The School of Hospitality Business Management at Washington State University will kick off its annual Hospitality Week Tuesday, March 2, featuring a lineup of virtual events open to the public, including the Bellhop and celebration of new inductees into the SHBM Hall of Fame.
Tuesday’s events include an expert industry panel at 9 a.m. that will feature hospitality experts discussing career opportunities and challenges in the hospitality industry. Registration is available on the expert industry panel website. Panelists include:
- John Sommer (’86), regional director of human resources-Western Region, Hilton Worldwide. Sommer will moderate the panel.
- Oliver Meinzer (’99, ’03), vice president of global operations and digital guest experience, Marriott International
- Tom Norwalk (’76), president and CEO, Visit Seattle
- Rick Tupper (‘80), vice president, Puget Sound Hospitality
- Lisa Bliss (’80), procurement agent, indirect supply chain-hotel program and car rental program, Boeing
- Anthony Anton (’93), president and CEO, Washington Hospitality Association
At 11 a.m. on Tuesday, a community screening of the documentary A Fine Line will explores why less than 7% of head chefs and restaurant owners are women, when traditionally women have always held the central role in the kitchen. Registration is available on the A Fine Line website.
On Wednesday, March 3, the School of Hospitality Business Management will host the annual Burtenshaw Career Night from 4-6 p.m.
The career night event is a hospitality-company recruitment exhibition for WSU students majoring or minoring in hospitality business management, as well as other business students. Registration is available on the Burtenshaw Hospitality Career Night website.
On Thursday, March 4, Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality, will present “There is No Going Back, Only Forward” at the annual Burtenshaw Distinguished Lecture at 9 a.m. Registration is available on the Burtenshaw lecture website. Mackay will discuss what the hospitality industry and companies have learned over the last year and the importance of values, including equity and diversity.
On Friday, March 5, The School of Hospitality Business Management will host the Bellhop and Hall of Fame Celebration from 5-7 p.m. Attendees can purchase exclusive wine and culinary experience packages sponsored by Hamilton Cellars at three registration levels: Pineapple $150, Crimson $50, and Gray $25. Registration is available on the Bellhop website. During the Bellhop program, SHBM will recognize Hall of Fame inductees:
- Douglas N. Dreher (’87), president and CEO, The Hotel Group
- Joe Fugere (’84), founder and CEO, Tutta Bella
- Brian McGinnis (’77), owner, Pinnacle Real Estate L.L.C.
- Julie Purnell (’86), managing director and advisory leader-West Division, CBRE Hotels Advisory
“The Bellhop honors the past, celebrates the present, and builds the future of the School of Hospitality Business Management,” said Bob Harrington, SHBM director.
