Spring 2015
hospitality HERALD
Students learn how to organize conventions from PCMA leaders “Make no small plans” was the theme of the PCMA Convening Leaders 2015 convention held at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill., where nine Mercyhurst hospitality management students learned how conventions are organized. There were a variety of showcases from the opening ceremony at the Museum of Science and Industry, to several unique networking events. The conference specifically discusses how conventions are planned, marketed and executed. Throughout the convention, students attended a variety of sessions, ranging from event technology and intelligence, globalization, meeting and experience design, operational strategy and PCMA business school. One that stood out to a majority of Mercyhurst students was: “How Cultural Complexities Will Impact Business In The Future.” This session discussed language barriers and body language within different cultures. As both a manager and a team player, one must say what he means clearly, and make sure his body language is not saying something else. This trip was not only informational for students, but it also proved to be a great networking tool as they assisted with the Disney networking event. One standout professional students met was Margaret Manchik, national sales assistant director of The Walt Disney Company. Students also networked with managers from The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino: Jessica Baran, vice president of sales, meetings, and conventions, along with Molly Hassenfratz, regional director of national accounts.
Exiciting Year for HM
Alumni Spotlight: Chris Walker ‘10
The Hospitality Management (HM) department has been very busy over the past academic year. Some exciting HM department news includes welcoming a strong freshmen class, reporting great final placement/ internship statistics, introducing a new Hilton guest room at Mercyhurst North East, reporting a strong student attendance at the PCMA conference, and a experiencing a very positive site visit from the ACPHA accreditation team.
What: Director of Hotel Operations Where: Luxor Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nev.
Many of the HM graduating seniors in the Class of 2015 found themselves having to choose between multiple job offers. Seeing a nearly 100 percent placement rate, both May and December graduates found employment in many of the hospitality industry’s top companies. Many of the HM undergrads found the same success with internships. With global placements from Miami to Ireland, Mercyhurst HM students have made Mercyhurst University proud of their hard work, acquired positions and successful internship experiences. Every seven years the HM Department must undergo a rigorous audit by ACPHA, the HM accrediting organization. I am very proud to say that the ACPHA preliminary report indicates that the department is in fine accreditation standing with ACPHA. In closing, the HM Department is experiencing an exciting time. Positive changes and growth continue to point toward a successful future as is represented by the unique energy exhibited the department. Go Lakers! Sincerely, Daryl Georger, D.Ed. Assistant Dean, Walker School of Business Chairman & Assistant Professor Hospitality Mgmt.
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Q. What are your daily activities and job responsibilities? A. I provide leadership to 200 team members, including the front desk, bell desk, valet, guest services and business center at our 4,400 room property on the Las Vegas strip. These responsibilities include employee relations, leadership development, coaching, engaging team members, strategic planning and goal setting. I develop and implement policies, procedures, training and communication initiatives. I manage the profit and loss statement, and the budget in my department. This includes using yield management to maximize revenue per available room. Q. Why did you choose to attend Mercyhurst University? A. I knew I wanted to attend Mercyhurst because of the unique combination of classroom education with real-world practical experience. This opportunity allowed me to develop relationships and connections to internship and career opportunities, which offers students an advantage over the competition when seeking a job. I would encourage all students to take full advantage of the professors and alumni to tap into their network to assist with internship opportunities. Q. How do you feel Mercyhurst University prepared you for your current position? A. The wealth of experience of the professors, the mix of practical and theory-based curriculum, and the opportunity to gain hands-on hospitality experience while still in school helped me tremendously in preparing me for a hospitality leadership position. Some of the classes that stand out the most for their application of my current job are hospitality law, human resource management, accounting and advanced hotel operations.