Continuing to host creative and authentic, world class events is on the new Major Events CEO’s agenda.
The Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) has recruited tourism professional Suzana Bishop, to lead the organisation.
Her appointment follows the departure of former CEO Tim Watsford, who led the company for close to five years and has since taken up an opportunity interstate.
NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop says she is thrilled to be able to work in the NT and wants to maximise opportunities for all Territorians.
“I look forward to working with the NTMEC team and key stakeholders in the events industry to ensure the Territory continues delivering high calibre events that give interstate visitors a reason to experience everything from the Top End, Red Centre and everything in between,” she says.
“I think the Northern Territory brand of major events is really getting noticed, and the creativity, the authenticity of the events that we are putting on really highlights that people really need to check (it out).”
Ms Bishop began her new role at NTMEC on 16 January, after relocating to Darwin from Melbourne with her family.
The former Victorian resident brings with her 25 years of experience in the tourism and events industry.
For the past four years, she led a comprehensive portfolio of events in Victoria as Chief Experience Officer at Federation Square.
Some of the esteemed event organisations she has worked with also include the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), The Australian Grand Prix and The Royal Melbourne Show.
With a background in delivering destination events and experience strategies, Ms Bishop is acutely aware of the vital role events play in supporting the tourism industry and contributing to the visitors’ economy.
She has served in various task forces and boards over the years, notably the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, Canberra International Music Festival Board, Port of Echuca, and Meetings and Events of Australia Board.
Ms Bishop is also an alumnus of the Committee for Melbourne’s Future Focus Group program, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), has a Masters in advertising and an Executive MBA from RMIT University.
NTMEC Board Chairman Alistair Feehan says she is excited to welcome Ms Bishop to the team.
“On behalf of the company, I would like to congratulate Suzana on her appointment as the new CEO of NTMEC,” she says.
“With years of experience in delivering destination events and experience strategies, we know Suzana will be a strong advocate for delivering exceptional events that drive visitation and generate incredible results for the Territory economy.
“We’d like to extend a warm welcome to Suzana and her family, and hope they settle into their new Territory lifestyle as quickly as possible.
“This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for NTMEC and the Board is looking forward to working with Suzana to ensure the company continues achieving many positive outcomes for the Territory by delivering and supporting a world-class portfolio of events.
“We’d also like to wish Tim and his family all the very best for their next chapter in Queensland, and sincerely thank him for his steady and innovative leadership at NTMEC since 2018.”
