"Showcasing Hospitality Education Through Student Leadership" is the theme of this year's Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC), the annual hospitality industry conference run by School of Hotel Administration students, now in its 83rd year. Some 300 industry leaders and alumni will visit Cornell April 3-6 to take part in such programs as:

• An overview of the state of the hospitality industry and an examination of future trends;
• A panel discussion on private equity's place in the hospitality industry and the impact of the Olympic Games and other large-scale sporting events on host cities' economies;
• An in-depth look at hospitality development around the world in emerging markets; and
• A presentation by two top members of the Hotel School's Class of 2008 on global economics and the hospitality industry's response to terrorism.

Non-educational events on the HEC menu include cocktail parties, luncheons, wine and honey tastings, and a gala dinner.

"We are a world-class school with world-class students, and I guarantee you a world-class experience," said managing director Geoffrey Gray '08. For information or reservations, visit http://www.hotelezracornell.com or contact Brett Rubin '08 ebr26@cornell.edu.