Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1526693
B M & T ••• September/October 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 34 "Accompanying University of The Bahamas students to NABHOOD for almost twenty years has always been and con- tinues to be an enlightening yet fulfilling experience. The opportunity afforded students to network, gain industry expe- rience and exposure in real-time, and the ability to speak with owners, operators, and developers, are second to none. Ultimately, the realization of seeing and hearing from those who resemble them is certainly a positive influence on the pro- fessional trajectory of the students. Many of our former stu- dent participants are currently employed in top-tier positions in the industry as they navigate their paths into hotel owner- ship and/or investments. I'm desirous of someday seeing those hopes and dreams fulfilled. Special thanks to everyone for the roles they continue to play in the successful outcome of the NABHOOD Student Program" said Dr. Ruth E. Gardiner, Associate Professor - College of Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts & Leisure Management, University of The Bahamas. The conference provided resources, networking opportu- nities, and advocacy to support African American individuals and businesses in the hotel industry, aiming to promote diver- sity and inclusion. During the conference, students attended workshops on hotel logistics, financial strategies, capital rais- ing for real estate purchases, and hotel development. They also had the chance to engage with such industry leaders as Leslie D. Hale, President/CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust, Ken Fearn, Managing Partner Integrated Capital, LLC., and R. Donahue Peebles, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, of The Peebles Corp. through general sessions, small group and one- on-one conversations, gaining valuable mentorship and logis- tical training in hotel ownership and development. Accessing these leaders, logistical training, understanding how to navigate complex commercial real estate deals, secur- ing capital for the development, and owning a hotel were key knowledge outcomes that students could connect and inte- grate into the case study competition. "Attending the NABHOOD conference was a transforma- tive experience, opening my eyes to the vast possibilities with- in hotel ownership and commercial real estate. The network- ing opportunities were invaluable, as I connected with indus- try leaders and entrepreneurs eager to speak with me and the students. They provided firsthand insights into the industry. The college student component of the conference was amaz- ing, specifically, the student's case study presentations, which showcased the real-world application of their knowledge and highlighted the potential for our high school students to engage similarly in the future," explains Mariska Bogle, Director, Tourism & Hospitality Management - Philadelphia Academies Inc. This year's student program uniquely featured a dynamic, comprehensive Hotel Development Case Study Competition. The project learning objective was to encour- age students to engage in the creative process of conceptual- izing and designing a hotel.