ICMS Students Shine at the Young Hospitality Summit (YHS) 2025

ICMS Bachelor of Hospitality Management students Rhiannon Smith and Christie Warren have returned to Australia inspired by their experience at the Young Hospitality Summit (YHS) 2025.  

Held at EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland, this prestigious event brought together the best in hospitality. Rhiannon and Christie represented ICMS as two of just 90 student delegates chosen from top universities worldwide.  

Their three days at YHS were packed with innovation, collaboration, and big ideas, leaving them inspired for the future of hospitality. 

 

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A Winning Presentation on Overtourism

One of Rhiannon’s standout moments at YHS was her team’s approach to a global challenge: overtourism in Barcelona.  

Working alongside students from Romania, the US, and Hong Kong, Rhiannon’s team crafted a creative proposal that caught the judges’ attention. 

“Our concept, called ‘Beyond Barcelona,’ focused on redirecting tourists to less crowded destinations like Tarragona and Girona,” Rhiannon explained.  

“We made a marketing video that appeared to promote Barcelona but actually highlighted the appeal of other nearby areas. The idea was to ease the strain on Barcelona while supporting sustainable tourism.” 

Using data insights from STR Share Centre, the presentation also provided practical tools for local tourism boards to manage demand more effectively.  

Their innovative strategy earned them a top-three spot and an opportunity to defend their idea in front of a panel of industry leaders, including Dr Stowe Shoemaker and Guy Lindsay Crawford. 

“The live Q&A was intense but exciting,” Rhiannon said.  

“We believed in our idea, and that confidence made it easier to answer even the toughest questions.” 

Collaboration Across Cultures

For Rhiannon, one of the most rewarding aspects of YHS was collaborating with a team of students from diverse backgrounds.  

Despite meeting her teammates just days before the challenge, they quickly formed a strong connection. 

“It was amazing how well we worked together,” she shared.  

“Each of us brought different perspectives shaped by our own cultures, which made our ideas stronger. That diversity was key to creating something so unique.” 

While Rhiannon worked with her own team on the overtourism challenge, she also appreciated having Christie there to share the overall summit experience.  

“It was great to have someone from ICMS there with me,” Rhiannon said.  

“We both took so much away from the event, and it was exciting to represent our school together on this global stage.” 

Redefining Hospitality

The summit wasn’t just about solving challenges.  

With 23 keynote speakers and more than 30 global partners, the event explored what hospitality means in today’s world and where it’s headed. Rhiannon found herself repeatedly inspired by forward-thinking ideas. 

“Dr Stowe Shoemaker talked about applying hospitality principles to healthcare, and it blew my mind,” she said. “It made me realise that hospitality is about creating meaningful human connections. That mindset goes beyond hotels and restaurants; it applies to so many industries.” 

Sustainability was another theme that struck a chord with Rhiannon. “Hearing leaders speak about luxury and environmental responsibility coexisting was so impactful,” she shared. “It showed me that the future of hospitality is about balancing indulgence with sustainability.” 

Confidence Rooted in ICMS Training

Standing on stage before some of the hospitality industry’s biggest names could be intimidating, but Rhiannon felt prepared thanks to her experiences at ICMS.  

“At ICMS, presenting is part of our routine,” she said.  

“The constant practice has made me much more confident, especially in high-pressure situations like this.” 

Rhiannon emphasised the importance of preparation and understanding.  

“If you know your content well, you’ll be able to present it naturally. I also try to remember that the audience wants to hear what you have to say; they’re not there to judge every little mistake.” 

Advice for Aspiring Students

Reflecting on her time at YHS, Rhiannon offered advice for anyone looking to make the most of their studies in hospitality. 

“Put your hand up for opportunities,” she urged.  

“Whether it’s joining a summit, asking questions, or stepping out of your comfort zone, you’ll learn and grow with every experience. Passion and curiosity go a long way.” 

Looking Ahead

For Rhiannon, the Young Hospitality Summit 2025 confirmed her ambition to lead in hospitality and gave her fresh inspiration for the future. 

“This summit showed me that hospitality isn’t limited by definitions. It’s a mindset and a chance to shape how people feel and connect,” she said.  

“YHS has fuelled my passion even more, and I can’t wait to see where this career takes me.” 

With new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose, Rhiannon – alongside Christie, who dreams of running her own food and beverage operations someday – is ready to take on the future of hospitality with confidence and creativity.  

Together, they’ve proven that ICMS students belong on the world stage, ready to lead the changes that matter most.