SAIT Students Join ICCA Conference in Panama Through New TELUS Partnership
SAIT Students Join ICCA Conference in Panama Through New TELUS Partnership
Students from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) have traveled to Panama City to attend an international hospitality conference, leveraging a new partnership with the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. This initiative marks SAIT as the first North American post-secondary institution to join the ICCAUni program, allowing students to network with industry leaders and gain practical exposure to global event management.
Students from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) have traveled to Panama City to attend an international hospitality conference, leveraging a new partnership with the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC). This initiative marks SAIT as the first North American post-secondary institution to join the ICCAUni program, allowing students to network with industry leaders and gain practical exposure to global event management.
The trip, which took place from Nov. 8 to 11, coincided with the annual summit of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). The gathering connects academic institutions with professionals in the business events sector. Through the collaboration between SAIT and the CTCC, students were able to participate alongside industry veterans at an event that has been held annually for 65 years.
Shawn Cheng, regional director of the ICCA, stated that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. He emphasized that the industry requires young talent who understand the complexities of international meetings and the value they bring to host destinations and their communities.
Kurby Court, president and chief executive officer of the CTCC, described the integration of students into industry associations as a strategic investment in the development and success of the business events sector. The partnership enables SAIT to offer this unique study-abroad option, which is new to North America.
Mona James, academic chair at SAIT’s School of Hospitality and Tourism, highlighted the value of the experience for students in culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and management programs. She noted that while classroom instruction is important, networking with industry professionals creates a more engaged learning environment. The selection process for the trip involved reviewing essay submissions, with Andreina Sanoja and Hana Hossain chosen as the two winners.
James described both students as outstanding candidates who had already demonstrated significant engagement in the events industry. Sanoja and Hossain reported that the experience has been exciting, particularly given their status as part of the first North American school to attend the conference.
During the summit, the students attended information sessions and connected with mentors to discuss real-life challenges facing the sector. Hossain noted that the scale of the event was impressive, with keynote conversations revealing the extensive coordination required for such gatherings. She said the congress provided a glimpse into their potential future careers.
Sanoja added that the trip offered an opportunity to apply classroom teachings in real time. She emphasized that being encouraged to network extensively helped her practice skills essential for professional success in the hospitality field.
Z.Bhatia--MT
