RHTM Hosts Big Orange Hospitality Day
Inaugural Event Connects Students, Teachers, and Advisors with Industry Leaders
The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted its inaugural Big Orange Hospitality Day in partnership with Tennessee DECA and FBLA. The event welcomed 128 high school students and 17 teachers/advisors from across the state to explore dynamic career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The day-long program immersed students in the field through interactive activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and networking with industry professionals. More than 26 hospitality and tourism partners contributed by sharing career pathways during the networking session, hosting business tours, and providing door prizes and swag bag items for students and teachers.
Highlights included exclusive tours of downtown Knoxville landmarks such as the Tennessean Hotel, Tennessee Theatre, Sunsphere Visitors Center, Hyatt Place, Maple Hall, and the Marriott Maker Space with Dogwood Arts. Students learned about each property’s operations and gained firsthand exposure to environments where hospitality professionals build their careers. The event concluded with a celebratory lunch at Covenant Health Park, generously sponsored by The 9 Group: A Knoxville Family of Hotels.
Christopher Kelley, senior coordinator of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) and event organizer, emphasized the importance of collaboration.
“This event was only possible thanks to the generous support of the hospitality industry, who gave their time and showcased their passion to inspire the next generation,” Kelley said. “Our department is committed to fostering curiosity in this career field in order to serve the industry.”
Big Orange Hospitality Day reflects UT’s commitment to an unparalleled student experience and to preparing future leaders in hospitality and tourism. By connecting students with professionals and offering hands-on experiences, the event aimed to spark interest in UT’s undergraduate HTM major.
Department head Junehee Kwon opened with a question, “Who wants to work with happy people?” underscoring the excitement of a people-centered industry.
“A major in HTM includes exceptional hands-on experiences, from our Blissful Wish Wedding project to behind-the-scenes work with the Big Ears Music Festival,” Kwon said. “Our students also graduate with a built-in business minor and personalized advising dedicated to their success.”
The event was spearheaded by the RHTM Department with major contributions from the UT Conference Center, which hosted the opening session; The 9 Group, which sponsored lunch; and planning committee members Zach Buchanan (Tennessee DECA/FBLA), Angie Wilson (UT Enrollment Management), Jill Thompson (Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association & RHTM Advisory Board), Martha Axford (ABC Design & RHTM Advisory Board), and Monica Armstrong (Visit Knoxville).
If you want to learn more about UT’s Hospitality and Tourism Management major, visit our website, or contact HTM Senior Coordinator Christopher Kelley at ckelle15@utk.edu.
You can also view a photo gallery of the event here.