The Bay Region Hospitality SUCCESS three-day professional development forum for faculty and high school teachers was held on October 6 at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill. This event was hosted by the Bay Region Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Deputy Sector Navigator Andrea Vizenor. Andrea brought together leaders in industry to train faculty and teachers on the latest innovations and skills essential for the Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Industry. This event was filled with cutting-edge and engaging training sessions that truly kept attendees wanting more!
Nearly 60 participants were in attendance, including a variety of teachers and faculty from throughout the state, and local culinary teachers from Jefferson High School, Sequoia High School, Peninsula High School, and Mountain View High School. It was a wonderful opportunity to build even greater connections with the newly developed Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Skyline College.
Attendees had the opportunity to learn and identify the latest trends in technology and corporate event planning from Carlee Duncan, Meeting and Event Manager at Autodesk, along with Service Principles Essential for Hospitality Professionals and True Colors workshops delivered by Emily Ellis, Principal Consultant, Education and Training Concepts and Disney contract trainer.
The line-up also included a presentation on technology tools and marketing strategies for Career Technical Education (CTE) programs by Alex Kramer, Deputy Sector Navigator, Small Business; a wine and food pairing training by Wente Vineyards; a TEDtalk-style address called “The Science of Customer Interactions in Today’s Retail Climate” by Jonathan Searle, Flagship Human Resources Manager, Banana Republic; a conversation with Michel C. West, Director of Human Resources, The Ritz-Carlton; and a culinary techniques training by Claudia Sandoval, MasterChef Winner Season 6.
The Bay Region Retail, Hospitality and Tourism “Learn and Earn” grant housed at Skyline College, has provided a platform to build the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program with extensive industry involvement, incredible student value, and the latest competencies and skills which are integrated into the program’s curriculum.
Article by Elizabeth Tablan and Claudia Paz | Photos by Claudia Paz
