Penang engages expert consultant for CVB set-up

The Penang state government has unveiled the appointed of David Hall, senior partner at David Hall & Associates, as a consultant to set up the structure of Penang International Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PICEB).

Announced by Penang state minister for tourism development, Danny Law Heng Kiang, Hall’s new posting also tasks him with recommending a sustainable funding model and potential candidates to fill PICEB’s COO position.

David Hall & Associates is an Adelaide-based specialist in the convention and visitor bureau (CVB) industry, and also consults during the formation of Sarawak Convention Bureau.

PICEB, which will be a division under Penang Global Tourism, will be set up by end of the year but may only begin operations in early 2015.

Ooi Geok Ling, managing director, Penang Global Tourism, said the long delay in the setting up of PICEB was due to a stalemate in deciding on a funding model, which led to Hall’s engagement. Hall will be in Penang later this month to meet with local players in the business events industry.  

Zulkefli Sharif, CEO of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau opined that the new CVB would complement the federal bureau’s work. He said: “It makes our work easier because when we secure events for Malaysia and Penang is part of the itinerary, we can arrange visits to Penang and there will be PICEB staff on the ground to take them around.”

-TTG Asia.