MSU Denver Day Leadership Academy

Success doesn’t always show up as a title change it often starts with confidence.

We’ve seen participants leave Service Excellence with:

• Stronger communication skills
• More confidence leading teams
• Better tools for handling challenges
• Clearer career direction

Small shifts in leadership create big changes in workplaces.

Behind every great program is an instructor who understands the industry firsthand.

Our TIPS and Food Safety instructors bring real-world experience, practical insight, and a commitment to helping hospitality professionals lead responsibly and confidently.

This isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting teams, guests, and your career.

We’re proud to support ED Talks, a members-only event hosted by EATDenver.

This one-morning gathering brings together nearly 200 independent restaurant and bar operators and hospitality professionals for six focused talks designed to deliver actionable insights for today’s food and beverage industry.

The MSU Denver School of Hospitality and the Day Leadership Academy are honored to sponsor events that strengthen the connection between industry and education, creating opportunities for students to engage with the leaders shaping what’s next.

As a member-focused event, attendance is coordinated through partner communications, and we’re grateful to collaborate with EATDenver in supporting meaningful industry dialogue and the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Hospitality teams are changing, and leaders are being asked to do more than ever.

Today’s challenges require leaders who can:

• Motivate across generations
• Support well-being while maintaining standards
• Build trust during change
• Create consistency in fast-paced environments

Leadership training matters now because the industry needs leaders who are prepared, not overwhelmed.

Strong leadership isn’t optional it’s the foundation of strong teams!

Career growth in hospitality isn’t just about time served, it’s about how you show up as a leader.

Service Excellence helps professionals:
• Lead teams with confidence
• Communicate expectations clearly
• Handle challenges with professionalism
• Stand out for promotions and next-step roles

When you invest in leadership skills, you’re not just improving performance but you’re opening doors.

“Before this program, I knew how to do my job, but I didn’t know how to lead.”

That’s a common story we hear from hospitality professionals.

Leadership training doesn’t change who you are it helps you lead with more confidence, clarity, and purpose in the role you already have.

Real people. Real growth. Real impact.

Hospitality leadership is evolving and the skills that mattered five years ago won’t be enough in 2026.

The leaders who will thrive are the ones building people-centered, adaptable, and future-ready skills, including:
• Clear communication across diverse teams
• Emotional intelligence and conflict management
• Coaching instead of managing
• Decision-making under pressure
• Accountability with empathy

These skills aren’t “nice to have.” They’re essential for retaining teams, improving guest experience, and moving into leadership roles.

The good news? Leadership skills can be learned and strengthened with the right training and support.

Who should take our Service Excellence in the Hospitality Industry Course?

✔ Hospitality professionals ready to grow
✔ Team members stepping into leadership
✔ Managers who want stronger service cultures
✔ Anyone looking for practical leadership skills

If that sounds like you, this course is a great place to start!

www.msudenver.edu

Real people. Real progress.

One of the most powerful parts of the Day Leadership Academy is seeing how participants apply what they learn directly to their roles gaining confidence, clarity, and momentum in their careers.

Leadership development works best when it’s grounded in real experiences.

Career growth doesn’t look the same for everyone, and it shouldn’t.

Not every hospitality professional needs or wants a traditional four-year degree. What many people need are affordable, relevant, and practical learning options that respect their experience.

That’s the gap we’re here to fill.

One of the most common questions we hear:

“Can I really fit this into my schedule?”

Our Service Excellence course is designed for working professionals. That means realistic time commitments, flexible learning, and content you can apply immediately on the job.

Leadership development shouldn’t require putting your life on hold.

We are excited to share the launch of Icons of Hospitality, a new speaker series presented by the MSU Denver School of Hospitality and generously supported by Sage Hospitality.

This series will highlight top hospitality leaders across hotels, restaurants, events, travel, tourism, and brewing which is offering valuable insight, inspiration, and networking for students, alumni, and industry professionals.

(Trust us you don't want to miss this ! ) ✨

The inaugural event features Kellie Newman, Vice President of Operations for the MxM Luxury, Premium, and Marriott Select Brands in the U.S. & Canada, in a fireside chat moderated by Brad Mills, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Denver.

A reception will follow.

🔗 Register here:

MSU Denver School of Hospitality Speaker Series With Kellie Newman - MSU Denver Join us for an inspiring and insight-packed session with Kellie Newman, Vice President of Operations for MxM, Premium, and Marriott Select Brands across the U.S. and Canada.