Three students from the Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville are heading to the 2024 Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism (GovCon) in Chattanooga as Student Ambassadors. Erin Cosentino, Paul Vaughn, and Lily Vincent, seniors in the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program, will represent both HTM and the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association (TNHTA) at this event.
Pictured L-R Top Row: Austin Anderson, Paul Vaughn, Yasmin Onsipahioglu Bottom Row: Lilly Vincent, Virginia Williams, Erin Cosentino
TNHTA invited applications for 10 ambassador positions statewide, with a maximum of three spots per institution. All three applicants from UT’s HTM program were selected, highlighting their leadership potential and qualifications. The TNHTA’s expense-paid ambassadorship for the 2024 GovCon will provide them with an exceptional opportunity to enhance their professional networks within the hospitality and tourism industry.
“Opportunities like this highlight what sets our hospitality and tourism management program apart,” said Christopher Kelley, Senior Coordinator for the HTM program. “We are dedicated to connecting our students with the hospitality and tourism industry through initiatives such as this”
Erin Cosentino, a senior in HTM and one of the 2024 GovCon Ambassadors, is looking forward to the conference. “I’m thrilled to attend the Governor’s Conference this year! This is a fantastic chance to network and build connections in the industry, which is crucial as I approach my job search after graduation. Being from out of state, I’m also excited to meet more industry professionals here in Tennessee.”
“I’m beyond excited and grateful for this opportunity to attend Chattanooga GovCon with my UT peers and learn how Tennessee maintains its status as a popular destination,” said Paul Vaughn, also a senior in HTM and 2024 GovCon Ambassador. “This opportunity will help me grow as a student and young person and network with industry professionals and State of Tennessee leadership.”
The Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism is an annual event organized by TNHTA and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. It brings together representatives from various segments of the hospitality and tourism industry and related government agencies. Last year’s conference attracted over 550 attendees, and this year’s event, which will be held on September 25-27, 2024, is anticipated to be equally impressive.
“I am delighted that all three of our RHTM students were recognized for their outstanding qualifications,” said Junehee Kwon, Department Head of RHTM, located in the UT College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. “Providing experiential learning opportunities is a core goal for us, and collaborating with industry leaders across the state to achieve this is truly exciting.”
In addition to the three TNHTA ambassadors, the RHTM department will sponsor three additional HTM students for this opportunity. Austin Anderson (Freshman), Yasmin Onsipahioglu (Junior), and Virginia Williams (Senior) will participate in this exciting event, which is made possible by proceeds from the Annual RHTM Student Enrichment Fundraiser.