UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management will host approximately 250 high school students next month to introduce them to careers in hospitality and tourism.

The college has teamed up with the Central Florida National Academy Foundation to host the fourth-annual High School Conference and Tradeshow for students from six high schools in Orange and Brevard counties. Each of the schools selected has academies geared toward hospitality and tourism.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rosen College campus near International Drive on Friday, Nov. 18.

Its theme, “Hospitality is Sweet!” will feature a tour of the campus; an educational exhibitor showcase; and break-out sessions about risk management, resume and interviewing tips and other topics.  Participants will enjoy a presentation from the keynote speaker, Gatorland’s Mark McHugh, and representatives from Visit Orlando, Wire-Free LED, Nickelodeon Suites Resort, UCF/Rosen College Undergraduate Admissions, SeaWorld, Johnson & Wales University and AAA  will share industry information and address questions from the high school students.

Students participating in the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism from Mid- Florida Tech, Freedom High School, Colonial High School, Oak Ridge High School, Rockledge High School and Merritt Island High School are invited to attend. Rosen College Event Management students in Instructor A’Rion Raymond’s class are organizing the event.

Robin Cascio, a senior majoring in Event Management, shares, “This event provides high school students interested in hospitality a personal introduction to educational and future employment opportunities. The interactive sessions help expand upon and reinforce their current studies. The conference offers an environment for the students to ask questions and learn more about the industry.”

The National Academy Foundation (NAF) is an acclaimed national network of high school career academies predominately based in urban districts-schools within schools-with rigorous, career-themed curricula created with current industry and educational expertise. Each year, NAF serves more than 50,000 students in 40 states and the District of Columbia through the Academy of Finance, the Academy of Engineering, the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism, and the Academy of Information Technology.  For more information, visit www.naf.org.