Dr Steven Rhoden

Associate Dean for Knowledge Exchange
Manchester Metropolitan University
Experience EuroCHRIE Conference 2015

Delegates from more than 30 countries descended on Manchester in October 2015 to attend the Experience EuroCHRIE Conference - a prestigious event in the tourism education calendar.

Hosted by the Hollings Faculty at Manchester Metropolitan University, more than 250 experts from around the world presented 115 papers on a huge range of topics covering  hospitality, tourism and events industries and the experience economy.

Manchester Conference Ambassador Dr Steven Rhoden, Associate Dean for Knowledge Exchange in the Department of Food and Tourism Management, Hollings Faculty, said, "The Experience EuroCHRIE 2015 conference is a fantastic international platform to showcase the University's expertise in hospitality, tourism and event management. It has created exciting opportunities for new academic partners, new student placements, and new research and knowledge exchange possibilities for staff."

EuroCHRIE is the biggest conference for hospitality and tourism educators. Keynote speakers included Joseph Pine from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the USA, co-creator of the concept of the 'experience economy'. Another keynote came from Professor Kaye Chon from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, perhaps the leading research institution in the world in hospitality and tourism research.

Dr Rhoden and his team were supported by Manchester Met Conference and Events and Marketing Manchester’s Convention Bureau team, including assistance with the bidding process, which culminated in a presentation to the EuroCHRIE delegation in Dubai in  October 2014.

During the Gala Dinner, Marketing Manchester was awarded the EuroCHRIE Regional Industry Award for an outstanding organisation which has demonstrated commitment and service to the hospitality and tourism industry.

Receiving the award, Jane Randall, Head of Visitor Economy at Marketing Manchester commented: "It is with great pride that Marketing Manchester receives this award which recognises the support we have given to tourism businesses over the years, helping them to be more productive and profitable and to provide an excellent welcome to our city region. We are also delighted to see the EuroCHRIE conference in Manchester and estimate that this conference has contributed approximately £350,000 to the local economy."

A media wall has been created to provide a visual representation of the event. It can be viewed here.