Students embark on trip of a lifetime at EHL Young Hospitality Summit in Switzerland

Two ICMS students have been selected to attend the prestigious Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne (EHL) Young Hospitality Summit (YHS) in Switzerland from 17 to 19 March 2025.

Rhiannon Smith and Christie Warren impressed the judges with their well-executed video applications, showcasing their passion for the hospitality sector.

EHL is the oldest hotel school in the world, and its annual student-run summit is the largest of its kind globally. It provides an opportunity for up-and-coming hospitality leaders to network with industry experts, explore job opportunities, and build invaluable global connections.

This year, there is expected to be around 90 student delegates from 28 universities attending. They’ll learn from 40 guest speakers and more than 30 global partners.

Big dreams for a career in hospitality

Rhiannon and Christie are both studying a Bachelor of Hospitality Management at ICMS.

For Rhiannon, who currently works for Marriott Circular Quay, her end goal is to become the General Manager of a major hotel brand, or run hotel operations for the Asia–Pacific region. She says the once-in-a-lifetime experience at YHS will take her one step closer to achieving this.

“The education and perspective we’ll gain from people who have been in the industry for years is really going to help us and shape our careers,” she shares.

“I also think it’s super exciting that everyone at the conference is going to be younger – all around the same age as us – and they’re going to be the next leaders of the hospitality industry.”

Meanwhile, Christie Warren, who was recently selected for the Marriott Degree Apprentice Program, in collaboration with ICMS, is looking forward to learning about sustainability in the hospitality sector and hearing from like-minded people from all over the world.

With dreams of running a restaurant or food and beverage operation one day, she says the knowledge gained will be incredibly valuable.

“We’ll be learning from industry leaders at all the talks and workshops. This will help us increase our knowledge, as well as our confidence in the industry.”

Take opportunities wherever you can

When asked what advice they’d give other students wanting to make the most of their studies at ICMS, the future hospitality leaders all agreed that it was important to take every opportunity that presents itself.

“Throw yourself into it and be passionate,” Christie says. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Show everyone that you’re passionate and attentive.”

Rhiannon agreed, adding: “Don’t be afraid to speak up. Everyone in the hospitality industry is pushing and pursuing the same thing, so it’s important you talk to each other, ask questions of people in leadership positions, and grow from their knowledge, as well as your own.”

This isn’t the first time ICMS students have been selected to attend the prestigious YHS event in Switzerland. Last year, Jack Parsons also had the opportunity thanks to the industry connections ICMS has with EHL and other partners around the world.