Statler News

GUEST SPEAKERS

November 18, 2025
Steve Crowley
Principle
Service Physics
HADM HADM 2021, HADM 4070/6070, and HADM 7030
Vince Slaugh

November 18, 2025
Brian Reece
Principle
Service Physics
HADM HADM 2021, HADM 4070/6070, and HADM 7030
Vince Slaugh

November 18, 2025
Steven Snyder
Director of HR
Waldorf Astoria New York
HADM 3170 | Lilly Jan
HLDP

November 20, 2025
Jessica Ortiz
Administrative Head of School
The Alternative School for Math and Science
HADM 1810 | Kristina Workman
Introduction to Management

Fall 2025 Business Ethics Board Meeting Project

HADM 3650 – Persuasive Business Communication for Hospitality Leaders (Odom-Reed)

The Business Ethics Board Project represents a successful academic-industry partnership that aligns with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and its guiding principles of ethics and integrity, agility, and community and connectedness. Since designing and launching the Business Ethics Board Project in fall 2019, Dr. Peggy Odom-Reed has engaged over 400 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 90 project teams, presenting to hospitality industry executives.

This fall 2025, we will have 12 teams to participate in a simulated company’s Board of Directors meeting with industry partners. This project challenges the teams to analyze and address real and recent ethical business cases in the hospitality industry, engaging students in experiential learning. The board meeting presentations will begin on Thursday, November 13, 2025, and conclude with the last teams on Thursday, November 20, 2025. If you are interested in attending the board meetings, please RSVP to Emily Barker, eeb68@cornell.edu, by Monday, November 17, 2025.

Industry Board Guest Speaker, Executive Coaches, and Board Chairs

We are pleased to have eight industry partners to support the Business Ethics Board Project for Nolan students:

Nouri Bessemer ’18, Senior Director of Hospitality Strategy, Related Companies; New Partner, Board Chair

Ruth Browne SD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ronald McDonald House New York; New Partner, Board Chair

Abigail Charpentier ’95, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Aramark; Inaugural and Returning Partner, Board Chair

Prem Devadas, President, Salamander Collection; Inaugural and Returning Partner, Board Chair

Laura Gilham ‘96, Chief Human Resources Officer, Suntex Marinas; Returning Partner, Business Ethics Guest Speaker, and Board Chair

Noah Hoffman, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, StayArbor; New Partner, Executive Coach

Sam Lipp ’04, President, Tortazo; Returning Partner, Business Ethics Guest Speaker, and Board Chair

Eris T. Sims ’99, Chief of Staff, NAACP; Returning Partner, Executive Coach

Recent Ethical Issues in the Hospitality Industry 

Teams have chosen to analyze and address ethical issues across different industry sectors:

Thursday, November 13, 2025

11:45 a.m. – 12:55 p.m., Statler Hall 441: Board Chair – Abigail Charpentier ’95 (in person)

Food and Beverage and Lodging and Travel Sectors

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

8:45 a.m. – 9:20 a.m., Statler Hall 341: Board Chair – Prem Devadas  

Casino and Digital Gaming Sector

Team Boyd Gaming Corporation: Mishandling of Sensitive Information for Employees and Others

11:45 a.m. – 12:55 p.m., Statler Hall 441: Board Chair – Prem Devadas  

Food and Beverage and Lodging and Travel Sectors

1:30 p.m. – 2:40 p.m., Statler Hall 441: Board Chair – Laura Gilham ‘96

Lodging and Travel Sector

Thursday, November 20, 2025

8:45 a.m. – 9:55 a.m., Statler Hall 341: Board Chair – Sam Lipp ’04

Food and Beverage and Lodging and Travel Sectors

11:45 a.m. – 12:20 p.m., Statler Hall 441: Board Chair – Ruth Browne SD

Lodging and Travel Sector

Team Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Inc.: Human Trafficking

1:30 p.m. – 2:40 p.m., Statler Hall 441: Board Chair – Nouri Beesemer ‘18

Hospitality and Entertainment and Lodging and Travel Sectors

• Team Airbnb, Inc.: Price Gouging in Rental Listings

CENTERS & INSTITUTES

Check our Events Calendar for upcoming engagement opportunities.

CENTER FOR HOSPITALITY RESEARCH

Stanley Sun Faculty Global Research Fund
The CHR is offering grants in support of faculty in the Cornell Nolan School and across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business who are researching topics of interest and importance to the hospitality, travel, and service industries. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and proposals can be submitted here: chr@business.cornell.edu

New Industry Insights

2024 Sustainability in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Roundtable
We’re looking back at last year’s event during Climate Week NYC where researchers and practitioners came together to tackle some of the industry’s biggest sustainability questions. From education and supply chains to destination planning, these three sessions offered fresh perspectives on how travel and tourism can lead the way in climate action.

• Driving Generational Change in Climate Action for Travel and Tourism Education Worldwide

Authored by Megan Epler Wood, Monica Mic, and Mark Milstein
This session explored how travel and tourism education can evolve to meet the urgent demands of the climate crisis. Panelists discussed ways to build climate action expertise across the industry, from universities to government agencies, emphasizing the need to equip future leaders with the skills to drive sustainable transformation worldwide.

• How Can the Travel and Tourism Industry Catalyze a More Sustainable and Resilient Food and Beverage Supply Chain?

Authored by Aaron Adalja
This session examined the travel and tourism sector’s potential to influence sustainability far beyond hotels and destinations, specifically within the global food and beverage supply chain. Participants considered how tourism businesses can partner with producers, distributors, and policymakers to reduce waste, improve resilience, and foster responsible sourcing that benefits both people and the planet.

• Climate Action Needs to Drive Destination Planning – Why Isn’t It?

Authored by Megan Epler Wood, Ante Mandić, O’Shannon Burns, and Mark B. Milsten
This discussion tackled a critical question: why aren’t climate priorities guiding destination planning? Panelists highlighted the disconnect between policy-level commitments and on-the-ground implementation by national tourism offices and destination management organizations. The conversation called for stronger integration of climate data, community input, and sustainability metrics in how destinations are developed and marketed.

QUESTIONS about CHR?
Faculty members and students interested in attending CHR events should email Shana Claar, CHR Coordinator at skc223@cornell.edu.

CENTER FOR INNOVATIVE HOSPITALITY LABOR & EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS

Club HR Director’s Roundtable
By invitation only.
Friday, November 14, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Boynton Beach, FL

Traditional Labor Roundable
By Invitation only.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Hollywood, FL

20th Annual Cornell University’s HR in Hospitality Conference
April 30 – May 1, 2026
Hollywood, FL
We are pleased to announce that the 20^th Annual Cornell University’s HR in Hospitality Conference will be held at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida!

Cornell University’s HR in Hospitality Conference is the industry’s premier HR conference, bringing together the legal and practical aspects of human resources within the hospitality industry.

6th Annual Big Sky Labor and Employment Conference
August 4 – 6, 2026
Big Sky, MT
This premier event convenes leading voices from across the labor and employment community—including employee, employer, and neutral perspectives—for high-level discussions on today’s most pressing workplace challenges. The conference is designed to spark meaningful dialogue and generate innovative solutions in a truly inspiring setting.

Cornell faculty member Dave Sherwyn will join an outstanding lineup of speakers, including current and former NLRB members, EEOC commissioners, solicitor generals, federal judges, union presidents, and top labor and management attorneys.

QUESTIONS about CIHLER?
Please email Natalie Oldfield, CIHLER Assistant Director at nco9@cornell.edu.

CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE AND FINANCE

CREF is excited to bring back the Real Estate Professionals in Residence program (REP) for AY ’25 – ’26!
This program’s REPs engage in personalized one-on-one sessions with students, assisting with navigating internship inquiries, building professional networks, and formulating effective career plans.  Schedule your meeting now!  

November 14, 2025
Scott Singer ’94, Principal, Co-Lead of Tri-State (NYC) Debt & Equity Finance, Avison Young

• Debt & equity financing for both development and existing properties
• NYC asset of all types and sizes
• Meet with Scott

 

November 20, 2025
Robert Kline ’84, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, The Chartres Lodging Group

• Hospitality and Real Estate Investment
• Hospitality Asset Management
• Self-proprietorship
• Meet with Rob

Distinguished Speaker Seminar Series

November 13, 2025
Scott Singer
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

QUESTIONS about CREF?
Please email Deborah Ward, CREF Assistant Director at dtd49@cornell.edu

 

PILLSBURY INSTITUTE FOR HOSPITALITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Entrepreneurs in Residence Office Hours
The Pillsbury Institute continues its Entrepreneurs in Residence program in person on Cornell’s Ithaca Campus! Be sure to come to your meetings prepared to discuss anything from business development to career planning. You can schedule one–on–one, in–person meetings using your StartupTree account. Available office hours will be shared continuously.

November 18
Ellen Yui, P’14 & P’16, Founding Principal, YUI+Company

• Communications and Branding
• Marketing
• Investor Relations
• Pitch Coach
• Meet with Ellen

 

Hospitality Business Plan Competition Registration Now Open!
Do you have a hospitality business idea or early-stage startup?
Compete for up to $25,000 in prize money through the 2026 Hospitality Business Plan Competition!

Competition Timeline

• Nov 21 – Team Registration Closes
• Nov 21 (Noon ET) – 3-Minute Pitch Video Due
• Dec 5 – Up to 10 Teams Selected for Semi-Finals
• March 13 – Full Business Plans Due
• March 24 – Finalist Teams Announced
• April 18 – Competition Finals

Key Information

• Each team must include at least one Nolan School student.
• Teams can have 1–5 members.
• Open to all current Cornell students (December 2025 grads are eligible).
• Finalists must be presented in person on April 18, 2026.
• Four instructional workshops will be offered to all registered participants.
• Participants who submit a full business plan are eligible for 1 course credit.

BPC OFFICIAL RULES AND GUIDELINES

Webinar: Smart Hospitality: The Human-AI Partnership
Monday, November 17, 12p.m. EST

Join our expert panel to discover how to navigate the future of hospitality strategically, leveraging technology to create a more efficient and personalized experience while preserving the industry’s essential human touch.
Speakers include:

• Christina McDowell, PhD, SC Johnson College of Business
• Krishna Sasank Talasila ’14, Co-Founder & CIO, Stayflexi
• Ashwin Kamlani, MMH ’03, Founder & CEO, Hyperfunnel
• Ira Vouk, Hospitality Consultant & Author, Hospitality 2.0 Consulting

What you’ll learn:

• Which customer segments are most receptive to AI and which prefer human interaction
• How AI is enhancing jobs that require creativity and guest relations and where it may replace routine, transactional tasks
• Strategic approaches to adopting AI that maintain the essential human element
• New career paths and upskilling opportunities for the hospitality workforce

Finding Joy & Purpose Through Your Entrepreneurial Story
A Table Talk with Ellen Yui, P’14 & P’16
November 17 | 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | 189 Statler Hall

REGISTER HERE
Join Ellen Yui, Founding Principal of YUI+Company, for an informal, student-centered table discussion exploring how to integrate joy, authenticity, and impact into your path as an entrepreneur and leader.

We’ll focus on:
• Creating meaningful connection — with customers, colleagues, and communities through communication
• Aligning purpose with growth — building ventures that make a difference
• Hospitality mindset — putting people, experiences, and empathy at the heart of innovation.
Bring your questions, share your ideas, and leave inspired to communicate your story and your business with clarity and purpose.
Space is limited. Refreshments will be provided.

Hospitality Pitch Deck Competition Finals
November 18 | 5 PM – 7 PM
165 Statler Hall & Park Atrium

Join us for the 2025 PDC Finals! The Cornell Hospitality Pitch Deck Competition is an experiential learning opportunity for student entrepreneurs who are contemplating, starting, or operating an early-stage hospitality-based venture, and who are looking to improve their pitching skills, with the potential to earn seed funding for their venture.
Four teams will present their final pitches to a panel of industry leaders in hopes of winning the grand prize of $3,000!

Assessing Opportunities: Real-World Hospitality & Real Estate Ventures
Wednesday, November 19
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location:189 Statler Hall (Pillsbury Institute) 
REGISTER HERE

Join Adam Falcheck, Vice President at DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners (DLJ RECP) for an interactive, case-based workshop exploring how investors evaluate new hospitality and real estate ventures. Students will be introduced to the firm’s evolution and business platform, then work through four opportunities currently under consideration using an External–Internal Opportunity & Hurdle framework.
Participants will:

• Analyze real projects across resort, boutique hotel, RV/campground, and membership-based lodging concepts
• Identify market opportunities, capital challenges, regulatory hurdles, and organizational considerations
• Ask questions, propose risks, and recommend strategies directly to industry professionals

Ideal for students interested in hospitality investment, development, private equity, entrepreneurship, strategic decision-making, real-estate, public policy, and urban planning.

No prior experience required — curiosity encouraged.
Seats are limited due to the interactive format. Registration is required to participate.
REGISTER HERE
(Due to limited spots, please do not sign up unless you are able to commit to participating.)

Stay connected with PIHE by subscribing to our newsletter.

QUESTIONS about PIHE?
Please email Michelle Mahool, PIHE Assistant Director, at MLC296@cornell.edu.

 

NOLAN EVENTS

Statler After Hours
DSAB is hosting “Statler After Hours” which is an opportunity for faculty to teach a lecture of their choosing for students to learn about outside of school hours. Our upcoming speakers include Professor Miller (November 17, 2025 | 6-7 PM | Statler 165), and Professor Tang (December 3, 2025 | 6-7 PM | Statler 165). We invite students and faculty to join us. All lectures are 6-7pm with light refreshments provided.

Roundtable with Justin Wai ’06
November 20 | 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Private Location (register to display)
REGISTER HERE
Hear from Justin Wai ’06, Senior Managing Director & Head of Real Estate China at Blackstone. Based in Hong Kong, Justin leads one of the firm’s largest real estate investment platforms, with work spanning logistics, hospitality, and development. He will share insights on global real estate strategy, leadership, and navigating international markets.

 

NESTLE LIBRARY RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

SimplyAnalytics
If you need demographic or marketing data for a specific U.S. market, SimplyAnalytics makes it easy to retrieve information all the way down to the city block level. In addition to data from government agencies such as the Census Bureau, SimplyAnalytics includes consumer and brand-level data from third-party research firms such as EASI, Simmons, and MRI. Additionally, their Dun & Bradstreet data allows for plotting business locations on a customizable map.

PUBLICATIONS

Andrew Quagliata, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Management Communication at Nolan, recently published a book titled Build Better Slide Decks: Create Sharper Slides, Stronger Stories, and Standout Presentations.

 

CORNELL INSTITUTE OF HEALTHY FUTURES

The Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures (CIHF) invites all students to enroll in our 2026 Winter Session course:
DEA 1112 Change-making: Designing Healthy and Hospitable Environments 
Discover ways of applying design thinking, hospitality customer service and facility planning/design to impact personal and work environments. This introductory course is open to designers and non-designers alike. No artistic abilities are required. You’ll emerge with new skills and a fresh perspective on how design can elevate our moods, extend our lifespans, and help affect positive change.

January 2 – 16, 2026
M-F 9:30 am – 12:55 pm ONLINE 
3-week winter session
3 credits
Enroll at winter.cornell.edu