UGA’s 3rd Annual Georgia Hospitality & Tourism Summit

The University of Georgia’s Hospitality and Food Industry Management (HFIM) students are proud to present the 3rd Annual UGA Georgia Hospitality and Tourism Summit, an essential event for industry professionals, UGA outreach and extension personnel, and UGA faculty. This year’s student produced summit stands as a pivotal platform for discussing current trends and future directions in hospitality and travel while also focusing on the thriving Georgia economy.

The highlight of the event will host senior vice presidents, executives, and leaders from companies such as IHG, Delta Air Lines, and many others. From the industry’s largest revenue generating airline to one of the largest hotel companies in the world, and from Athens’ very own Your Pie founder Drew French to Gusto! founder and ex-NFL quarterback Nate Hybl, you’ll hear first-hand about their perspectives on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in today’s dynamic hospitality and tourism environment.

In addition to industry professionals, we extend a special invitation to UGA’s faculty and extension personnel, recognizing their vital role in connecting academia with industry practices. This summit is not only a learning opportunity but also a chance for meaningful networking and collaboration among professionals, educators, and experts in the field.

The A la Carte Breakfast will begin at 7:30 and there will be a student planned and hosted lunch. Wrap up the day at our afternoon reception where you can network with other industry professionals, UGA faculty and staff, and hospitality management students.

Be a part of this enriching experience, poised to advance the dialogue in the hospitality and tourism industry. Your conference registration fee will provide student support for future planning of the 2025 UGA Georgia Hospitality and Tourism Summit.

Our Panels

All About Food
Join our All About Food Panel featuring three culinary innovators: Drew French, founder of Your Pie, who brought brick oven pizza from Italy to the U.S.; Nate Hybl, ex-NFL quarterback and CEO of gusto!, known for fresh, quick-service bowls and wraps; and Dave Snyder, esteemed chef of Halyard Restaurant Group on the Georgia coast, championing local ingredients and sustainability. They’ll share their journey from passion to success and discuss current trends and challenges in the restaurant industry.”

Heads in Beds
Explore the future of the hotel sector with an expert panel, including Jon McGavin, UGA alum and Area General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, who brings over 20 years of Marriott experience. Marcus Johnson, a leader in recruitment and diversity initiatives at IHG, will provide insights on attracting top talent in today’s challenging world of human resources. North Pointe CEO Greg Winey, with over 40 years in hospitality, will share his thoughts on lodging development trends and challenges in Georgia. Lastly, Destination Management Executive David West, from Herschend Family Entertainment – owners and operators of Dollywood, Silver Dollar City and more, will discuss strategic growth and partnerships in the industry. Gain invaluable perspectives on leadership, diversity, and innovative marketing in the hotel sector.

Women Leaders in Hospitality
Join our ‘Women Leaders in Hospitality’ panel, featuring Natasha Scott, VP of Operations Performance and Strategy at IHG Hotels & Resorts, known for her expertise in finance and mentoring. Iris Jackson, Senior Recruiting Director and VP at Waffle House, brings her rich background in human resources and operations management. Lauren Fernendez, CEO of Full Course, will provide the perspective from the QSR and fast casual restaurant sector. Finally, Karen King, a distinguished member of the Aramark Corporation’s Board of Directors, shares her extensive experience in strategic planning and talent development. The panel will explore the importance of supporting networks and achieving professional goals in the hospitality sector. Listen to their success stories and lessons learned as they grew in their hospitality leadership roles.

The Georgia Hospitality and Tourism Association Trifecta: Hotels, Restaurants, and CVBs
Explore the dynamics of Georgia’s thriving hospitality and tourism economy in our panel discussion with key industry leaders representing hotels, restaurants, and destination marketing organizations. Chris Hardman, from the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association, will share his insights from representing over 1,880 lodging properties and his experience as a lobbyist. Amanda Dyson-Thornton, the newly appointed Executive Director of GACVB, brings her expertise in uniting Georgia’s visitor bureaus and shaping tourism-driven economic development. Joining them is Tom Johnson, CEO of Associated Restaurant Ventures, who will discuss the impact and growth of the restaurant sector in Georgia. Together, they offer a comprehensive view of the state’s industry.

Welcome to the Hospitality C-Suite
Dive into a comprehensive view of the hospitality and tourism industry with our distinguished C-suite panel. Ranjan Goswami, SVP of Customer Experience Design at Delta Air Lines, will discuss innovating customer journeys in air travel. Joining him is the President and CEO of Sea Island Company, Scott Steilen, sharing insights on luxury resort management and customer engagement. Natasha Scott, VP of Operations Performance and Strategy at IHG Hotels & Resorts, brings her expertise in finance and operations. Lastly, Lauren Fernendez, CEO of Full Course, will have a unique perspective from combined experiences as the C-Suite of her current company, her previous position at FOCUS Brands, and as a multi-unit franchise owner. Together, they’ll offer strategic perspectives on leading and evolving in the dynamic hospitality landscape.

Event Date:

Location:

Schedule:

Cost:

• Student Registration = $15
• Faculty and Staff Registration = $45
• Industry Professionals Registration = $55 (increases to $65 on May 1st)
• Speaker Registration = $0
• Hospitality and Food Industry Management – Student Registration = $0
• Press Registration = $0

Event Cancellation Policies:
(1) A cancellation received by 5:00 p.m. ET on or before May 1, 2024 will be refunded, minus a $35 processing fee. No refunds will be issued thereafter. (2) To change or cancel your registration, call (706) 542-7493, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. (3) If an event is cancelled for any reason, the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel will not be responsible for any charges related to travel.

Hotel Cost:
You can reserve a hotel room using room group code 8546 until May 1, 2024. After that date, please call the Georgia Center to request a hotel room with block code 8546. If a room is available, you will receive the group rate.

Please Note: reserving a hotel room does not register you for the conference. Please use the red box titled REGISTER ONLINE to register for the conference.

To change or cancel your hotel reservation, call (800) 884-1381 or (706) 542-2134.

Program Contact Information:
Program Contact:
John Salazar
(706) 542-0769
jsalazar@uga.edu

Registration Contact:
The Georgia Center
(706) 542-7493
registration@georgiacenter.uga.edu

Special Needs:
If you require special services, contact Sales@georgiacenter.uga.edu by April 30, 2024.

Dietary restrictions should be indicated during the registration process.