Edition #16

October 16, 2024

Wednesday Wrap-up:

 Top Three Things You Need to Know

1) SECSA Federation of ICHRIE and Hospitality Internships Announce Strategic Partnership to Benefit Hospitality Education and Professional Development

The SECSA Federation of ICHRIE (International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education) and Hospitality Internships, LLC are pleased to announce a groundbreaking partnership promoting educational and professional development opportunities within the hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts sectors. This new alliance will allow SECSA-affiliated schools to market discounted Hospitality Internships' packages to industry organizations within their networks while advancing key educational initiatives through financial contributions.

Through this partnership, Hospitality Internships will offer industry partners within the SECSA region a significant 50% discount on all internship packages available through www.hospitalityinternships.com. This deep discount will provide industry organizations access to essential tools for attracting and developing future hospitality talent.

In return, Hospitality Internships will donate a large percentage of each sale to the SECSA Federation, with the funds specifically allocated to three important initiatives:

1. Scholarships for Faculty – The partnership will fully sponsor educators from SECSA Federation member institutions to attend annual SECSA conferences, covering costs such as registration, lodging, and meals. These conferences are vital for faculty to engage in professional development and networking with industry leaders.

2. ICHRIE FutureFund^TM Support – A portion of the proceeds will be directed to the CHRIE FutureFund^TM, a key resource for fostering global educational and professional development opportunities in hospitality education.

3. Growing SECSA Federation Membership – Another significant initiative is to expand the SECSA Federation’s presence, particularly in Central and South America. This effort will focus on increasing membership among hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts schools, fostering greater collaboration and regional engagement throughout the Federation’s geographic area.

Objectives of the Partnership:

• Increase the visibility and usage of www.hospitalityinternships.com among hospitality industry partners in the SECSA region.
• Provide financial support to new hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts schools seeking ICHRIE membership.
• Enhance access to professional development opportunities for SECSA educators by fully sponsoring their participation in SECSA Federation conferences.
• Expand the SECSA Federation’s network throughout Central and South America to strengthen educational collaborations in the region.

Marketing Strategy and Channels:

The partnership will be promoted through a multi-faceted marketing campaign, including email outreach, social media, and webinars aimed at engaging hospitality industry partners and hospitality management, tourism, and culinary arts schools throughout SECSA’s geographic region. Promotional materials will also be distributed at key industry events and conferences to maximize reach.

Revenue Sharing and Sponsored Initiatives:

Hospitality Internships and SECSA Federation have outlined a strategic revenue-sharing model, where a significant percentage of all net sales will be allocated to support initiatives like:

1. ICHRIE Memberships for New Schools – A portion of net sales will sponsor memberships for new hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts schools, particularly those in Central and South America.

2. Conference Sponsorships – Full or partial sponsorships will be provided to SECSA educators, ensuring they have the opportunity to attend SECSA conferences, fostering ongoing professional growth and collaboration.

3. Regional Growth of SECSA Federation – Funds will be directed toward outreach efforts to increase membership in the SECSA Federation, particularly within underrepresented areas in Central and South America, promoting educational opportunities and collaboration.

Quote from SECSA Federation:

“We are thrilled to partner with Hospitality Internships to expand opportunities for our members and industry partners,” said Dr. James Williams, President of the SECSA Federation’s Board of Directors “This collaboration will not only support faculty development but also strengthen the educational institutions and industry connections within our region while helping us grow our presence in Central and South America.”

Quote from Hospitality Internships:

“This partnership aligns with our mission to cultivate talent and innovation in the hospitality sector,” said Tim Flohr, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Hospitality Internships, LLC. “We are excited to support the SECSA Federation’s vision by providing valuable resources to industry partners while investing in the future of hospitality education and fostering the growth of the Federation across its geographic region.”

About SECSA Federation of ICHRIE:

The SECSA Federation of ICHRIE is the regional federation representing Central and South American schools within ICHRIE, a global organization dedicated to advancing excellence in hospitality and tourism education. SECSA aims to provide educators and students with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.

About Hospitality Internships:

Hospitality Internships connects students from over 1,100 global hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts programs with high-quality internships, manager-in-training opportunities, and entry-level management positions. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to workforce development, Hospitality Internships provides invaluable career-building resources for both students and employers.

2) Spotlight on Academic Advisory Committee Member: Heidi Anaya

We are proud to introduce Heidi Anaya, a distinguished member of our Academic Advisory Committee. Heidi is the Head of Education with Russell Partnership Technology, providing invaluable simulation support to hospitality educators across more than 30 countries. Her vast career in the hospitality industry began in 1991 and has encompassed leadership roles in Operations, Sales, and Human Resources.

Heidi's contributions to education are notable. She has been a guest lecturer at various hotel schools, specializing in Strategic Revenue Management. She is a trainer for the Certification in Hospitality Business Acumen from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). Beyond these roles, Heidi currently serves as the Director of Member Services & Development for EuroCHRIE, an organization supporting Hospitality & Tourism educators in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. She previously held the position of Director of Industry Relations within the same organization.

A recipient of the prestigious 2018 STR Bridging the Gap Award, Heidi has been recognized for her efforts to bridge the gap between industry and education, a cause she remains passionate about. Originally from Canada, she now resides in Tucson, Arizona.

Heidi's passion for education and the industry is evident in her own words:  

“I am delighted to be a part of the Academic Advisory Committee for Hospitality Internships as I believe wholeheartedly in doing whatever we can to assist the hospitality leaders of tomorrow. As a hotel school graduate myself (many years ago), I know how this type of support and assistance can make a significant difference to those entering the industry. As a STR Bridging the Gap winner, serving on this committee for Hospitality Internships perfectly aligns with my belief in making the transition for students from academia to industry as seamless and as motivating as possible.”

We are honored to have Heidi as part of our team, and we look forward to continuing our mission to support the next generation of hospitality professionals with her expertise and guidance.



Feel free to connect with Heidi Anaya on LinkedIn

3) Elevating Internships: The Visionary Leadership of

Dr. David L. Jones

We are thrilled to spotlight Dr. David L. Jones, a transformative force in hospitality and tourism internships. Dr. Jones is the visionary founder of Innovative Internship Coaching and the voice behind the popular podcast Insights on Internships from Professor Jones (IOI). His groundbreaking work brings together students, academics, and industry professionals to enhance the impact of internships in hospitality and tourism management and the MICE sectors (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions).

With an illustrious career spanning nearly five decades, Dr. Jones has seamlessly navigated industry and academia. In his industry roles, he hired and managed interns, while in academia, he supervised internship programs and developed internship-rich curricula. This unique dual experience fuels his passion for transforming internships into life-changing opportunities for students. Reflecting on his work, Dr. Jones notes, “My passion lies in creating more channels for quality internship experiences. I believe internships are among the most effective ways to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice. Hospitality Internships is doing a terrific job in accomplishing this, which is why it’s a privilege to serve on the ACC of the organization.”

Recently, Dr. Jones returned to the hospitality industry's front lines, serving as a front desk agent at the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel in Pismo Beach, CA. This role allowed him to reconnect with the day-to-day operations of guest service and apply the principles he taught throughout his career. Embracing the concept of the “modern elder,” coined by Chip Conley, this experience gave Dr. Jones renewed insight into the evolving hospitality landscape. These insights have been a key feature of his IOI podcast, where he advocates for the importance of internships in preparing students for real-world challenges.

Dr. Jones shares, “Connecting the industry and academia has always been important. Through the Academic Advisory Committee, I get to contribute to Hospitality Internships’ efforts to assure that students are not just learning in the classroom but also gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for the realities of the hospitality industry.” He continues to bring fresh ideas and energy to this mission as co-chair of the Digital Platform, Marketing, & Communications committee. “With today’s technology and communication tools, the potential to open doors to internships around the globe is greater than ever before. I’m enthusiastic about being able to contribute to the vision of Hospitality Internships in this regard...The potential to make opportunities accessible to students everywhere is exciting.”

Although Dr. Jones retired from full-time teaching at California Polytechnic University – San Luis Obispo five years ago, his legacy in education continues to thrive. His academic journey includes prestigious roles as Professor and Programme Director for Hospitality Business at the Singapore Institute of Technology, Chair of the Department of Hospitality Management at the University of San Francisco, and faculty positions at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His vast international experience includes senior sales and marketing roles with organizations like Shangri-La International Hotels, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, and Red Lion Hotels.

“One of the things that excites me most about the Academic Advisory Committee is its global reach,” Dr. Jones says. “This is the first initiative of its kind in our field, and being part of a committee shaping hospitality internships worldwide is both an honor and a privilege.”

Dr. Jones holds a Ph.D. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and earned his M.B.A. and B.S. from Michigan State University. His lifelong dedication to advancing student internships and his blend of industry and academic leadership continue to influence hospitality management education worldwide.

We are honored to have Dr. Jones as part of our Academic Advisory Committee, where his knowledge and passion for fostering the next generation of hospitality professionals are invaluable assets.



Feel free to connect with Dr. Jones on LinkedIn