Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) has appointed Jamila Bray as head of venue sales and marketing, following what the venue described as a competitive recruitment process.
Bray has worked at the Yorkshire venue for seven years, most recently as sales account manager. She joins the management team at a time of continued investment at the convention centre, which celebrates its 45th anniversary next year.
The appointment comes as HCC progresses a £9.4m expansion project focused on new conference breakout facilities. Due for completion in early 2027, the development will increase breakout capacity to 2,600 delegates, which the venue says will make it one of the UK’s largest conference breakout offerings.
Bray has more than a decade of experience in the events sector across venues in Manchester and Harrogate. In her previous role at HCC, she worked on account acquisition, client development and post-pandemic business recovery.
In the new role, she will oversee sales and marketing strategy, with a particular focus on conference growth.
Michael Constantine, head of operations at HCC, said: “Following a wide ranging recruitment process, we are delighted to appoint Jamila into this new role. Her progression within HCC is a testament to her talent, dedication, drive and commercial insight.”
Bray added: “I’m proud to be stepping into the role of Head of Venue Sales & Marketing. Having joined the team seven years ago, I’ve seen first-hand the strength of our unique offer and I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the business.”
The investment reflects continued competition among UK regional convention centres to attract larger association and corporate events, particularly as venues increase flexible meeting and breakout space to meet changing conference formats.