SDSU Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism

Congratulations to Tara Spencer, our 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student in Hospitality and Tourism Management!

For her capstone, Tara developed an Adaptive Training Model for the Raleigh Convention Center's Events Team — a practical, thoughtful framework designed to improve onboarding, strengthen team preparedness, and support employee retention. Real work, with real impact.

Tara is continuing to build her career in venue and event management, and we have every confidence she'll keep leading with the same purpose and dedication she brought to this program.

Tara, congratulations — we're proud to call you a Payne School alum! 🎉

Read more: https://psfa.sdsu.edu/news/2026/l-robert-payne-school-of-hospitality-and-tourism-management-announces-2026-outstanding-students

Payne School Alumni... mark your calendars.

The Payne School is marking its 25th Anniversary, and we'll be celebrating with a variety of exciting events the weekend of October 23rd - 25th, 2026.

Here's how to stay updated on the events of the weekend:
📩 Subscribe to our Alumni Newsletter
💼 Join our Linkedin Alumni Group
👥 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

Lastly, this weekend is built around YOU, our alumni. If you would like to get involved by showcasing your business or services, please reach out to Liz Hayes at [email protected]

Congratulations to Flynn Murray, our 2026 Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Recreation Administration!

Flynn spent over three years as a leader in the Recreation and Tourism Student Association, including serving as president — all while managing a full course load. His commitment to community, teamwork, and showing up for others is exactly what the Payne School is all about.

After graduation, Flynn plans to continue working in parks and recreation, helping communities in need. We can't wait to see the impact he makes.

Flynn, congratulations — it's well deserved! 🎉

Read more: https://psfa.sdsu.edu/news/2026/l-robert-payne-school-of-hospitality-and-tourism-management-announces-2026-outstanding-students

Last week, our founding director Carl Winston sat down with Roel Frissen of the Event Design Collective for a live podcast recording at IMEX Frankfurt. It's a conversation worth listening to. 🎧

Carl shares his perspective on hospitality education, the gap between academia and real-world practice, and why event production still doesn't get the professional respect it deserves. He also touches on the future of hospitality talent, the AI Hospitality Alliance, and what it means to keep building... at any age.

Check out the full episode at the link below.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/carl-winston-eventdesigncollective-9dswe/

Congratulations to Fiona Gmeiner, our 2026 Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Hospitality and Tourism Management!

During her time at the Payne School, Fiona served as president of the Meetings and Events Student Association, worked as a peer advisor, interned with The US Grant Hotel and SD Meetings & Events, studied abroad in Prague, and represented the Payne School at the 2025 SDSU Evening of Philanthropy.

After graduation, she's heading to Ireland to explore the global hospitality industry before returning to pursue a career in client engagement and events. We have no doubt she'll thrive wherever she goes.

Fiona, we are so proud of you. Congratulations! 🎉

Over the next few weeks, we'll be highlighting our 2026 outstanding graduates from both the undergraduate and master's programs — stay tuned!

Read more: https://psfa.sdsu.edu/news/2026/l-robert-payne-school-of-hospitality-and-tourism-management-announces-2026-outstanding-students

Heading to Meeting Professionals International's WEC 2026?

Come meet the team behind SDSU’s Hospitality & Tourism and Meeting & Event Management master’s programs.

Carl Winston and Candy Flynn will be in San Antonio connecting with professionals who are ready to grow into leadership, expand their impact, and take the next step in their careers.

If that’s you, let’s connect.

Marriott San Diego nextgen is investing in hospitality and event leaders who continue to invest in themselves, and the San Diego State University Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management is proud to be connected to that effort.

Through a multi-year commitment led by Marriott San Diego nextgen fundraising leaders Vladimir Akselrud and Claudia Bonal, SDSU is able to support graduate students through academic and professional development scholarships. This year, SDSU awarded $15,000 in scholarship support to students in our Hospitality & Tourism Management and Meeting & Event Management master’s programs.

We’re grateful to the broader Marriott Business Council San Diego community for supporting these efforts and helping make continued education more accessible for professionals in our industry.

Special thanks to Vladimir A., Claudia Bonal, and the Marriott Business Council San Diego community for supporting hospitality and event leaders who are continuing to grow, lead, and strengthen the future of the profession.

Going to Meeting Professionals International WEC 2026?

We’ll be there connecting with professionals shaping the future of hospitality and tourism leadership, and those ready to step into it.

If you’ll be in San Antonio, connect with our team 👉🏽 Carl Winston and Candy Flynn

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