Australasian Leisure Management
Feb 4, 2025

New Communications and Marketing Manager announced for BCEC

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has appointed Karyn Sutton as their new Communications and Marketing Manager ahead of the Centre’s 30th anniversary this year.

Sutton, a skilled communication and marketing professional, will lead a strong marketing team in the venue’s 30th year of delivering world-class events for Brisbane.

In her new role, Sutton is responsible for developing, driving, and managing the Communication, Marketing, and Engagement Strategy for BCEC.

An accomplished marketing professional, proficient in the field of corporate communication, Sutton’s experience stems from Business Development and PR roles in international five-star hotels, cruise lines, and more recently, in local government.

BCEC General Manager, Kym Guesdon, said the appointment is key to BCEC’s growth strategy and part of the foundational work as an Olympic venue and city partner in maximising the opportunities of hosting the 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games.

Guesdon enthused “we are delighted to welcome Karyn as part of the BCEC family. With her professional qualifications and diverse experience, I am confident Karyn will contribute greatly to the continuing growth of the business, helping to accelerate Brisbane’s Business Events sector.”

Sutton said she was thrilled to be joining BCEC at a significant time in history, with Brisbane and the Centre in the global spotlight in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sutton shared “to join at such a significant time is an incredible opportunity. Helping to craft the narrative and tell the story of BCEC’s contribution to the Brisbane landscape is hugely exciting to me.”

Gail Sawyer, the Centre’s globally known Marketing & Communications Manager, is now scaling to part-time at BCEC after 26 years at the helm. Sawyer’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping BCEC’s brand and its reputation as a world-class venue.

“Gail’s contribution to BCEC has been truly extraordinary,” noted Chief Executive, Bob O’Keeffe AM adding “as a former senior journalist and Deputy Editor of one of Australia’s leading newspapers, we were fortunate to have had Gail guide BCEC’s media and communications over the last two decades. The Centre’s 198 awards and our strong relationships with both trade and general media reflect Gail’s remarkable commitment and strategic vision. We are very fortunate to continue benefiting from her knowledge and insight and expertise during this transition.”

As BCEC approaches its 30th anniversary in June this year, the Centre celebrates its history while looking forward to a vibrant future with a dynamic and experienced marketing team leading the way.

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