Richard Dodds – Head of Convention Sales
Richard has a wealth of experience across the conventions and hotel industry and has had a long connection with our organisation, partners, and people, including working across conventions activities, hotel partnerships, technical sales through to leveraging performing arts partnerships with Auckland Live and our city’s key resident companies and festivals.
Previously, Richard was the Director of Sales – New Zealand with Pro Invest Hotel Group with hotel properties located in Auckland and Queenstown. Prior to this role he had local roles with Marriott International (Four Points by Sheraton Auckland), assisted in the launch of SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre where he held the role as Director of Sales, TFE Hotels and Tourism Rotorua. International positions have included sales for the convention arm of Wonderful Copenhagen, World Event Management Limited in London, and Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Thailand.
Charmaine Hylla - Business Development Manager
Charmaine has a Bachelor of International Hospitality Management from Auckland University of Technology. Nearing the end of her degree, she worked in reservations at a hotel and then took over the event bookings. This is where her passion for events started. Charmaine loves turning a client’s dream into a reality. With her extensive background in the tourism and business events industry, knowledge of the conventions market and her strategic focus to achieve business goals, Charmaine is an invaluable asset to the ACVE’s Sales Team. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling and exploring new places, both above and below the water as a keen scuba diver. These days she is more land-based than sea-based with a young family in tow.
Arati Ravindran-Vetal - Business Development Manager
Arati is a hospitality and events professional with over 15 years of industry experience. Starting as a Food & Beverage Supervisor across various prestigious hotels, she eventually moved into Event Coordination and Sales at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour and then Urban Gourmet. Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience in coordinating and managing a wide array of events and client accounts. Whether managing small gatherings or large conferences and dinners, Arati thrives in fast-paced environments and takes pride in creating memorable experiences for clients. Beyond work, she is passionate about music, travel, and exploring new cuisines through cooking.
Lee King - Business Development Manager
Lee is the Business Development Executive for Auckland Zoo, Go Media Stadium and North Harbour Stadium. Lee has had a very successful sales career in the conferencing and events sector. She believes that the difference between a good conference and a great conference - having attended countless over the years - is picking an environment that reflects the company’s messaging and leaves participants ultimately feeling engaged and valued. A great venue, she notes, sets the tone to achieve all your company’s goals. Outside of the office, Lee loves spending quality time with her family and friends. A recent achievement was braving a 12,000ft skydive, one of many goals she has been able to tick off her bucket list.
Annabelle Kim - Business Development Executive
Annabelle is an accomplished hospitality professional with over a decade of experience across international hotel brands including Accor, Langham, and Hilton. Having advanced from frontline operations to leading the Front Office department, she has built a strong foundation in service excellence and operational leadership. Since joining Tātaki Auckland Unlimited as part of the Venue Planning team, Annabelle has developed a deep understanding of venue utilisation and successfully managed a range of internal events. In her current role as Business Development Executive, she drives business events for Auckland Art Gallery as well as other key venues across the city. Outside of work, Annabelle is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys hiking and running.
Lisa McCloskey - Business Development Researcher
Lisa holds a Diploma in Hotel & Catering Management from the Central Institute of Technology in Wellington. She began her career in the hospitality industry as a corporate trainee, gaining hands-on experience across the various departments within hotels. Her move to Sky City as an Event Coordinator marked the beginning of a successful and wide-ranging career in the business events sector. Lisa combines deep knowledge of the conventions market with a strategic approach to deliver outstanding event experiences. With a proven sales record and strong industry relationships, Lisa has excelled in promoting and selling a diverse range of offerings — from catering packages, hotel rooms, and corporate events to team-building experiences, themed functions, unique venues, and even the iconic Sky Tower.
In her spare time, she is involved with several charities raising awareness for fantastic causes such as New Zealand Women’s Refuge, Hospice, and the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. She is also Club Captain at her local Tennis Club.
Adrian Ceballos - Business Development Executive
Adrian has a Bachelor’s in Entertainment and Tourism and is experienced in working events and hospitality with global companies Hard Rock Café and a Cirque du Soleil touring production. This included years of front line, operational roles working face to face with customers delivering exceptional experiences. Adrian returns to Auckland Conventions after having worked here previously in the early 2010s. Before this, he also worked operations with a previous contract caterer where he oversaw numerous events across the Auckland Conventions portfolio, so has an intimate knowledge of our venues.
Originally from California, Adrian enjoys traveling across the globe and celebrating his Mexican heritage as an advocate for agave spirits such as tequila and mezcal.
