Edinburgh Convention Bureau

1     Lynne Geary, Edinburgh Conference Centre
A new Sales and Marketing Manager has been appointed to develop the Edinburgh Conference Centre at Heriot-Watt University. Lynne Geary, comes from a background in the hotel and leisure industry, with over 20 years experience in that field working for Gleneagles Hotels PLC and Style Conferences amongst others.

The centre is the largest not-for-profit conference venue in the capital with all its facilities located under one roof. It recently held a prestigious conference on Stem Cell research and the Scottish National Party spring conference.

Edinburgh Conference Centre General Manager Thomas Day said:  "Lynne brings a wealth of experience which will enable us to appeal to the wider market and increase our client portfolio."

"Our goal is to increase the event business with the recent introduction of the James Watt Suite as a new facility for weddings and social events catering for up to 400. Lynne is well equipped to drive forward the centre and to win new business. We are pleased to welcome her onboard."

Lynne Geary
0131 451 3666
l.geary@hw.ac.uk
http://www.edinburgh-conference.com/

2     Lynn MacDonald, Surgeons' Hall Complex
Lynn MacDonald joined Surgeons' Hall Complex as Business Development Manager at the end of April with extensive experience of the conferencing, events and hospitality industries. 

Lynn began her career in the Quality Assurance Department of VisitScotland based in Inverness before re-locating to Edinburgh in 2000 to take up an events position at The Hub, Edinburgh's Festival Centre.  Lynn's role at The Hub was varied and involved the organisation of a variety of events including prestigious award ceremonies, royal events and the last minute re-location of Scottish Parliament. 

Lynn left her role of Business Development Manager at The Hub to take up a new challenge with Murrayfield Experience, home of Scottish Rugby.  In her position of Sales Manager, Lynn developed both the conference and banqueting side of the business. 

Lynn will be responsible for driving more business into Surgeons' Hall Complex and explains "It is a fantastic opportunity to join a professional, forward-thinking and evolving organisation. The complex has everything to offer from first-class conference facilities to magnificent and unique banqueting spaces, in addition to the newly completed Ten Hill Place Hotel. The role will be demanding and challenging but one which I looking forward to embracing and assisting in the future successes of the business." 

Lynn Macdonald, Business Development Manager
0131 527 1727
l.macdonald@rcsed.ac.uk
www.surgeonshallcomplex.com

3     Michael Halsall, The Balmoral
Edinburgh's Rocco Forte Collection hotel, The Balmoral, has appointed Michael Halsall as Director of Sales and Marketing, to head up the hotel's 16-strong sales and marketing team.

Michael will be responsible for bedroom, special events, conference and banqueting revenue, and will oversee his team of sales and marketing specialists.  In addition, he will concentrate on strengthening ties with the local market and maintaining The Balmoral's reputation as Edinburgh's flagship hotel. He will be key in identifying new markets for the hotel in what promises to be a challenging economic climate.

Michael brings a wealth of industry knowledge and sales experience to The Balmoral. He has relocated from London, having worked in renowned hotels including The Savoy, The Inter-Continental, and The Langham Hilton and was part of the opening team at St Martin's Lane and Sanderson hotels. His most recent position was at Pineapple Marketing - an agency specialising in the marketing of luxury independent hotels around the world including, Skibo Castle in the Highlands, Campbell Gray Hotels, including One Aldwych and Dukes in London, Plaza Athenée New York and resorts as far afield as Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand.

The Balmoral's reputation, status and heritage were key factors in attracting Michael to Scotland. Michael commented: "I am delighted to have secured this key role of Director of Sales and Marketing at such a landmark property in a world-class city. I look forward to building on the success that The Balmoral has enjoyed over the past few years."

He added: "On a personal note I am looking forward to bagging a few Monroes and acquainting myself with some of the country's world renowned whisky distilleries, not to mention enjoying a few rounds of golf on some of the best courses in the world!"

Commenting on Michael's appointment, Ivan Artolli, General Manager at Rocco Forte's Balmoral said: "I am delighted that Michael has joined The Balmoral. The sales team is integral to The Balmoral's continued success, and with Michael now leading the team we are looking forward to growing the business even more over the coming years"

Kjersti Steffensen, PR and Marketing Assistant
0131 622 8805
ksteffensen@roccofortecollection.com
www.roccofortecollection.com