We never miss the opportunity to engage with future hoteliers. In the following blog, Jon Jeffers, Hyatt Ambassador on Temple University’s campus, shares with us a recent visit to Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penns Landing.
During the Spring of 2012, Temple University celebrated Hospitality Week. The university’s chapter of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) sponsored activities throughout the week, including a tour of the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penns Landing. The event consisted of a Meet-and-Greet between Temple University Hospitality students and the Hyatt Penns Landing’s executive staff. Also, during the event, our group was fortunate to have a front and back of the house tour of the property and time for questions.
We started off with introductions between the hotel’s Executive Team and Temple University’s NSMH chapter. Immediately following the introductions, we viewed a video on the history of Hyatt Hotels. After the viewing, we were able to ask the Executive Team questions. Their answers to our many questions were extremely insightful. Glenn Michael, Director of Rooms, shared that “the little things” that make the guests’ experience extra special are some of the ways to differentiate yourself. He stressed it is “the little things” that will set your property apart from the competition. Ben Premack, Director of Sales and Marketing, talked about the great opportunities for advancement with Hyatt. Ben started as a Front Desk Agent, but knew he was interested in other fields in the company. At one point, Ben expressed interest in the Sales department at one of his properties. He was offered an opportunity within the Sales department, succeeded, and has never left Sales.
Following the introductions, meet-and-greet, and Q&A session came the tour of the property. During the tour, we were privileged to see the penthouse suite, housekeeping department, ballrooms, kitchens, and many more areas. The highlight of the tour was by far when we entered the executive’s offices where the Hyatt staff was planning a surprise for the Executive Chef’s birthday. In a meeting room filled with Hyatt staff and Temple NSMH members, we celebrated with the whole team. We were fortunate to see this because it showed everyone on the tour a glimpse of why employees of Hyatt frequently use the term “Hyatt Family.” It was very genuine and an exciting part of the tour.
The last part of the day and arguably to some the best part was the food. Hyatt’s team catered to Temple NSMH. During our meal we socialized about life, the day, and our futures. This was the second to last day of Hospitality Week for Temple University and it was a great opportunity for students to enjoy the field in which they are studying.
