UWTSD Tourism and Events students host graduates and industry experts at Future You conference 

Third-year students of Institute of Travel and Tourism at University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) hosted a successful Future You conference and careers fair at Swansea Arena for the second year running.

The Future You: Wales to the World event that took place at Swansea Arena on February 27th was organised by students for students on behalf of the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT).

The event which attracted 500 guests including students from schools and colleges across Wales, was supported by ABTA and the Institute of Hospitality.

Guest speakers included UWTSD International Travel & Tourism Graduate Aggie Grover who is a Talent Acquisition Partner with TUI, industry experts from Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruise lines & Silversea Cruises, and Claire Steiner, Co-Founder of ITT Future You and UK Director of the Global Travel & Tourism Partnership.

We also heard from the Tourism and Events graduates who organised last year’s award winning Future You event; Amanda Lewis, now Events Assistant with 4TheRegion, Mel Bourke, a Meetings and Events Sales Coordinator at Principality Stadium Experience, Amy Harris who is completing a UWTSD organised 1 year graduate programme with the Sonnenalp Resort Hotel in Vail Colorado, and Joshua Wilson who has been working on the launch voyage of The Celebrity Ascent Cruise Ship from France to Florida and the Caribbean.

Amanda Lewis said: “It’s a great to be back here supporting the current students by exhibiting and speaking at the ITT Future You event that I was hosting myself this time last year. Being a part of the organising team for the event as a student helped me acquire the skills to thrive in my current role as Events Assistant with 4TheRegion.

“My studies truly laid the foundation for my career success providing me with the expertise and practical skills needed to work in the dynamic world of events management.”

Mel Bourke, said: “The countless opportunities that I was provided with at UWTSD have undoubtedly shaped not only my career within events but enriched me as a person. From research projects, work experience to networking opportunities. I was able to explore my interests and talents in a way that I never thought possible.

“Now in my role as Meetings and Events Coordinator with Principality Stadium, I am involved in a planning and hosting a range of exciting events that I’d loved sharing with the audience today.”

Mel also hosted the Q&A session with the industry experts panel which consisted of UWTSD graduate Heledd Williams who is Head of Business Events for Event Wales and Thomas Aguis Ferrante, Operations Director for the Seren Collection and Chair of Institute of Hospitality Cymru Branch.

Over 40 industry exhibitors attended the Careers Fair including Celtic Collections, Folly Farm, In It Together Festival, Oakwood, Pembrokeshire Tourism, Penderyn Distillery & Swansea Arena as well as Yummy Jobs who recruit for Disney & Universal, CCUSA Summer Camps & PGL.

The event was also supported by industry delegates from key Travel and Tourism organisations including Events Wales, Milford Haven Port Authority and Visit Wales.

Jacqui Jones, Program Manager of UWTSD’s International Travel, Tourism, Events & Festivals Management Portfolio said:

“Hosting ITT Future You is an incredible experience for our students to organise and a wonderful opportunity to showcase their achievements and the success of Tourism and Events graduates with industry leaders.

“This year’s event included a large interactive careers and industry fair in the exhibition hall with 40 organisations from Wales and all over the world offering a range of placement and graduate opportunities.”

Images below of speaker, Mel Bourke, and expert industry panel, Heledd Williams and Thomas Aguis Ferrante with Q&A hosted by Mel Bourke.