Press Releases
November 25, 2013
Posted On:
November 25, 2013

City of New Westminster appoints management team for the new Anvil Centre

Vali Marling (left) and Heidi Hughes (right)

New Westminster, BC – The City of New Westminster is proud to introduce two new members to the new Anvil Centre leadership team: Vali Marling, General Manager, and Heidi Hughes, Manager of Conference Sales and Marketing. The duo will oversee the operation, marketing and promotion of the City’s newest landmark civic facility, currently under construction and set to open in 2014 in the heart of downtown New Westminster.

Vali Marling comes to the City from her most recent position as Director of Operations at Tradex in Abbotsford, bringing with her a proven track record for increasing facility revenues and generating economic growth in the community as a result. Vali will be in charge of overseeing the overall operations of the Centre’s primary business functions as well as other ancillary services such as catering and audio-visual.

“The opportunity to open such a distinctive venue on historic Columbia Street is beyond exciting,” said Vali Marling. “As General Manager, I’m looking forward to implementing a strategic business plan that will ensure successful operation of the Centre’s various functions.”

Heidi Hughes brings with her years of experience working in the sales and marketing offices of major international hotel chains such as Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott, where she was responsible for selling meeting and convention facilities. As Marketing Manager of Anvil Centre, Heidi will be primarily responsible for positioning the Centre as a leading edge facility designed to host a wide array of events including but not limited to conferences; conventions and tradeshows; banquets and galas; meetings and other special events.

“The unique vision behind the design of Anvil Centre is what makes this facility so special,” said Heidi Hughes. “My job is to market Anvil Centre as the whole package – not just somewhere to have an event, but a place to create and have unique experiences.”

Vali and Heidi’s combined talent, experience and passion for building relationships will be a valuable asset to the City and to the community as Anvil Centre opens to the public next summer. Their appointment rounds out the Anvil Centre management team which includes the City of New Westminster’s Manager of Arts and Cultural Development and Manager of the New Westminster Museum and Archives.

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Contact:  Blair Fryer

  Communications and Economic Development Manager

  604-527-4688 or