Two of the Greater Hunter’s largest accommodation houses – Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley and Crowne Plaza Newcastle – have appointed a new Business Development Director, Donna Forbes, who will focus on building the business events market for both properties.
The appointment has been welcomed by Altogether Perfect – Greater Hunter Business Events, a marketing body tasked with promoting Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley as venues for conferences and other business events.
With a career spanning 20 years in the tourism industry and a proven expert in business events, Forbes brings extensive and invaluable experience to the Hunter and will aim at attracting large, long-lead business to the region.
Forbes has spent 10 years in business to business (B2B) development, sales solutions and account management roles, and has a substantial background working with associations and professional conference organisers (PCOs).
Forbes will be responsible for securing business primarily within the meetings, events, conference and incentives (MICE) market, leveraging her wealth of knowledge and experience.
Her most recent role with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) saw her successfully drive impressive revenue results and forge close client connections to establish the NCC (National Convention Centre) as a top meeting destination in Canberra.
Surrounded by vineyards, the 316-room Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley boasts the largest exhibition and meeting facility in the region, accommodating up to 1600 delegates, as well as an 18-hole golf course, while the 175-room Crowne Plaza Newcastle commands a centrepiece position on the Honeysuckle harbourfront. Visit www.crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au and www.crowneplazanewcastle.com.au .
