TThe Cal Poly Hospitality Association is a group of students who want to learn as much as possible about the hospitality industry. The Executive Board members and student members must make several decisions. What geographical areas they would like to visit? What types of hotel properties that they would like to visit? What are the best dates to tour these properties? We create new relationships and enhance existing relationships with industry and alumni. Our networking abilities have enabled us to tour the front of the house and the back of the house of several hotel properties. Students have met with management personnel from the food and beverage areas, casino operations, housekeeping, front desk, human resources, marketing, and general management. During our tours we have watched management prepare food items, take apart casino equipment, and utilize the property management systems to generate management reports.

Each quarter we hold approximately three meetings. These meetings are held during University Hour and are used to coordinate tours and social gatherings. Guest speakers are often invited to share their industry experiences and advise our members.

Through the tours, regular meetings, and guest speakers, students have the opportunity to create and maintain industry and university contacts. These contacts and events enable students to enhance their classroom learning experiences and to foster their individual social, personal, and professional skills. Members of the Cal Poly Hospitality Association are elected to the Executive Board on an annual basis. Membership on the Executive Board provides students with opportunities to develop and enhance their communication, interpersonal, marketing, organizational, and leadership skills.