Comprised of approximately 25,000 senior-level professionals in 80 nations around the world, Skål International’s vast global network unites all branches of the travel and tourism industry through exclusive seminars, workshops, and conferences that benefit the professional sector. As a member of Skål International, Dr. Ross will be able to take advantage of exclusive industry publications and databases, as well as networking opportunities and meetings at the local, national and international levels to remain on the cutting edge of the global travel and tourism industry.

“I am extremely honored to be accepted into such a remarkable and highly-respected organization,â€� said Ross. “I look forward to meeting many new industry colleagues and taking advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that SkÃ¥l offers its members. Additionally, I believe that my membership, along with Dean Pizam and Dr. Iskat, will help Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ã½â€™s Rosen College establish a greater global presence among the travel and tourism industry.â€�

Ross was inducted into Skål International at the Orlando chapter’s October meeting at the Buena Vista Palace. Lenore DeMeo, a Life Member from Hotel Sales, sponsored Ross’ membership.

In addition to Ross, Pizam, and Iskat, Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ã½â€™s Rosen College currently has six students participating in SkÃ¥l International’s Young SkÃ¥l program. The Young SkÃ¥l program allows students to participate in networking events, attend local SkÃ¥l meetings, and offers scholarship and mentoring opportunities.

Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ã½â€™s Rosen College of Hospitality Management is the only academic institution in the region currently involved in the Young SkÃ¥l program.

For more information about Skål International or Young Skål, please visit.

The Orlando WOW Awards have recognized exceptionally produced events in the Central Florida area, since 2003. The winners are chosen by a panel of International Special Events Society chapter members from throughout the United States.

The Grand Tour Gala, headed by Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ã½ Rosen College professor, Dr. Mary Jo Ross, won the Best Team Effort award for its 2011 event. More than 100 people were involved in the production of last year’s Gala, which featured Argentinian-inspired food, performances, and scenery for its more than 560 guests.

The 2012 Awards were handed out on June 21 during a private ceremony at the Orlando Science Center.

Dr. Ross won an Orlando WOW Award for the Gala in 2009, as the Best Event Planner, and also took home the Peer of the Year award in 2010.

In addition to the Orlando WOW Award, the Grand Tour Gala has also recently received national recognition with two nominations for the 2012 International Special Events Society’s Esprit Awards, held in Dallas, Tex. this August. The ISES Esprit Awards acknowledge the extraordinary efforts, performance, and outstanding contributions of ISES members in the special events planning industry.

“I am extremely proud of the Gala and my production team, and feel honored that the industry has chosen recognize our efforts,� said Ross. “My production team and I look forward to producing this year’s Gala, which highlights the destination of Bombay, India.�

The 2012 Grand Tour Gala will be held at the Waldorf Astoria Hilton Bonnet Creek on October 20. The Gala, which serves as Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ã½ Rosen College’s biggest annual fundraising event, features an evening filled with exquisite foods, first-class entertainment, and concierge-level service.

The funds raised from the Gala benefit students and educational programs at the Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ã½ Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

During the 2012 Gala, Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ã½â€™s Rosen College will induct Al Weiss, Thomas L. Williams, Alan C. Villaverde and Albert Covelli into its Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame. The late Gary Sain will also be inducted, posthumously, into the Hall of Fame.

For more information on the Grand Tour Gala and the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame, please visit, https://www.grandtourfoundation.org/.

Dr. Ross, who has served as an associate professor for Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ã½’s  hospitality management program since 2001, is a leading academic expert in the field of special events and catering. She is also a Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) and a Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE).

Members of Rosen College’s Eta Sigma Delta chapter created the faculty award as a mechanism for honoring excellence in the areas that are central to ESD’s mission: Service, Leadership, Excellence, Creativity and Ethics.

About Eta Sigma Delta

In 1978, a group of students from the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business and Economics identified a need to recognize hospitality and tourism students for outstanding academic achievement, meritorious service and demonstrated professionalism.

At that time, honor societies existed for other disciplines, but not for the field of study serving one of the world’s largest industries.

As a special project, the students researched and evaluated a variety of options for fulfilling this need. The end result was the establishment of the first chapter of Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Society. Today, there are over 60 active Eta Sigma Delta chapters throughout the world. The growth is testament to the dedication of both students and professionals in hospitality and tourism to the pursuit of academic, professional and personal excellence.The guidance and support of International CHRIE has made it possible for ESD to grow. It is the intent that this Society will lead hospitality and tourism educators and professionals to the highest levels of professionalism and achievement.

The soiree invited hospitality students, alumni and professionals to sample a taste of NACE, meet recruiters, and enjoy a photo booth, DJ and more.  Sponsored by the Orlando Chapter of NACE, Collins Catering & Events, and Two Left Feet, the proceeds from the event benefited the student chapter of NACE at Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ã½.

At the event, student Danielle Corrao was awarded a $1,000 NACE Scholarship for the 2011-2012 academic year.  It was presented by NACE Orlando Chapter President, Brandon Moss, and Student Relations Director, Dr. Mary Jo Ross.  “This is very exciting and I was completely surprised,� shared Corrao after receiving the award.

NACE also unveiled its plans to host the Grand Tour Gala, benefiting the Rosen College.  The event will be hosted at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center on October 1, 2011, and will inaugurate four industry leaders into the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame. The destination of Argentina will be highlighted with exquisite foods, first-class entertainment and concierge-level service.  For more, please visit https://www.grandtourfoundation.org/.

To learn more about Orlando NACE and NACE at Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ã½, please visit www.orlandonace.com.