The students of GWSB MSTHEM had a remarkable experience at the prestigious PCMA Visionary Award 2024 ceremony, where luminaries of the industry gathered to celebrate excellence and innovation. Among the honorees, Prof. Stuart Levy received the Lifetime Achievement Honoree Award, a testament to his unparalleled dedication and contributions to the field. Following the ceremony, students had the opportunity to network with industry professionals at an event. It was an inspiring experience for them to engage in conversations and connect with these amazing leaders, who exuded positive energy and fostered an environment of growth and collaboration.

The MSTHEM Program at George Washington School of Business (GWSB) cooperated with PCMA and Destinations International (DI) in organization of Business Events Industry Week 2024 in our nation’s capital, April 8-11, 2024. The students of the MSTHEM Program at GWSB  had a unique opportunity to gain experiential learning and immerse themselves in the dynamic world of business events. As part of the annual business industry week in Washington DC, they attended the prestigious Destination Showcase 2024, where they rubbed shoulders with destination organizations and industry experts. Thanks to a sponsored table at the event, the students were able to fully engage with the vibrant atmosphere and take advantage of networking opportunities. They had the privilege of meeting with esteemed industry leaders, gaining valuable insights into the workings of the business events sector. Expressing their gratitude, the MSTHEM students extended a heartfelt thank you to PCMA and DI  for providing them with such an enriching experience. The event not only broadened their understanding of the industry but also provided them with invaluable connections and inspiration for their future endeavors.

In a remarkable display of dedication and global engagement, three students from the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) seized a golden opportunity to volunteer at the prestigious 2024 International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meeting, which was meticulously organized by the World Bank. Daniela Gámez, Francesca Pia Perugini  , and Amna Alhamawi, all pursuing their Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (MSTHEM) at GWSB, embraced this chance to immersed themselves in the vibrant environment of the event. For these international students, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, this opportunity held immense significance, both personally and professionally.

In a landmark move poised to redefine the landscape of event management, Bruce MacMillan, Chief Operating Officer at PCMA, unveiled the revolutionary AI tool, Project Spark, to students of GWSB MSTHEM. Addressing captivated audience, MacMillan showcased the transformative potential of Project Spark in boosting event manager productivity to unprecedented heights. Developed by PCMA, Project Spark promises to revolutionize various facets of event management, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and innovation in the industry.

Students from Macau University of Science and Technology, China, were given a unique opportunity to explore avenues for academic and professional growth in the heart of Washington, D.C. during a recent webinar titled "Earn your MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management in GWSB, Washington DC." Hosted by Professors Cevat Tosun and Liang Yu, alongside moderator Ancheng  Shi, the webinar provided valuable insights on admissions, scholarships, and career pathways available at The George Washington University School of Business. Attendees were encouraged to seize this exceptional opportunity to shape their success while benefiting from the global perspective offered by faculty, students, and alumni from around the world.

The Resilience and Innovation Summit is scheduled to take place in Sarajevo on June 6th and 7th. The summit program spans two thematic days. The first, with the Resilience Council partnership, focuses on growth opportunities, destination resilience, and grasping global market trends with C-level speakers and senior government officials sharing experiences and exploring solutions. The second day, powered by Travolution, shifts focus to innovation by engaging the tech sector of Southeast Europe to foster entrepreneurship and explore innovative digital solutions, culminating in a pitching competition and award ceremony for start-ups under two years in operation. Chemonics International Inc will be awarding a cash prize to winners, and Travolution, our partner, will assign a mentor from an international company to guide the winner post-win in their business growth journey. Up to 10 finalists will be selected for the final pitch. The call is open to high potential start-ups preferably in the field of travel tech, registered in SEE 1 for a maximum of two years at the date of the application deadline and with less than $2 million USD funding.

Click here to know more or Contact Professor Ibrahim Osta 

The “Travel Tech Startup Competition” which will be held along with the Resilience and Innovation Summit which will be held in Sarajevo, Jun 6-7, as one of the largest international travel event to be held in Southeast Europe in 2024. Hosted by the USAID Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia Herzegovina (Turizam) project, the event is co-organized and delivered in partnership with the Global Travel & Tourism Resilience Council and Travolution.

Click here to know more or Contact Professor Ibrahim Osta

Hi there, I am Nuo Li, Founder and CEO of Nuoly Consulting. I am a 2021 alum of the Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management at George Washington University. Born and raised in Beijing, China, I am now a self-employed, multilingual (English, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, and Malayalam) sustainable tourism consultant based in London. My specialty lies in forging meaningful connections between Chinese travelers and world destinations. My studies and work experience at our program and the International Institute of Tourism Studies at GW have tremendously helped me reach where I am today. I hold a professional certificate in Sustainable Tourism from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and am recognized as a Beijing Tourism Expert by Visit Beijing.

My academic background spans Communication, Psychology, Media Management, and Sustainable Tourism Administration, across both my Bachelor’s and two Master’s degrees. I’m a proud recipient of five consecutive Dean’s Lists and two scholarships, including one from GW's J. Willard Marriott Foundation Endowment Scholarship. Before joining GW, I managed social media channels for major brands such as Marriott International in Hong Kong and for Booking.com in Shanghai and Beijing, working both agency and in-house in the Greater China market. My receipt of the J. Willard Marriott Foundation Endowment Scholarship at GW, along with my interest in bridging China to the world through tourism, led me to our program. As stated in my personal statement when applying to this program, “I believe the program can accelerate me in achieving my long-term professional objectives…including running my own destination marketing agency that helps promote foreign destinations to Chinese audiences. I am sure that the program’s courses, possible internship and job opportunities, industry leaders as experienced professors, and powerful alumni networks will all equip me with a solid foundation to achieve my career goals. I will make a valuable addition with dedication, passion, and what’s written on the cover of the program’s brochure: ambition.” These words remain very true to this day.

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I’m Jonathan Whitehead, a graduate student at George Washington University’s School of Business (GWSB) pursuing a Master of Science degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (MSTHEM). Having studied Public Communication and Public Administration/Policy as an undergraduate student several years ago at American University in Washington, DC, my career interests have evolved to focus on the practices and policies that facilitate bringing people together to communicate and interact in-person, whether it be the planning and management of events or the public policies and business practices that shape the tourism industry/sector. When I decided to pursue a master’s degree as the next step in my career development, I was thrilled to have discovered a well-established and reputable program that aligned so closely and comprehensively with my interests, as well as one based in the nation’s capital—an environment I already knew would be perfect for studying and practicing in these fields. 

As a part-time graduate student in my second semester who has been able to participate both in-person and virtually, the MSTHEM program is providing me with a well-rounded business education in the fields of tourism, hospitality and event management. I’ve been able to learn about the intricacies and diversity of these fields, how they relate to and interact with one other, the vitally important and influential role of tourism in society, and of course, how to be an effective practitioner and leader in these fields. I’ve also been able to participate as a research assistant with the International Institute of Tourism Studies at GWSB, which is providing me with invaluable hands-on experience in tourism consulting and development/management for real-world clients. Additionally, I’ve been struck by the enthusiastic and hands-on approach taken by both the faculty and alumni of this program for the career development of current students, which has provided us with access to an incredible array of professional opportunities. Having already had the opportunity in just my first two semesters to learn from and connect with numerous alumni who are successful and influential leaders in their fields, and who have visited our classes as guest speakers, demonstrates their enthusiasm for and commitment to this program, as well as the potential it offers to current students like myself. The faculty and alumni definitely embody the philosophy of “paying it forward”, and I very much look forward to experiencing what the rest of this program has in store for me both academically and professionally.

American Hotel and Lodging Association is hiring for 3 positions. See details below.

1. Coordinator, Conferences and Events 

2. Coordinator, Event Partnerships (entry level role)

3. Manager, Event Partnerships

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