Recap of the 76th Annual Short Course
THLA is proud to present a recap of the 76th Annual, award-winning, 2023 THLA Short Course for up-and-coming hotel leaders
The Annual Hotel Short Course led by Texas Hotel and Lodging and the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston hosted 124 participants in the first in-person convening of the course after Covid.
Seventeen participants attended the 16th Annual Advanced Short Course. THLA extends its sincere appreciation to the industry leaders who provided their time and expertise as speakers for the short course and advanced short course session.
They truly are the best of the best and the reason that the THLA Short Course was recognized by the International Society of Hotel Associations as the best hotel industry educational program in the country.
THLA is happy to report very favorable reviews of the session presenters from attending participants.
Many of the participants commented on the value of the sessions in helping them increase their knowledge of the hotel industry. Others mentioned how the content of the sessions provided a strong launching pad for them to grow their hotel careers.
The most common comments however were related to the opportunity that participants had to network with other up-and-coming hotel leaders, especially those from the same hotel brand. This professional development opportunity absolutely presents a beginning to life-long industry relationships that they can access to determine best practices and helpful resources as they progress in their careers.
Four Companies Met the Corporate Challenge
Much appreciation to Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Oldham Goodwin, and the Hotel Association of Tarrant County for meeting the corporate challenge by sending 10 or more students to the 2023 Short Course.
THLA thanks all hotel companies that have invested in their up-and-coming hotel leaders by selecting them to attend the 76th Annual Short Course.
As is customary, exemplary participants were honored at the graduation luncheon.
The highest final test score honor was achieved by Jennifer Clark from the Hotel Emma in San Antonio.
James Allen from the Embassy Suites in San Antonio, Amanda Beaver, from the Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg, and Russel French, from the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, were nominated by their peers and recognized as the Outstanding Student within their respective color groups.
Other Outstanding Students
Amanda Beaver was selected as the overall outstanding student for the course and accordingly, was awarded the 2023 James Taylor Outstanding Student Award. This is a high honor presented to the student who is selected by their peers, achieves a high test score, and is an exemplary participant in the Short Course sessions.
This award is named after Dr. James Taylor, founding Dean of the Conrad Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management and founder of the Short Course 75 years ago.
THLA is extremely fortunate to continue offering this outstanding training each year. The success of the THLA short course is possible through the generous sponsorship of companies such as: Landry’s, Hilton University of Houston, and Encore.
THLA looks forward to hosting the 77th Annual Short Course in January 2024.