IoH delivers inaugural student careers fair

The Institute of Hospitality's (IoH) flagship student conference and careers fair, Passion4Hospitality (P4H), closed on Friday 25 November 2022 with a standing ovation for the keynote speaker, Peter Avis FIH, GM at Galvin at Windows and 10 Degrees Bar, and co-vice-chair of the IoH’s supervisory board.

Avis gave the audience an overview of his international career – from his first hospitality job as a dishwasher to his current role as GM and his journey in between.

"Every role in hospitality helps deliver the customer experience," said Mr Avis in his speech. "When I was told that even as a dishwasher, I made a difference, I was hooked. I wanted to strive to be a GM and I strive now to help others feel the same way.

"Since winning the inaugural Restaurant Manager of the Year title in 2009, my passion for the IoH began. The work and commitment Robert Richardson FIH MI and his team have to help young people feel passionate about choosing this industry as a career is amazing. And the wealth of resources the IoH offer has helped me and my career without a doubt. Now, as co-vice chair of the IoH supervisory board, I believe everyone in hospitality should be part of the only professional body that represents the industry, the IoH."

The annual P4H event brings together students, universities, colleges, employers and training providers from across the world, under one roof. This year, attendees came from as far away as Dubai. 

Over 30 establishments took part in the career fair this year and over 400 students came through the conference doors at the Novotel London West, Hammersmith, London.

IoH CEO, Robert Richardson FIH MI, who opened and closed the busy day commented: "Passion4Hospitality is my favourite event in our Institute of Hospitality calendar, and it was a sincere pleasure hosting this conference and seeing, first hand, the infinite potential of our future #HospitalityFamily.”

The IoH Youth Council took an active role in the day, introducing guests on stage and talking to students in the Coffee and Conversation area, which was overflowing at several points of the day. Katariina Reissaar AIH, co-chair of the IoH youth council, commented: "It was an incredible day, full of energy and smiles. If we have inspired one young person today it was all worth it."

This year’s careers fair, which was buzzing throughout the day, included: Worshipful Company of Cooks, Exclusive Collection, The Belfry, Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA, Rosewood Hotels, Z Hotels, Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa, Hotel Café Royal, WSET Global, Champneys, Novotel London West and the Royal Household.

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