From 14 – 18 November, Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne hosted the fourth EUHOFA International Congress.
EUHOFA International is an association of Directors of Hotel- Tourism-, Culinary- Schools and Universities, with over 200 members from five continents. The congress takes place once a year, always in a different country. This year more than 110 participants from nearly 20 different countries registered for the congress.
An exciting program was prepared under the guidance of Congress President, Michel Rochat, Congress Secretary, Odile Tornare, Congress Honorary President, Sam Salvisberg, and a dedicated team of EHL colleagues. The theme of the event: “125 years in the hospitality world: the challenges ahead”.
The program kicked off late Wednesday afternoon at “Les Portes des Iris” in Vuillerens, with an octet performing Cor des Alpes, giving guests a true Swiss folklore experience. Participants were also treated to a delightful wine tasting of the best Vaudois Wines, followed by a Get-together/Welcome reception.
The Thursday program started off with the first academic session titled “Digital Education”, followed by a second academic session titled “Lifelong Learning”, which took place after a delicious lunch at EHL. There were also presentations of the Swiss Hospitality Education Model and Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne. Attendees who chose not to attend the academic sessions visited the Chocolate Factory/Museum in Broc and had lunch at the Fondue Academy in Gruyère. At the end of the afternoon, everyone participated in a team building exercise, a “Pastry Workshop”. This was followed by an aperitif and dinner, with entertainment provided by the “Yodler Club of Montreux” at EHL.
Friday’s program involved a visit to the Olympic Museum and Breitling Watch Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds where participants also had lunch before returning to EHL for the final two academic sessions “Design & Architecture” and “Artificial Intelligence”. A free evening was welcomed by everyone!
On Saturday morning the General Assembly of EUHOFA International was held at the Mövenpick Hotel, where participants were accommodated during the congress. At the end of the day, everyone left for Corsier/Vevey to visit “Chaplin’s World Museum”, with participants commenting: “an outstanding experience!” A delicious Gala Dinner at “Hotel des Trois Couronnes” in Vevey closed the 57th EUHOFA International Congress.
Participants were amazed by the perfect organization, the high level of the academic program, the service oriented attitude of everyone involved, including the students – a reflection of the marvelous Swiss hospitality.
A special thanks to all colleagues, faculty members and students who participated in making this a great congress!