Overview of the 78th Annual THLA Hotel Short Course

The 78th Annual Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA) Hotel Short Course, hosted January 6-10, 2025, at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston, was an inspiring and enriching professional development experience for emerging leaders in the hotel industry. This exceptional program, presented by THLA in cooperation with the Conrad N. Hilton College, brought together over 100 enthusiastic participants eager to deepen their knowledge and sharpen their leadership skills.

Investing in the Future of Hospitality

Participants were reminded of how fortunate they are to have visionary employers who value their growth by investing in their futures through the Short Course. The week highlighted the importance of continued learning and professional development, fostering a culture of excellence within the hotel industry.

Leadership and Professional Development:

Under the guidance of THLA Education Outreach & Foundation Director Debbie Wieland, the program delivered a comprehensive curriculum addressing the challenges and opportunities of today’s hospitality industry. Attendees participated in sessions led by seasoned hotel professionals and hospitality educators, covering a range of topics designed to equip them with tools for success.

Outstanding Student Awards

The prestigious Dr. James Taylor Outstanding Student Award was presented to Tiffany Carlson from the San Luis Resort & Spa in Galveston. This award, named in honor of Dr. James Taylor, the founding Dean of the Conrad Hilton College and creator of the Short Course, is determined by a vote from fellow participants.

In addition, three color groups were formed to encourage smaller, interactive sessions. Each group selected an outstanding student based on leadership and participation throughout the week:

• Blue Group: Tiffany Carlson, San Luis Resort & Spa, Galveston
• Green Group: Jacob Erwin, Embassy Suites, Corpus Christi
• Yellow Group: Ariel Reyna, Omni La Mansion del Rio, San Antonio

Certification Achievement

Participants completed a rigorous certification exam featuring questions contributed by session presenters. This year, the highest exam scores resulted in a tie, with top honors awarded to Hayden Knudsen from the Omni La Mansion del Rio, San Antonio, and Divya Sashital from the St. Regis, Houston.

Engaging and Interactive Sessions

The Short Course sessions covered a broad spectrum of topics, many presented by the esteemed educators of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston. Including:

• Cultural Intelligence and Communication: Dustin Maneethai, Associate Professor
• Managing Generations in the Workforce: Erin Kenyan, Instructional Assistant Professor
• Post-COVID Workforce Management: Lisa Miller, Consumer Insights & Innovation Strategist
• Diverse Communication: Juan Madera, Associate Professor
• Accounting 101: Agnes DeFranco, Distinguished Chair
• Housekeeping Operational Overview: Cathy Cheatham (Assistant GM, Hilton University of Houston Hotel),
• Using AI in the Workplace: Cristian Morosan, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs

Additional sessions were presented by distinguished leaders in the hospitality industry including:

• The Joy of Work: Lisa Miller, Lisa Miller & Associates
• Personal Branding for Leaders: Karen McCullough, Karen McCullough & Co.
• Food & Beverage Concepts: Garvin O’Neil (Menger Hotel) and Rene Codina (Moody Gardens)
• Human Trafficking Prevention: Carolyn McCall-Squires and Christy Gwynn (THLA)
• Employment Law: Justin Bragil, General Counsel, THLA
• Hotel Law: Scott Joslove, President & CEO THLA
• Revenue Management: Steve Cunningham, Retired Hotelier
• Hilton: Make It Right: Rick Galyean, General Manager, Hilton University of Houston Hotel
• Contract Group Sales: Steve Rudner, Rudner Law Office
• Unreasonable Hospitality: Paul Schultz, VP of Landry’s Hospitality, and Darcy Fleeman, San Luis Resort & Spa

Acknowledging Supporters

This transformative program is made possible through the generous sponsorship of companies such as Encore, Gresham James, Oldham Goodwin, and the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership. Special recognition goes to companies meeting the Corporate Challenge by sending 10 or more participants, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Landry’s Hospitality Division, Marriott Hotels, and Omni Hotels.

Building Momentum for the Future

As the sun sets on this year’s event, participants leave energized, equipped with new knowledge, and ready to lead their teams with confidence. The meaningful connections made throughout the week will undoubtedly continue to strengthen the professional networks of these emerging leaders. Here’s to carrying forward the spirit of “unreasonable hospitality,” and we look forward to reconvening at the 2026 THLA Hotel Short Course!

Hotels interested in sponsoring this industry-leading event or in sending staff members to future sessions should contact Debbie Wieland at the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association at 512-474-2996. Those interested in presenting at the event should also reach out to Debbie Wieland.