Fort Worth Lobby to Leadership Welcomes 155 Students

The Future Hotel &Tourism Professionals student organization, the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Hotel Association of Tarrant County welcomed 155 Tarrant County high school students to the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel for Lobby to Leadership on September 17 and 18.

Across the two days, students explored how entry-level hotel jobs can lead to careers in operations, events, human resources,
sales, and leadership.

A panel of hospitality leaders shared their career journeys and spoke about the value of a strong work ethic, taking initiative, and doing more than is expected.

Speakers included Damien O’Conner, general manager of the Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown; George Daye, hotel manager of The Crescent Hotel; Drew Hayden, general manager of the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel; Mike Reisinger, a hospitality and human resources leader at Deloitte University in Westlake, Texas; Lynn Kasten, Director of Food & Beverage at Deloitte University; Laura Smitherman, Director of Operations at Deloitte University; and Ivonne Zarate, director of rooms at Benchmark Hospitality.

Madelyn Collins, founder of Texas-based AGC Education Group, helped students develop an elevator pitch. Students then put their pitches to use in conversations with hoteliers at the event.

During a plated lunch, Collins also introduced the basics of business meal etiquette. The afternoon gave students more ways to explore the industry through a career fair, hotel tours, and an interview skills workshop led by Stephanie Bergeman, Recruiting & Training Manager at Benchmark’s Deloitte University.

Student feedback showed how much those experiences mattered. One student wrote, “Loved the tour guides and career fair. It really helped me figure out what I wanna do. I know I like to help people, but I never could figure out a profession.”

Another said the event helped them learn more about leadership and how students can get involved. Every student who responded to the post-event survey reported that the program increased their understanding of hotel careers and opportunities to advance into
leadership positions.

THLA thanks the teachers, hotel professionals, speakers, volunteers, and partners who gave students a closer look at the people, possibilities, and career paths within Texas hospitality.