Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC) chief executive Ernest Vincent has been awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to the exhibition industry.
 
The award was announced on 16 June as part of the Queen’s birthday honours list.
 
Before joining the QEIICC, Vincent was the GM of Toronto’s National Trade Centre, one of the largest public assembly facilities in North America. The National Trade Centre hosts over 100 major events each year, plus numerous meetings, banquets and corporate functions.
 
Earlier in his career, he was a member of the executive management team at The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Following this, he was recruited by The Hong Kong Trade Development Council to establish The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Vincent has also worked alongside The Royal Thai Government’s Department of Export Promotion and the Thai Ministry of Finance, and managed the opening of The Queen Sirikit Convention Centre in Bangkok in 1991.

During his tenure in Asia, Vincent was a member of the executive management team that bid for the development rights to construct The Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre for seven of the top Hong Kong business tycoons. He also spent some time in working in the Republic of China.

“To be appointed OBE is an immense and unexpected honour,” Vincent said. “For more than 35 years I’ve been able to contribute to the exhilarating business of international meetings, exhibitions and events.
 
“A significant part of my working life has been spent abroad helping to develop the exhibition and conference industry overseas. This has been both a memorable experience and a real privilege.”
 
In April, the UK Government reversed plans to sell-off the QEIICC and will retain itsfreehold interest in the Westminster-based building.
 
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