SCVB members voted in favour of the changes, effective September 1, at an extraordinary general meeting held in Sydney on August 12.

The change to the constitution clears the way for Events NSW’s CEO Geoff Parmenter and Chairman John O’Neill to be appointed to the Board, and creates provision for four new independent directors.

The process to appoint the independent directors is now underway, with former Board Chairman Col Hughes appointed as an interim Chairman to the Board. Meanwhile, three member-elected directors will remain on the Board: Bryan Holliday, Todd Coates and Rodger Powell.

Speaking at the EGM, SCVB Managing Director Jon Hutchison told members that the changes would build on the organisation’s new alliance with Events NSW and help provide the flexibility required to reach its goal of making Sydney one of the world’s top ten conference destinations.

Mr Hutchison said the name Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau did not accurately reflect the organisation’s activities.

“Business Events Sydney better describes what the SCVB is all about – securing a wide range of business events for our city, from association congresses to corporate meetings and incentives,” Mr Hutchison said.

Mr Hutchison also praised the New South Wales Government for its commitment to building events, including yesterday’s announcement of the establishment of a new Brand Sydney Project to create an overriding brand for the city.