Saveur Student Event Management

The Department of Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management hosted the third annual Saveur event, April 28. The event was held at the Chapelle de L'Artiste Chateau and Retreat in Paradise.

This student-managed event, led by Professor Kelli Mcrea, offers students in the event management option the opportunity to plan and execute an event from conception to evaluation.

"Planning Saveur gave us an opportunity to be part of something that most young professionals don't have the privilege of experiencing until well into their careers. We were able to see first-hand what it's like to execute a quality event while juggling the unpredictable situations that often arise. I think this is an event that we will all remember fondly and something that will help propel our future careers," said student Annette DeCarlo.

Sixty-five guests attended the event catered by local chef and restauranteur, Ann Leon of Leon Bistro. The event was French-themed and the menu included appetizers, soups, sorbets, entrées, and desserts. Entertainment was provided by student artists who painted live at the event and later donated their paintings to be auctioned during the silent auction. Musical entertainment by accordion player Kalei Yamanoha kept with the French theme. Yamanoha, a North Bay musician, has played in 30 states and performs 270 shows a year.

Students in pursuit of work in the event management field seek employment with conferences services, conventions, exhibitions, and festivals, as well as fundraising, political, religious, social, musical, and sporting events. They are also prepared to work at event facilities such as hotels, convention centers, and stadiums.

In addition to providing students with hands-on, industry-level experiences outside the classroom, the department uses the funds raised to take students to conferences and field trips and provides faculty with resources to perform research in the field.