Students and faculty in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program attended IMEX America at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, October 13-15, 2026. The largest trade show for the global business events industry in North America, IMEX 2026 included more than 17,800 participants, 96,000 scheduled meetings, and 14,000 group and booth presentations.
Attending students included:
- Joel Maldonado ‘27 (hospitality and tourism management)
- Kristal Jenkins ‘27 (public relations, advertising, and applied communication)
- Megi Karin ‘27 (global business management)
- Jordan Brown ‘23 (hospitality and tourism management) ‘27 (MS hospitality business management)
- Alexandria Fuhrer ‘27 (hospitality and tourism management)
- Luke Hand ‘26 (hospitality and tourism management)
- Olivia Caraher ‘27 (hospitality and tourism management)
- Celeste Yevich ‘29 (hospitality and tourism management)
Students were accompanied by:
- Dan Jin, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism management
- Muhammet Kesgin, professor of hospitality and tourism management
Students connected with industry professionals, explored emerging event technologies, and participated in a program with Eta Delta Sigma International Hospitality Honor Society at UNLV, including a tour of Palms Casino Resort.
Students toured the Bellagio with RIT alumnus Harvey Stern, founder and president of Door Frame Concepts, learned from his industry experience, and received signed copies of his latest book. They also caught up with alumna Wendy O’Duffy, vice president of sales at Visit Rochester, and connected with industry professionals at the New York booth.
It was a great experiential learning opportunity, filled with industry insights, networking, and behind-the-scenes experiences!
