Five District High Schools Participate in the 12th Annual Hospitality Student Conference

One of the many advantages we have in San Diego is that we’re a center of higher learning. Staff and students from our two- and four-year colleges and universities are working with our students every day.

A recent example treated more than 180 San Diego Unified students from five high schools to an inside look at the hospitality industry. San Diego State University’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Management, under Director Brian Blake, brought together more than 20 local companies and educational institutions Feb. 26 to give our culinary arts and hospitality students a wonderful learning opportunity. San Diego, Morse, Mira Mesa, Madison and Scripps Ranch high schools participated in the program, which started with Alexandria Brooks, of the School of International Studies at San Diego High, singing the National Anthem.

Speakers included Richard Anderson, general manager of PETCO Park, and Crissandra Riddle, hospitality executive with the new Hilton Bayfront Hotel. In addition, a variety of behind the scenes tours were available at Marriott Hotels, San Diego Convention Center, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Anthony's Fish Grotto, The Fish Market, Hard Rock Hotel, Omni Hotel and PETCO Park.

The tours allowed students to get a true sense of the scope and magnitude of the industry. SDSU hospitality students escorted and mentored high school students throughout the day, many previous conference attendees themselves who were eager to provide advice and guidance.

For more information, please contact Brian Blake at bblake@projects.sdsu.edu

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