VA1 Student Conference

Join us for the VA1 Tourism Summit Student Session! This engaging student program will provide attendees with the information they need to pursue a career in tourism and hospitality, benefits of working in the industry, and insights on how to take the first step.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with three unique panel discussions that will set them up for success in the tourism and hospitality industry. Here’s what you can expect:

Ready, Set, Grow

The “Ready, Set, Grow” panel is designed to offer college students an insider’s perspective on the transition from academic life to a thriving career in the tourism and hospitality industry. Featuring a diverse group of young professionals who have recently entered the field, this panel will provide firsthand accounts of the challenges, opportunities, and key lessons learned as they embarked on their professional journeys. This will be a moderated conversation covering key topics such as the transition from college to the workforce, essential skills for success, and strategies for professional growth.

Up, Up and Away

The “Up, Up, and Away” panel is tailored for college students eager to explore the next steps in their tourism and hospitality careers. This session will feature mid-level managers and self-employed professionals who have successfully navigated the challenges of advancing their careers or starting their own businesses. Through their experiences, attendees will gain valuable insights into the strategies and mindset required to soar in this dynamic industry. This will be a moderated conversation covering key topics such as career advancement strategies, leadership challenges, and the realities of entrepreneurship in tourism and hospitality.

Achieving Your Dreams

The “Achieving Your Dreams” panel is a prestigious session aimed at inspiring college students by showcasing the journeys of senior-level executives, CEOs, and successful business owners in the tourism and hospitality industry. These industry leaders will share their stories of perseverance, vision, and leadership, offering invaluable insights into how they turned their dreams into reality. This panel will provide students with a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the field and understand what it takes to reach the pinnacle of success in this dynamic industry. This will be a moderated conversation focusing on the panelists’ career journeys, the leadership decisions that shaped their success, and their vision for the future of the industry.