The IUP Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism, and Event Management student chapter of Meeting Professionals International showcased their exceptional skills by organizing a networking event for Global Meetings Industry Day on April 7, 2025.
GMID highlights the significant value that business meetings, trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, and conventions bring to people, businesses, and communities. Faculty member and MPI advisor Nicole Clevenger shared the benefits of this event on student engagement: “Participation in MPI and this event significantly enhances students’ real-world knowledge of meetings, events, and networking. By planning and executing the event, students gain practical experience, interact with industry professionals, and develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.”
Event Highlights
Keynote Speaker: Peter Zohos, MBA, DES
The event featured a keynote address by Peter Zohos, who focused on “The Power of Millennial and Gen Z Employees.” His insights on generational differences in hospitality provided invaluable strategies for enhancing teamwork, boosting productivity, and fostering innovation through effective intergenerational collaboration. Regina Nadal, IUP hospitality management sophomore, highlighted the value of the keynote speaker’s insights: “My favorite part of the event was hearing the guest speaker and his point about how it’s important to understand the other generations you work with to truly be able to communicate and work well together.”
Networking Activity: The Great Pierogi Heist
The IUP MPI Student Chapter hosted “The Great Pierogi Heist,” a fun and engaging networking activity where participants solved the mystery of Bacon Burt’s kidnapping. This activity provided students with a unique opportunity to interact with MPI board members, fostering problem-solving, teamwork, and networking.
Courtney Webster, IUP MPI student president, expressed her enthusiasm: “Getting to be a part of the planning process was one of the best opportunities that I could have experienced. Everyone was so excited to talk to the students, and they really made us feel welcome. I was able to learn so much from this trip and create so many new connections!”
Furthermore, Grace Gallagher, IUP Hospitality Management freshman, shared her experience: “I really loved the fact that all the professionals were so welcoming and supportive of the students. There was no pressure when talking to them because they all genuinely wanted to get to know you.”
Overall, GMID offered a unique opportunity for students to build connections, receive mentorship, and prepare for successful careers in the hospitality industry.