JWU College of Hospitality Management

You couldn’t help but notice the JWU connections at the recent Expo! Expo! held in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dubbed the “show for shows,” it's the must-attend event for anyone plugged–in to the exhibitions and events field to learn about the latest trends, technology and tools of the trade while networking with like-minded enthusiasts.

If travel and tourism is what you live, breathe and dream about, we’ve got good news around the fast-growing global industry, along with some of the latest trends to stay on top of.

Sustainability may be a buzzword in the hospitality industry, but for College of Hospitality Management associate professor Douglas Stuchel, it’s what he grew up with — and it’s a topic he’s passionate about.

Imagine walking into a hotel room that’s set at the exact air temperature you like. With art on the walls from your favorite artist — or maybe photos of your family. And when your alarm goes off in the morning, the drapes open, your favorite music comes on and the shower starts automatically at the temperature you prefer.

Samantha Creech ’18 was preparing to fly to Florida to interview for a job with the Miami Dolphins when she called human resources to find out who she would be meeting with.

Want to know how to make the perfect dry martini? The most delicious mojito? Talk to master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, a legend in the field. Author of “The Modern Mixologist,” Abou-Ganim has created cocktail menus at some of the finest restaurants and hotels across the country and has won 3 Iron Chef competitions. He was Mario Batali’s first bartender at his first restaurant, Po. He was contacted by Steve Wynn’s team to head up the cocktail beverage program at Bellagio in Las Vegas. Oh, and he’s also a National Ambassador for the United States Bartenders Guild.

According to Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association (NRA), data collected by the NRA’s Education Foundation shows that “restaurants are the fabric of America and drive the economy.”

The American consumer has an almost limitless amount of options when they head to the grocery store — so much so that it can be an overwhelming experience. Sometimes, one may even think, “I’ll just buy this brand. What’s the difference?”

Cindi Bigelow is on a mission to change that way of thinking.

Maureen Andersen is on a quest to eradicate the phrase “just the box office” from the English language.

As president and CEO of INTIX, the global organization for ticketing professionals, Andersen serves as an enthusiastic cheerleader for a career path that doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. She outlines her pent-up exasperation that a lifetime of being asked, “So, what do you do?” is met with a dismissive, “Oh, just the box office.” “We’re not just anything!” she explains. “We’re circus masters in the big top. We’re type A, organized, loyal, talented individuals who make up the incredibly diverse ticketing industry.”

He encouraged students to “grow themselves.” Tom Murray, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), said once he hit his 20s, he knew he had to keep learning and pursuing new goals. “I made myself more valuable to other people. What I was looking for was further personal growth.”