Puttin' on the RITz
Puttin' on the RITz is back!
Please note: You’ll need to create an account or log in to register for this event.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Genesee Valley Club
421 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Open to the public
Dress Code: Formal with black-tie optional attire, ladies may choose attire that fits the dress code.
Color Theme: Blue palette, cool neutrals, and green tones.
Genesee Valley Club website | Directions to Genesee Valley Club
This event is sponsored by the International Hospitality and Service Innovation Department.
Event Information
Passport to Hospitality
Uniting the World through Travel
We are pleased to announce the return of Puttin’ on the RITz.
Puttin’ on the RITz is the signature annual hospitality event at Rochester Institute of Technology. Hosted by students in the International Hospitality and Service Innovation department at Saunders College of Business, this elegant evening brings together industry leaders, alumni, and community members for an immersive experience inspired by this year’s theme, “Passport to Hospitality.”
This year’s theme is Passport to Hospitality – Uniting the World through Travel.
We invite you to a celebration of RIT’s global campuses and a commemoration of culture. Guests will enjoy creative décor, curated food and beverage stations, entertainment, and meaningful networking, all while supporting student experiential learning and development.
Tickets
-
Individual - $150
-
Group of 4 - $570
-
Group of 8 - $1,100
Make a donation to support Puttin' on the Ritz
Honorary Chair
Francis Domoy
Dr. Francis Domoy is Chair Emeritus and former Director of RIT’s School of Hospitality and Service Management, where he served as director for 30 years. He helped build major local and international partnerships for the school, including support for study abroad opportunities and industry collaborations.
Ashley DeMaine
Carmella Martin
Finance:
Luke Hand
Noa Lee
Food and Beverage:
Dan Hooper
David Lanpher
Guest Experience:
Alexandria Borkowski
Tulip Bailey
Student Volunteer Recruitment & Training:
Brooke Milliken
Andreea Popa
Advertising and Sales:
Annalise Baker
Jessica Cody
Fundraising:
Genevieve Jacobs
Cariysa Powell
Kymari Williams
Operations, Venue, Technology, & Sustainability:
Megi Karin
Hayden Abramson
Hannah Slater
Guest Experience, Program, & Design:
Kristal Jenkins
Finance, Budgeting, & Guest Services:
Coffey King
Alex Christopoulos
Sindhu Munugoti
Marketing, Content, and Sponsorship:
Raphael Knauf
Faculty Advisors
Lodging and Directions
Courtyard by Marriott Rochester Downtown
390 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 504-2750
Link to Hotel | Hotel Directions
Hotel Room Block
- Reserve by March 29, 2026
- Rate: $149
- Reference promotional code: RITz
Sponsorships
Interested in sponsoring this event?
We’d love to partner with you!
For sponsorship inquiries, please email ritz@saunders.rit.edu.
Sponsorships opportunities:
Silent Auction Donations
Provide items such as hotel stays, dining experiences, wine packages, or other hospitality‑related offerings.
Beverage Sponsorships
Donate wine, spirits, or specialty beverages served during the event.
Dinner Product Sponsorships
Contribute food ingredients, specialty items, or branded products used in event preparation.
Financial Sponsorships
Support student participation, event production, or general event needs through a monetary contribution.
Contact
Past Events
“Puttin’ on the RITz” was created in 1986 as a way for students and faculty to fundraise for the RIT Hospitality Education Fund. Over the years, the event has grown into a signature celebration welcoming more than 200 guests annually. It is planned and operated by ambitious students from the International Hospitality and Service Innovation Department who proudly showcase their education and professionalism.
This year, we are placing greater emphasis on meaningful mix and mingle opportunities through an elegant station style and buffet inspired culinary experience. The evening is designed to celebrate our program, reconnect with alumni and industry partners, and raise funds to support future hospitality leaders.
