Hospitality Awareness Week took place February 23-27, 2026, and our social media feeds were flooded with an inspiring wave of passion, purpose, and community spirit.
Driven by the IACC and championed by the Better Tomorrow Committee, the hospitality industry came together to celebrate what makes our sector truly exceptional: our people.
Under the banners of #HospitalityAwarenessWeek and #HospitalityCreatesTomorrow, professionals from across the globe took action to elevate the industry, inspire the next generation, and give back to our local communities. Here is a look at the incredible work, activities, and milestones we achieved together over the past week.
Nurturing the Next Generation
One of the most prominent themes of the week was our collective investment in the future. Across the globe, venues opened their doors to schools and universities, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world operations.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours & Open Days: Venues hosted immersive field trips, giving students a firsthand look at the magic that happens back-of-house.
- Student Competitions: We saw fantastic photos of culinary contests and hotel management simulations, proving that the upcoming talent pool is more creative and driven than ever.
- Essay Winners Celebrated: A huge shoutout to the venues that partnered with local schools for the “What Hospitality Means to Me” essay competitions. Seeing young writers rewarded with family meals and VIP venue tours was a heartwarming highlight of the week.
Mentorship and Professional Growth
The generosity of seasoned professionals sharing their time was nothing short of spectacular. Our feeds were packed with stories of connection and career development:
- Lunch & Learns: Teams gathered in smaller groups to discuss career mapping, leadership evolution, and transferable skills.
- 1-on-1 Coaching & Speed Networking: Hospitality teams dedicated hours to reviewing CVs, conducting mock interviews, and offering tailored LinkedIn profile workshops to help aspiring future hospitality professionals stand out.
A massive thank you to everyone involved! Special thanks to etc.venues, Convene, and the De Vere team (Frazer Gander, Jeremy Pickess, Katie Owlett, and all GMs). By sharing stories, hosting workshops, and mentoring future colleagues, you proved that #HospitalityCreatesTomorrow. The week may be over, but let’s keep the momentum going to build a brighter, more sustainable, and inclusive industry every single day.
