of working with Nobel laureates and world-leading researchers, gaining insights into their remarkable contributions to humanity.

• Centre Expansion: Witnessing the completion of the $176 million expansion and refurbishment of the Cairns Convention Centre was a moment of immense joy for Jenny.

Graham has witnessed Cairns evolve significantly since she began her career as a Researcher, progressing to Director of Sales and now Bid Strategy Manager.

She emphasises “the city has become more sophisticated, with new business events infrastructure, including hotels, tour options, offsite venues, and an additional 10,500 sqm of space at the refurbished Convention Centre. I feel that the extraordinary produce grown in the region and the richness of cultural experiences are finally being recognised.”

Graham’s career began in Melbourne, where she worked in advertising, media, production, and public relations. She then moved into the not-for-profit sector as a fundraising/media manager before joining the Cairns Convention Centre as a researcher. Her progression to Director of Sales is a testament to ASM Global’s commitment to staff development and growth. Her advice to colleagues and future leaders is to enjoy the ride, be curious, engage, and make connections, as the industry offers endless possibilities and experiences.

Graham added “It has been an absolute honour to work with ASM Global at the Cairns Convention Centre. I can’t thank management enough for the opportunities I have been afforded and for allowing me to transition slowly to a fulfilling retirement.”

As she steps into retirement, Graham plans to spend Christmas with her family in Adelaide, enjoy leisure travel, continue climbing the hills around Cairns, visit the reef more regularly, and spend quality time with friends and family.

Janet Hamilton, General Manager of the Cairns Convention Centre, expressed her gratitude for Jenny’s contributions sharing “we are incredibly grateful for Jenny’s dedication and hard work over the past 24 years. Her leadership and passion have been instrumental in our success.

“Geoff Donaghy and Ross Steele, previous General Managers of the Centre who worked closely with Jenny, echo my sentiments. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement and look forward to seeing her enjoy this next chapter of her life.”

The Cairns Convention Centre extend their heartfelt gratitude to Graham for her dedication and contributions over the years and wish her all the best in her retirement.