Supporting Education Through the Growth of the ECU School of Hospitality Leadership Food & Wine Festival

Abstract

The ECU School of Hospitality Leadership Food and Wine Festival is an annual event designed to provide invaluable hands-on learning experience for students, while also celebrating culinary flavors and fostering community engagement. Since the first event in 2023, the festival has grown steadily, both in scale and impact, becoming a cornerstone event for the hospitality department. This project was developed as a part of the School of Hospitality Leadership to emphasize multi-discipline collaboration with event planning, marketing, management, and execution. The primary focus of this project is the festival’s ability to sustain and expand the SHL scholarship fund, which supports our students pursuing their degrees in hospitality management. The 2025 festival, happening on March 28th, will showcase the continued growth of the event, enhancing the attendee experience. This presentation will highlight the festival’s evolution over the years, examining factors contributing to its growth, including innovative planning strategies, increased marketing, and enhanced student involvement. By analyzing ticket sales, attendee feedback, and sponsorship contributions, this project will explore the future growth potential for the festival. Moreover, this project will examine the festival’s impact on education, as it serves as a department-wide project for SHL students. By actively participating in the festival students can apply the knowledge they have learned in the classroom and develop crucial skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. These opportunities not only enhance the student’s understanding of hospitality concepts but also prepare them to enter the competitive industry. The ECU School of Hospitality Leadership Food and Wine Festival is more than just an event; it is a platform that bridges education and industry, providing students with hands-on experience. As the festival continues to grow, its dual focus on education and fundraising ensures that it continues to be a transformative event for students and a celebrated tradition throughout the SHL department and university as a whole. This presentation will showcase how the festival serves as a model for innovative, student-led initiatives that combine education, community involvement, and philanthropy, while also exploring its long-term impact on the growth and success of the School of Hospitality Leadership and its students.