Elevate Your Career at Purdue’s 3rd Annual Spirit of Hospitality Summit

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Author: Abby Lillpop

The 3rd Annual Spirit of Hospitality Summit, hosted by Purdue’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, will be held on October 24-25, 2024, at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. This premier event is the culmination of Professional Development Week, a week full of industry engagement and career-building opportunities. The Summit is a must-attend for industry leaders, alumni, students, faculty, and friends looking to connect, learn, and grow in our ever-evolving industry.

The two-day event will feature keynote speakers at the forefront of their fields:

  • Kenda Resler Friend, a seasoned communications leader and President of KRF Public Relations
  • Hoyt Jones, President of Jersey Mike’s Subs
  • Jeff Long, Chief Commercial Enablement Officer at Molson Coors Beverage Company

These keynote sessions will cover critical topics such as leadership, strategic growth, brand development, and innovation.

In addition to the keynotes, the Summit will offer a variety of concurrent sessions led by industry experts. Topics will range from customer engagement and sustainability to technological advancements in hospitality operations. These sessions are designed to provide attendees with practical insights and actionable takeaways for professional success.

Professional Development Week Activities
The Summit caps off a week of programming designed to foster career growth for students and connect them with industry professionals. Highlights of the week include:

  • Professional Development Day (Tuesday, October 22): Students will sharpen their career skills with resume reviews, elevator pitch practice, and LinkedIn profile reviews.
  • Career Fair (Wednesday, October 23): A networking opportunity for students to connect with top employers in hospitality, sales, retail, and financial planning.
  • Senior Reception (Tuesday, October 22): Seniors will be invited to a special networking event with industry professionals. This intimate reception provides a chance to build meaningful connections with potential employers and industry leaders in a relaxed setting.
  • Keith Molter Networking Reception (Thursday, October 24): A highlight of the week, this evening reception is an excellent opportunity for attendees to mingle and make valuable industry connections in a welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you’re an industry professional looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market or a student eager to learn from industry leaders, the Spirit of Hospitality Summit offers valuable professional development and networking opportunities.

Event Details:

  • Date: October 24-25, 2024
  • Location: Purdue Memorial Union and Stewart Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
  • Registration is now open! Don’t miss your chance to attend this inspiring event.

Visit our event page for more information and to register.