{"id":117285,"date":"2020-05-01T15:56:04","date_gmt":"2020-05-02T01:56:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=117285"},"modified":"2020-07-16T13:53:45","modified_gmt":"2020-07-16T23:53:45","slug":"travel-industry-networking-virtual","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2020\/05\/01\/travel-industry-networking-virtual\/","title":{"rendered":"Student-run travel industry networking event goes virtual"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"four<\/p>\n

University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at M\u0101noa School of Travel Industry Management<\/a> (TIM) students experienced “a lesson of flexibility, creativity and resilience.”<\/p>\n

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the annual networking event for the Shidler College of Business\u2019 TIM<\/abbr> school—N\u0101 Kukui Netlinks—which was originally scheduled for early April at the Sheraton Princess Kaʻiulani<\/span> hotel, took place virtually on April 30.<\/p>\n

Instead of bringing TIM<\/abbr> school students together with travel industry professionals for an evening of sharing and learning, this year\u2019s program was modified to include a welcome speech from Vance Roley<\/strong>, dean of the Shidler College of Business and a panel of industry experts. Panelists included Daniel Chun from Alaska Airlines, Stuart Kotake from Marriott International \u2013 Waikiki Complex Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts and Jennifer Chun from the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Tourism Authority. TIM<\/abbr> Professor Jerry Agrusa<\/strong> served as the moderator.<\/p>\n

“Students were disappointed to cancel the event,” said Lee-Ann Choy<\/strong>, TIM<\/abbr> lecturer. “Unlike other school events, the N\u0101 Kukui Netlinks event is tied to the TIM<\/abbr> 316, special events management class. Through this practicum course, students are in charge of planning and managing this event.”<\/p>\n

With a quick lesson on virtual events from Choy, the class planned the N\u0101 Kukui Netlinks virtual event in just two and a half weeks. The students built a website, developed a social media strategy, offered tips and resources and assembled a prestigious panel of industry leaders from the hospitality, transportation and tourism areas.<\/p>\n

To encourage participation, students approached Lyft and Pizza Hut Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> to offer discounts to TIM<\/abbr> students on the day of the event.<\/p>\n

About N\u0101 Kukui Netlinks<\/h2>\n

Started in 1995, the School of Travel Industry Management N\u0101 Kukui Netlinks event gives students an opportunity to network with industry professionals. The event creates a friendly environment in which students may network and receive advice from industry professionals who are willing to share their experiences.<\/p>\n

Over the years, the event has evolved into a student-run event. The event is planned and organized by the school\u2019s TIM 316, special events management course, with the support of the TIM<\/abbr> International, Inc. alumni association.<\/p>\n

—By Dolly Omiya<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n