34th NSMH National Conference & Career Fair Schedule

The National Society of Minorities in Hospitality is pleased to invite you to attend its upcoming conference and career fair. Note the following is a high-level agenda. More details will be added soon. This information is provided to help attendees plan for this dynamic conference experience.

The National Board looks forward to your participation in #NSMH34!

Thursday, November 2, 2023 – Saturday, November 4, 2023

CONFERENCE LOCATION:
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

3:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Registration -  Nolan School Club Room
(please have only one representative to check-in for the entire chapter)

4:00 pm - 5:00pm | Industry Tour - Statler Hotel Lobby

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Board of Industry Affiliates (BIA) Meeting  (By Invitation Only) - Statler Hall, Sacks Suite - First Floor

6:15 pm - 6:45pm | First-Time Attendees Session - 5th Floor Silver Birch - Statler Hall

7:00 pm | Opening Session Doors Open - Klarman Auditorium  

7:15 pm – 8:00 pm | Conference Opening Session - Klarman Auditorium | Show us your school spirit! Rep your school with your apparel.

8:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Welcome Reception - Klarman Auditorium

9:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Conference Opening Party - Party Theme: Rep Your Set | "Rep Your Set" is a vibrant party theme where attendees proudly showcase their allegiance to their current university by donning school colors and apparel. With a sea of spirited outfits, the event becomes a celebration of collegiate pride and camaraderie. - Klarman Auditorium

7:30 am – 4:00 pm | Conference Registration (closed during lunch from 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm) - Nolan School Club Room

8:00 am – 9:15 am | Breakfast & Keynote Presentation (Breakfast will be served from 8:00am - 8:30am) - Sage Atrium 

9:30 am – 10:15 am | Breakout Session I -  

Session A: The Bigger Picture: Career Mapping - Breazzano Room 123: Embark on a journey of self-discovery and strategic planning in this breakout session. Gain valuable insights into assessing your skills, interests, and values to align your career path with your true aspirations. Unlock the tools and techniques to create a comprehensive career roadmap that guides you towards long-term success and fulfillment. 

Session B: The Bounce Back: Mastering Resilience and Adaptability - Breazzano Room 221: Join us for an empowering breakout session where you will discover the secrets to cultivating resilience and adaptability as essential skills for navigating life's challenges and uncertainties. Gain practical strategies and insights to overcome setbacks, embrace change, and thrive in an ever-evolving environment. -

Session C: From Backpack to Boardroom - Breazzano Room 223: Join us in this enlightening breakout session and discuss the art of code-switching and how it can help you adapt to different workplace environments while staying authentic to yourself. Gain valuable insights and practical tips to effectively adjust to workplace cultures, find your ideal professional fit, and thrive in the post-graduation journey. 

10:30 am – 11:15 am | Breakout Session II 

Session A: Leading with Love: Nourishing Leadership in Hospitality - Breazzano 123: In this dynamic breakout session, we will dive into the paramount significance of leadership in the realm of hospitality. Through engaging discussions and real-world examples, we will explore how effective leadership can drive organizational success, enhance guest experiences, and foster a positive work culture. Join us to discover practical strategies and insights that will empower you to become a visionary leader within the hospitality industry.

Session B: Empire of Service: Hospitality Entrepreneurship - Breazzano Room 221: Delve into the world of entrepreneurship within the dynamic hospitality sector. Learn from industry leaders as they share strategies, challenges, and success stories in launching and growing businesses in the realm of hotels, restaurants, and event management. Gain valuable insights on identifying opportunities, building a strong brand, and navigating the unique landscape of hospitality entrepreneurship.

Session C: Global Career Journey - Breazzano Room 223: For international students aspiring to work in the U.S., and any students yearning to expand their environment this session offers a comprehensive guide on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. Gain practical tips and firsthand experiences from successful professionals who have navigated the journey, empowering you to make informed decisions and excel in your international career pursuit.

11:30 am – 12:15pm | Breakout Session III- 

Session A: First Year Students -Turning a New Leaf - Breazzano Room 123: This breakout session is designed exclusively for first-year students, providing them with the tools and guidance to navigate their debut in the hospitality industry. From understanding industry basics to developing essential skills, participants will gain valuable insights to kickstart their journey and set a solid foundation for success.

Session B: Second Year Students - Growth Spurts - Breazzano Room 221: Geared towards second-year students, this breakout session focuses on harnessing personal and professional growth in the on and off their campus. Through interactive discussions, participants will explore strategies for expanding their knowledge, skills, and networks, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Session C: Third Year Students - Stars Aligned: Aligning Your Networks with Your Net Worth - Breazzano Room 223: Tailored for third-year students, this session aims to unlock the power of networking and connections in the context of career advancement. Attendees will learn how to strategically align their networks with their professional aspirations, maximizing opportunities for personal growth, mentorship, and accessing a broader sphere of influence.

Session D: Fourth Year Students - Rocketeer: Reaching Beyond Your Environment - Room LL23: Exclusively designed for fourth-year students, this breakout session empowers participants to transcend their current environment and take their hospitality careers to new heights. Through inspiring stories and practical insights, attendees will discover how to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and chart their course towards exceptional success, leaving a lasting impact in the industry.

11:30am – 12:15 pm | Chapter Advisors Meeting - Statler Hall - 5th Silver Branch

12:15 pm – 1:45 pm | Lunch - Hosted by Conference Sponsor: Hilton - Sage Atrium

2:00 pm – 2:45 pm | | Industry Partner-Platinum and Industry Partner Breakout Sessions -  

Session A: Disney Programs: Thriving in corporate America – Finding success as you understand yourself, company culture and values- Breazzano Room 123

Session B: Hilton: Leveraging Your Network: Join Team Hilton to learn about utilizing all of the personal and professional people you know to help you on your career journey. Challenge yourself to think about who you know, what they know about you, and how to further those relationships as a resource- Breazzano Room 221

Session C: Aramark: Reimagine Hospitality: At Aramark, you have the opportunity to experience a variety of hospitality experiences. From the thrill of the Sports and Entertainment business, to serving students on campuses, to cultivating meaningful experiences for our guests at our great nations National Parks and more, Aramark is focused on serving each guest, client and consumer one to remember. Reimagine hospitality with Aramark and join us to understand opportunities that exist for you! - Breazzano Room 223

Session D: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts: How Accor creates belonging: 

To be successful, purpose driven companies need to do more than just lure the younger generations to buy – they need to focus on making purpose the foundation of how people work and behave within the organization. This is where hidden profit lies – when purpose ignites employees to do their very best work, eliminating costs associated with things like scattered efforts, high turnover and “quiet quitting”.

Come prepared to participate in the discussion on how Accor creates belonging and share examples of your own experience- Breazzano Room LL23

3:00 pm – 3:45pm | | Industry Partner-Platinum and Industry Partner Breakout Sessions - 

Session A: Davidson Hospitality - Join us for an engaging session that delves into the world of third-party hotel companies and the role Davidson plays in this space. We will explore the definition and significance of these companies within the hospitality industry, emphasizing their role in creating and elevating value. Discover how trust plays a pivotal role in the dynamic relationship between third-party hotel management companies and hotels, and explore the importance of trust within the organization. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into the key aspects of the third-party hotel industry and Davidsons Hospitality Group. - Breazzano Room 123

Session B: Hyatt: An Introduction to Hyatt’s University Programs: See yourself here. Join Hyatt’s recruitment team as they discuss opportunities for the Corporate Management Training (CMT) and Corporate Internship programs. In this session, they will review program information, qualifications, and early career development possibilities. Leaders will share their stories, their career paths with Hyatt, and how these programs can help launch your career- Breazzano Room 221

Session C: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts: Making Connections and Leading with Heart: Making Connections and Leading with Heart. At Four Seasons, crafting unforgettable moments is what we do best, for our guests and for our employees. Everyone on our team brings their passion to the job to create luxury experiences full of class and playfulness – and we’re doing it together. Join our breakout session to hear from our attendees of their Four Seasons journey and how our employees are the heart of house- Breazzano Room 223

4:00pm - 4:45pm || Breakout Sessions IV - 

Session A: Research and Revelation: Graduate School -  Breazzano Room 123: Explore the transformative power of graduate education in expanding career prospects and personal growth. Discover the benefits, application process, and program selection considerations for pursuing advanced degrees. Gain valuable insights on how to maximize your graduate school experience, leverage research opportunities, and forge connections that will propel your career to new heights.

Session B: Unleashing Your Potential: The Power of Building Your Personal and Professional Brand - Breazzano Room  221: In this captivating breakout session, discover the transformative impact of expanding your personal and professional brand. Explore the strategies and techniques to effectively communicate your unique value proposition, both online and offline. Learn how cultivating a strong brand presence can open doors to new opportunities, enhance your credibility, and propel your personal and professional growth to new heights.

Session C: Taking Up Space: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Breazzano Room 223: This session highlights the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the hospitality industry, promoting an inclusive culture and providing students with strategies to create welcoming environments for all guests and employees. 

4:45 pm - 8:00 pm | Dinner (On Your Own)

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Conference Party | Theme: Throwback 90s -Sage Atrium

"Throwback 90s" is an epic party theme that invites attendees to immerse themselves in the iconic style and culture of the 1990s. Guests are encouraged to wear neon colors, baggy jeans, flannel shirts, scrunchies, and embrace other quintessential fashion trends from the era, creating a vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere that pays homage to this unforgettable decade. 

7:00 am – 4:00 pm | Conference Registration - Nolan School - Club Room

7:00 am – 8:45 am | Career Fair Setup (for sponsors and exhibitors) - Park Atrium, Statler Hall

8:00 am – 9:15 am | Breakfast  - Sage Atrium 

8:30 am – 12:00 pm | Interviews (scheduled by participating companies)

9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Career Fair 

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Lunch (On Your Own for Students)

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Lunch for Corporate Exhibitors & NSMH National Board - Establishment Statler Hall

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Interviews (scheduled by participating companies) - Statler Hall Interview rooms

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Career Fair - Statler Hall

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Career Fair Breakdown (for exhibitors)

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Chapter Presidents Celebration Toast - Silver Birch Suite 

7:00 pm | Gala Celebration & Dinner - Doors Open - Duffield Atrium

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm | Gala Celebration & Dinner (dinner will be provided) - Duffield Atrium

Break out your finest semi-formal attire for the annual NSMH Awards Celebration. This will be a great time to connect with old and new friends as we celebrate our scholarship winners and recognize our chapters. Be sure to pack your gala-worthy attire for this special night event! 

10:00 pm – 12:00am | Gala After Party - Theme: Prom | The "Prom" - Statler Hall Park Atrium

conference gala theme brings the enchantment and elegance of a high school prom to the event. Attendees are encouraged to dress in formal attire, such as tuxedos and gowns, reminiscent of the classic prom experience, complete with corsages and boutonnieres, creating a nostalgic atmosphere of sophistication and celebration.

Stay tuned for continuous updates! Feel free to contact us at [email protected] with any questions.

*The schedule is subject to change.

Other Key Information:

Restaurant List for Restaurants on or near the Cornell Campus 

For additional information, questions, or to check the status of your membership, contact us!