Edge Hotel School - Celebration of industry engagement

The University of Essex Edge Hotel School has been making waves in the world of hospitality education, with its students achieving great feats and gaining valuable experiences throughout the academic year. From working at high-profile events to being awarded scholarships sponsored by prestigious partners, the students have shown that they have what it takes to excel in the industry.

One of the highlights of the academic year is the Annual Student Conference, where students get the opportunity to learn from industry experts, network with professionals, and showcase their skills and knowledge. As our first time holding one since the pandemic, this year's conference was a huge success. Students were separated into groups to visit various venues across London and meet with different events and hospitality leaders. They toured the different sites, learn about the daily operations and what the events and hospitality teams do on a daily basis and saw how far their degrees could take them in the future.

They were then hosted at Leonardo Royal St Paul’s hotel for a buffet lunch, followed by panel sessions where they heard from hoteliers, events managers and Edge alumni who were able to share their experiences and inspire the current students for life after graduation. The floor was then opened for questions and discussions; conversations were had on the changing of visual professionalism, the impact of the hospitality industry on the environment and the diversity of the career paths of the Edge alumni.

To finish the event, networking cocktails were held, giving students the opportunity to speak individually to the people they had seen and heard from throughout the day; both from the tours delivered in the morning and the panelists in the afternoon. 50 of our industry partners were in attendance, with over 120 representatives present for the conference and reception.

Another exciting opportunity for the students was their involvement in the BRIT Awards, one of the most prestigious music events in the UK. The University of Essex Edge Hotel School students were part of the team that catered to the needs of the VIP guests, ensuring that they had a memorable experience during the event. This hands-on experience provided the students with a glimpse into the world of event management and reinforced their skills in customer service and attention to detail.

In addition to these experiences, the Edge Hotel School has also been proud to announce that several of its students have been awarded scholarships sponsored by some of the school's partners. These scholarships not only recognise the hard work and dedication of the students but also provide them with financial support to continue pursuing their passion for hospitality.

With these achievements and experiences, it is no surprise that the University of Essex Edge Hotel School continues to attract and nurture top talents in the industry. For those who are considering a career in hospitality, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive community that prepares students for a successful and fulfilling career in the industry.