Hotel Ezra Cornell is an annual, weekend-long educational conference hosted by the students of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration for leaders of the hospitality industry. Comprised of educational seminars, leisure activities, and food and beverage events, the weekend strikes a thoughtful balance between education and entertainment. The purpose of the weekend is for students to practice the skills they have learned in the classroom and to showcase their talents to industry professionals. Click here to learn more about Hotel Ezra Cornell. — Photo by Cornell

In its 85th year, Hotel Ezra Cornell will focus on how the hospitality industry has discovered and capitalized on unique opportunities to innovate its way out of the recession. Through discussing stories of success, failures, and lessons learned, the conference hopes to provide insight into the best strategies and most innovative practices hospitality professionals have implemented as the industry manages up and out of the down economy.

For over 80 years, the students of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration have collaborated to invite hundreds of hospitality leaders to this unique conference. The conference—to be held April 8-11, 2010, in Ithaca, New York—is designed to showcase student talent, demonstrate education and learning at the school, and provide an opportunity for executives to ask hard questions and discuss important, and sometimes sensitive, topics within the industry.

Among the broad range of programs at HEC 85, are the following:

  • The Hospitality Industry Update. Where have we been and where are we going? Listen as Doug Holtz-Eakin, renowned economist, and Mark Lomanno, president of Smith Travel Research, discuss the current economic situation and its effect on the hospitality industry.
  • The Importance of Branding. Join us as Simon Turner, president of global development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, moderates a panel of experts—including Art Adler, CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle Americas—to discuss the importance of brand names and the implications branding has on financing in today's tight market.
  • What Guests Want. Howard Nusbaum, president of the American Resort Development Association, will speak about how to manage the balance between changing consumer needs with providing services they really want.
  • The Price is Right. How are heads getting into beds? Learn how hotels have turned lemons into lemonade, saved money, yielded a profit, and even grown their portfolios in tough times when the economy has severely impacted rack rates and discounting strategies.
  • Standing Out in a Down Economy. How can hospitality companies continue to differentiate themselves in the current economy? Discover how food service companies—from fine dining to independent restaurants to fast casual operations—are strategically positioning themselves in the current economy.

"As students, we are excited to showcase how the industry has progressed through the tough economic situation, so we can best learn and prepare for the future," said Cathy Popp '10, managing director for Hotel Ezra Cornell 85, "We look forward to providing our guests with an exciting program and awe-inspiring culinary delights, all prepared by our very own students!"

About The Cornell University School of Hotel Administration | The Cornell University School of Hotel Administration is shaping the global knowledge base for hospitality management through leadership in education, research and industry advancement. The school provides management instruction in the full range of hospitality disciplines, educating the next generation of leaders in the world's largest industry. Founded in 1922 as the nation's first collegiate course of study in hospitality management, the Cornell School of Hotel Administration is recognized as the world leader in its field. For more information, visit .

Jessica Rubin '10
845.642.4237
Cornell

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