Edge Hotel School hosted its Student Conference recently (23rd -27th January). The main aim was to inspire students with stories of successful careers, but also to address the challenges the industry faces. Current hotel and event management students, alumni and industry professionals attended the conference at Leonardo Royal Hotel St Paul’s. The compact programme featured education sessions aimed at kickstarting the careers of the next generation of hospitality professionals.
From the Edge Hotel School press release…
“The school’s Principal, Andrew Boer, welcomed students with an opening speech on the importance of experience, reiterating the support network that the hospitality community offers. The event followed the Master Innholders’ Hotel Leadership Conference at which many students were volunteers, managing registration and putting their organisational skills to the test with 500 delegates.”
Speakers at the event included Dan Rose-Bristow, Owner of The Torridon Hotel and Chair of the Master Innholders, Rohaise Rose-Bristow, Owner and Director of The Torridon Hotel speak, and Stuart Jenkins, former rugby player and current Managing Director of Blue Strawberry, luxury event caterers and planners.
Two panel discussions sparked some topical debating among the inquisitive audience of young professionals. The first raised questions around the alignment of values with an employer, the perception of body art and piercings on staff, and the concept of tipping.
The final session saw four successful alumni return to share their journeys in hospitality. At the conclusion of the various panels, students were then given the opportunity to network and explore different avenues for careers in hospitality and events with their industry peers.
“There is no greater motivation for the students than hearing the success stories not just of the top event companies and hoteliers, but alumni that were in their very shoes and have gone on to do wonderful things in the industry. We’re grateful to Leonardo Hotels for their generous support and the ongoing support of the Edge Foundation to make events like this possible.”
More details are available in the press release, click the button below to download it.