Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC), the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration’s annual hospitality conference, has announced its theme and keynote speaker for the 98th Annual Hotel Ezra Cornell, taking place April 20-23, 2023. The theme is HEC 98 EXPO: Envisioning a Sustainable and Equitable Future Through Global Hospitality. The theme was chosen because the issues of sustainability, diversity, and equity are more relevant in the hospitality industry now than ever before, following the COVID-19 pandemic and in light of worsening global climate change projections.
This year's conference draws inspiration from the World Expo hosted by Dubai, highlighting innovations and countries from around the world. HEC 98 Managing Director Lillian Pinheiro ‘23 believes that “this year’s conference theme marks a new era for HEC, building upon what has always been core to the hotelie identity to encapsulate our vision for the future of the hospitality industry. Our rendition of the World’s Fair will provide a space and opportunity to welcome global perspectives with open arms in celebration of service.”
Hotel Ezra Cornell is a three day run student conference and a 98-year tradition of the Hotel School, making it one of the oldest organizations at Cornell University. Students organize speakers, networking events, food and beverages, and workshops with the goal of connecting hospitality professionals, students, and alumni at the leading hospitality program in the United States. Students learn about all aspects of hospitality, event planning, operations and more thorough hands-on experience.
This year, the keynote speaker for HEC is Aradhana Khowala, CEO of Aptamind Partners, a Private Client Advisory specializing in the hospitality and travel industries. She was previously the Managing Director of Tourism at NEOM, a massive project in Saudi Arabia that is working to build the smart city of the future. Ms. Khowala is passionate about sustainable development, environmental stewardship, women’s empowerment and diversity and inclusion. Overall, Ms. Khowala has dedicated her career to the betterment of our world through global hospitality and is a perfect representation of this year’s HEC theme.
HEC 98 Programs Director Lucas Arulpragasam ‘24 chose Khowala after hearing her speak in 2020 during the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series: “It is no exaggeration to say that her speech changed the way I viewed my place in the future of hospitality. Hence, when the theme was decided, Aradhana Khowala and her truly profound work in sustainability around the world was the first thing that came to my mind. I knew HEC as an organization would benefit tremendously from hearing her speak.”
Registration for the conference opens October 4, 2022 at www.hotelezracornell.com. Last year, the first in-person HEC in two years sold out, and HEC is expecting high attendance in 2023. Attendees are invited to book their stay with The Statler Hotel, a Four Diamond Award-winning learning hotel, dedicated to providing the best service while educating a new generation of hospitality leaders. Check out the link to access the room block online on the registration website, or call The Statler Hotel at (607) 254-2500 to inquire about availability.
About the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University
The Nolan School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University is shaping the global knowledge base for hospitality management through leadership in education, research, and industry advancement. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the school provides management instruction in the full range of hospitality disciplines, educating the next generation of leaders in the world's largest industry. Founded in 1922 as the nation's first collegiate course of study in hospitality management, the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration is recognized as the world leader in its field. For more information, visit sha.cornell.edu.
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