Chapter News

EPC Outreach – Reaching OUT

JMU School Visit

Our EPC team along with an industry panel met with 80 students at James Madison University on April 24th.  These students are enrolled in the Hart School of Hospitality in an Introduction to Event Management class taught by Professor Theresa Lind, M.ED, CMP. At the conclusion of the class the students were very engaged, and we were asked several questions to include how we work through negotiations, difficult situations we have faced, and what makes job candidates stand out to us during the hiring process.

The panelist included:
Angelique Wilkins – Vice President, Meetings, Marketing and Communications at Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
Kaitlen McKinnon – Assistant Director of Catering at Gaylord National
Melinda Permut – Senior Sales Executive at Gaylord National
Jessica Baker – Senior Sales Executive at Gaylord National

On Monday, May 7th we had the honor of participating in Prince Georges Community Colleges Hospitality Industry Night (Spring Semester).  There, our panelist imparted knowledge, insight, advice and resources to over 50 students enrolled in PGCC’s Hospitality program.  Afterwards, the students were able to meet and greet with our panelist at a questions and answers brief post networking event.  It was a rewarding experience for all who attended.

The panelist included:
Desiree Knight, CMP – Director of Education and Meetings at AEMA
Kynny Sutton – Director of Operations for the Washington Nationals
Travis Peterson – Citywide Sales Executive with Marriott International
Sybil Davis – National Account Manager at the Philadelphia CVB
Grace Lowe – Meetings and Events Specialist for Hustle
Chef Pernell Morton – Marriott International
Rachel Chadderdon – Centerplate
Rene McCoy – Teneo  Hospitality Group
.

On Friday, May 11th we had the pleasure to go to the Hotel & Restaurant Management Academy in Ellicott City a High School that introduces students to the diverse aspects of the hospitality industry, including careers in lodging, travel and tourism.  Our team spoke with the students about the ins and outs of the Hospitality Industry in an open fireside chat format which allowed students to have their questions answered in an open and immediate fashion.  The students were thrilled to have industry professionals come out to speak to them and the panel really enjoyed seeing all the rising students interested in our business.

The panel included:
Ann Arnold – Global Account Executive with Marriott International
K.C. Hopson, MS, CMP – EventRebels
Michelle Johnfinn – Meeting and Event Manager with Experient
Yeneneh Ketema – Sr. Program Specialist with Marriott International
Susan Cairnes, CMP – Affirma Solutions Inc.

One of the biggest ways to make an impact on our future in this industry is to have a relationship with the future of the industry.  We did just that!!!!

To learn more about the Emerging Professionals Committee visit our committee page.

Bea TijerinaEPC Outreach – Reaching OUT