Professional Development with a Touch of Luxury

📍 Emporium Hotel, Brisbane
Recently, our Hospitality teachers stepped into the world of five-star excellence at the luxurious Emporium Hotel in Brisbane for a unique and immersive Professional Development experience.

Over the course of their stay, participants gained behind-the-scenes insights into the exceptional service standards and operations across key areas of the hotel, including:

🔹 Concierge
🔹 Belle Époque Café
🔹 Rooftop Bar
🔹 Conference & Events
🔹 Pastry Kitchen
🔹 In-Room Dining

To top it off, teachers enjoyed a one-night stay at the hotel, experiencing the guest journey firsthand and taking full advantage of the world-class facilities.

Beyond the tours and tastings, the event provided a fantastic platform for collaboration — giving educators the chance to connect, share ideas, and discuss ways to further enhance their school hospitality programs.

It was an inspiring and refreshing experience that blended learning with luxury — and left everyone with new ideas and renewed passion for delivering excellence in hospitality education.

✨ Michelle’s Reflection
Back in the 1980s, I was part of the very first Associate Diploma in Hospitality in Townsville. We trained by running a real restaurant and kitchen service for the public who came to the TAFE building — and they were ever so kind to us as we learned our craft. We even travelled up to Cairns for a two-day professional development trip, which at the time felt incredibly exciting.

So much has changed in the industry since then, but what has always stayed with me are the friendships and connections. Many of us went on to travel and work all over the world using our new skills. By coincidence, one of my friends from that course later applied for — and was successful in getting — a job at the hotel I was working at in London.

These experiences remind me just how valuable professional development is. The hands-on learning and shared journeys not only build skills but also spark lifelong opportunities. That’s exactly why events like the Emporium Hotel experience are so important for our teachers and students today.

🙏 Acknowledgment
This Professional Development opportunity was made possible thanks to Queensland SAS Career Ready funding for the SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality. Their support helps us continue providing meaningful, hands-on learning for both teachers and students ensuring the next generation of hospitality professionals are truly career ready.

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