Tourism Student Association at ASU Learns Networking at Omni Tempe Hotel

On Feb. 17, 2025, the Omni Tempe Hotel hosted the Tourism Student Association at ASU (TSA) for a wonderful Rooftop Workshop & Photo event. Omni provided a beautiful space, the Lucero Rooftop Lounge and Terrace, and a variety of delicious appetizers to outpace even the hungriest college student. From pre-opening until current day, the Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU has been an active partner with TSA.  Many tourism-passionate Sun Devils have been given running starts in the lodging industry thanks to this strategically placed, campus-embedded hotel with leadership committed to cultivating talent. Many thanks to General Manager Brenda Sapp and Human Resource Director Chris Brychell for championing our students. Special thanks to our own School of Community Resources and Development alum, Dana Rowitz, who launched her career on the opening team at Omni upon graduation and is now a sales manager. She was the connector and coordinator who made this event possible.

Participants enjoyed getting a professional headshot from photographer Jennifer Lund Schutsky. After noshing and mingling, participants gathered around the fire(s) for a conversation about how being part of professional organizations can propel students' careers. TSA President Karli Anderson and Vice President Hayden Sillers facilitated an informal but informative discussion about the value of getting involved.

The following speakers shared about their organizations:

• Patti Hunt, operations director for Stanford Hotels/board member, and Bianca Zarybnisky,
  director of operations, represented the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association (AZLTA).
• Joanne Winter, executive director, and Christi Windle, WeKoPa Casino and Resort/collegiate relations, represented Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI, Arizona Chapter) and Meeting Planners International (MPI).  
• Jeffrey Lazos-Ferns represented the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA). 

Finally, TSA's very own alums, Zade Alzoubi (Caesars Republic Scottsdale), Luis Pintor Zavaleta (Marriott/Westin Downtown), Pilar Valdez (Boulders Resort & Spa, Scottsdale), and Dana Rowitz (Omni), talked about the benefits of involvement in launching their careers.

The multi-faceted benefits of involvement for students (now and later) in professional organizations were laid out by visiting guests. Beyond scholarship assistance and mentorship, there are robust opportunities to network with leaders at the tops of their fields and attend and obtain professional development at industry events. Students involved in professional organizations gain exposure to vast career options and are aware of available positions. Members stay on top of trends and help navigate change with coordinated efforts.  Further, members can build leadership skills, credibility and mutually beneficial connections that can provide support and growth over the long term. Tourism professionals know that no matter how "gigantic" the industry is, it is actually quite small. Why? Everyone knows everyone--within a few degrees of separation from one another. Professional organizations expand one's web of contacts and resources uniquely beyond the boundaries of a single brand or company.  Ultimately, that well-connected professional has better prospects and advancement potential. 

Gratitude is extended to the Omni team, the industry professionals and the students (who showed up professionally dressed and ready to leave their comfort zones behind) for a magical night of learning and connection. 

Experience a video recap of event here: https://youtu.be/fuuqiRn-rNA?si=yU9I3EysH34TPq9w