In October, our academic calendar was enriched with a series of prestigious guest lectures and remarkable participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program, creating a vibrant learning environment for our students and network. This month has been a beacon of exciting events and educational opportunities, allowing us to highlight the significant accomplishments of the MSTHEM (Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management) department.

In a remarkable testament to the global reach and prestige of The George Washington University School of Business, Cevat Tosun, Director of the M.S. in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management program and Eisenhower Chair, received a prestigious invitation from the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). This distinguished opportunity provided a platform for Dr. Tosun to share his expertise and insights as he delivered a captivating keynote speech and led a thought-provoking discussion on the subject of "Promoting Tourism to Historic Religious Sites."

The IVLP is renowned for selecting individuals of exceptional knowledge and experience, making Dr. Tosun's participation a point of pride for the entire GW School of Business community. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to fostering academic excellence and our dedication to shaping the future of the tourism, hospitality, and event management industry.

Notably, this experiential learning opportunity extended beyond the classroom, as some of our program students had the privilege to join Dr. Tosun on this remarkable journey. Furthermore, the event became even more special as our students received small gifts from the visiting delegation, adding a personal touch to this extraordinary experience. Such gestures of goodwill foster not only international connections but also a sense of belonging and recognition within the global community.

It was an unparalleled opportunity and an unforgettable experience for sixteen talented students from The George Washington University School of Business and the Elliott School of International Affairs. These bright minds embarked on a remarkable journey to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC UN) and the impactful #MENAClimateWeek hosted in Riyadh.

At the heart of the action, our students stood alongside global leaders in climate change discussions and took part in groundbreaking events. During #MENAClimateWeek, hosted by the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (#STGC) with support from the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, approximately 600 young individuals from 100 different countries gathered to share their visions for a more sustainable world. One of the highlights of this experience was the UN MENA Climate Week Youth Forum, which served as a platform for forging lasting global connections among future leaders committed to sustainability.

A notable part of their journey included an enlightening tour of the NEOM and The Line project exhibition, showcasing visionary plans to accommodate nine million people in a groundbreaking futuristic development.Special recognition is due to Gloria Guevara Manzo for her outstanding leadership in organizing this initiative and to the entire STGC team, with a special mention to Hisham AL-Sharif for his results-oriented management.

This incredible opportunity was made possible through the diplomatic efforts of GW's very own Dr. Don Hawkins and the facilitation of Seleni Matus and Ibrahim Osta. The GW community is truly proud of the accomplishments of our students and their participation in events that are shaping the future of global sustainability.

We were privileged to welcome our School of Business alumna, Shelby Luzi, who currently serves as the Senior Manager of Sustainable Destination DC at the George Washington School of Business. She graciously shared her extensive expertise and invaluable insights into the realm of sustainable development during a recent lecture.Her presentation on "Sustainable Development Practices in Destination, DC" was nothing short of commendable.

During the lecture, Ms. Luzi shed light on the importance of sustainable practices in the context of Destination, DC. Her expertise in the field was evident as she discussed various strategies and initiatives that can contribute to making the nation's capital a more sustainable and environmentally responsible destination for visitors and residents alike.

Ms. Luzi's dedication to the cause of sustainability and her role in spearheading efforts to make Washington, D.C. a more sustainable destination were truly commendable. Her lecture provided valuable insights for those looking to understand and contribute to sustainable development practices in our capital city.

As we move forward in our commitment to promoting sustainability and responsible tourism, Shelby Luzi's lecture serves as a powerful source of inspiration and knowledge. We are grateful for her contribution and eagerly look forward to more such enlightening sessions in the future.

Cevat Tosun, Director of Masters in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management program, and Eisenhower Chair, shared valuable insights during his recent discussion at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. He provided in-depth information about the requirements and application process for the Master's programs, offering valuable guidance to aspiring students. His presentation covered academia, career prospects, and opportunities within this dynamic field, proving highly beneficial for those who wants to  pursue careers in this  industry. A special thank you to Nursultan Assemzhar for his cooperation and support.

We were delighted to have the esteemed Renée Cash, Senior Event Planner at the Federal Deposit Insurance, and Matt Reignier, Production Director at Plani the International France, as our guest speakers in a recent lecture on "Sustainable Development Practices in the Event & Meeting Industry." Their lecture was not only excellent but also provided invaluable insights into sustainable event management on an international scale.

Renée Cash's extensive experience in event planning within a prominent government agency and Matt Reignier's global perspective as the Production Director of an international event planning company made for a dynamic duo that left our audience thoroughly inspired.The lecture focused on the crucial role of sustainable practices in the event and meeting industry, addressing environmental responsibility, resource management, and community engagement. Renée Cash and Matt Reignier shared their wealth of knowledge and real-world experiences, showcasing how sustainable event planning can have a positive impact on the environment and the communities where events take place.Their lecture not only broadened students  horizons but also reinforced the importance of integrating sustainable practices in the event and meeting industry. We are immensely grateful to Renée Cash and Matt Reignier for sharing their expertise and hope to bring you more enlightening sessions in the future. 

I'm Daniela Gomez, currently pursuing a Master's degree in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management. I also have the privilege of being a part of the International Student Advisory Board. Hailing from Colombia, I completed my undergraduate studies in Tourism and Hospitality Business Administration. I gained valuable experience in the hotel industry, event management, and sustainable tourism, which ultimately led me to choose this master's program.

This academic journey has already started shaping my leadership skills and allowed me to establish strong industry connections. One of the key reasons I opted for this program is its unwavering commitment to providing a comprehensive education. The curriculum doesn't just cover the basics of hospitality; it delves deep into the intricacies of sustainable tourism practices and the art of delivering exceptional consumer service. This holistic approach to education will undoubtedly equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving tourism and hospitality industry. I'm eagerly anticipating the exciting journey ahead and the opportunity to make a positive impact on this dynamic field.

Sarah earned a Master's degree in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management from George Washington University School of Business. This degree opened up many opportunities for her. She started working at Georgetown University, gained training experience at the Misk Foundation, and later secured an administrative role at the IMF that marked the beginning of her professional career. She said all her success is a blessing from god, and considered her education at GWSB in Washington, D.C., a significant asset. It helped her build a solid professional network and exposed her to various industries. The university education, location, and connections all played a crucial role in her success.

For aspiring students, Sarah's advice is: "Embrace your field with enthusiasm and curiosity. The journey may have its challenges, but every step forward opens up new opportunities. Stay dedicated to your goals, keep learning, and remember that your effort determines your success. On top of that, networking can be beneficial as it unlocks avenues for fresh prospects and enables you to engage with influential individuals who can offer valuable guidance and assistance on your professional path.

Join GW Alumni, students, faculty, and guests for an engaging panel discussion in the heart of Washington, DC. Explore the insights and expertise of prominent figures in these industries as they discuss the evolving landscape and share their vision for the future. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives and contribute to the dialogue shaping the path forward. Our panelists for the evening are Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO of PCMA and CEMA, Lisa Jordan, Senior Director of Digital Marketing, Red Roof, and Don Welsh, President & CEO, Destinations International. The discussion will be moderated by Seleni Matus, Executive Director of the International Institute of Tourism Studies.

Enjoy complementary hors d'oeuvres and bar service before and after the program while networking with other GW Alumni!

Location                                                                                        

GW Textile Museum (Myers Room)
701 21st Street NW
Washington, DC 20052

Agenda

6:00pm Networking Reception

6:30pm Program Begins

7:15pm Networking Reception Continues

Attire: Business Casual

We cordially invite you to join us and delve into the profound insights awaiting you in the realm of the Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management. This exceptional program is the key to unlocking a multitude of doors, each leading to a world brimming with boundless opportunities that can shape your future in remarkable ways.

Contact: ctosun@gwu.edu ( Dr. Cevat Tosun ) for more information.