A number of students from Strathclyde Business School were lucky enough to attend the HIT (Hospitality Industry Trust) Emerging Talent Conference at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh recently thanks to a number of complimentary places being offered to universities and colleges.
With 400 hospitality professionals in attendance, the students had the opportunity to hear from some of the finest speakers in the industry including Peter Avis, Restaurant Manager at Restaurant Babylon in London, who talked about his experiences working within the Virgin brand. He was followed by Cyrus Todiwala, OBE, who talked about his illustrious career both at home and abroad, with the day ending on a high when Sissy Baggers, a lifestyle expert from the USA took to the floor.
The students also benefitted from a range of seminars which gave insights into entrepreneurial spirit, the future of technology, Michelin standards and a dynamic session which motivated the delegates to inspire the world.
David Cochrane, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland said, "We were delighted to offer free student places to a number of universities and colleges across Scotland. The conference was focussed on Emerging Talent within the sector and with a wealth of new students embarking on a career in hospitality, we were thrilled to give these young people a chance to network with industry leaders as well as take part in some stimulating and thought provoking workshops. Being a University of Strathclyde Business School Business Fellow, it was great seeing the enthusiasm from the students and reinforces the importance the Business School places on industry links to enhance the student experience."
Mikaela Linden, Strathclyde Business School student said, "The HIT Conference was very interesting and very well organised. It was an inspiring event that motivated me even more to pursue a career in the hospitality industry and it gave me new ideas about potential career options. The speakers were very inspiring in many ways and I am happy that I was given the opportunity to attend an event like this."
Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland is a Scottish based charity whose mission is to assist people to achieve their potential within Scottish hospitality. Since 1994 HIT Scotland has helped those training to enter the industry, and those already within, to realise their full potential. This is achieved through bursaries, scholarships, the Emerging Talent conference and other industry initiatives. They run over 15 events in Scotland every year and one in London. These events raise considerable sums which allow them to fulfil their objectives, and bring the industry together.