Message from Tim Lam
Billionaire business magnate Li Ka Shing once said "The art of good management lies in the capacity to accept change and the ability to meld new and traditional thinking". In the ever changing world of hospitality, adaptability has been the new buzzword when leaders are asked what they look for in employees. Accepting change is one of the most difficult transitions to experience. The fear of the unknown will sometimes overpower and cause immediate resistance. Our goal as educators is to prepare our students for opportunities and embrace the change that occurs frequently throughout the industry.
As our students are entering the profession, I encourage each person to remain positive and optimistic. I sometimes think of the old proverb "A bad workman blames his tools". For most, the good usually outweighs the bad and yet there is more focus on the bad. Attitude is everything. Dealing with adversity not only builds character, doing it with a positive disposition will certainly move you towards the front of the pack in the eyes of the current leaders.
The profession of hospitality is not just a career. Hospitality is about having the innate ability to make others around you feel compelled to smile and be welcomed. I urge each of our graduating students to take the bull by its horns and seize the day with a smile.
Sincerely,
 TISOH Executive Director
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EXTRA EXTRA! TISOH students make the front page!
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As the August 3rd front page cover story, the Las Vegas Review Journal highlighted two alums and one current student for their ability to make a career transition into events and concierge. Megan Kinkade is receiving her Executive Diploma this year and was featured as taking a leap from being in a headlining production show to now studying to be an event planner. Caroline Lauzon who is currently in a Las Vegas mega-hit show is now a planner for the Water Beauties. Cecilia Darr made the jump from being in health care to working as a concierge supervisor at the Venetian and Palazzo. She also serves as the President of the Southern Nevada Concierge Association.
Click the link to read the full article: http://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/shows/trio-turn-event-planning-concierge-services-new-careers
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TISOH Summer Mixer thrilled and chilled our attendees
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Dancing zombies and an all-star chef concierge panel wowed those in attendance with a mix of entertainment and education. David Saxe Productions were so kind in allowing stars from the hit show "Zombies Burlesque" to participate in the mixer. Every attendee also received one pair of tickets to see the show.
The lively chef concierge panel shared their thoughts on the art of networking and how to adapt in the industry. The panel included Adrian Little from the Four Seasons, Nancy Nitsche from the ARIA, Judy Phillippi from the Red Rock Resort, Renee Haberman from the Wynn, and Emily Dimalanta from the Monte Carlo.
Click here to view the 2 min highlight video: https://vimeo.com/103023099
Click here to view the event photos: http://marcusmlam.smugmug.com/School/TISOH-Events/TISOH-Summer-Mixer-2014/
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The lively chef concierge panel shared their thoughts on the art of networking and how to adapt in the industry. The panel (pictured from left to right below) included Adrian Little from the Four Seasons, Nancy Nitsche from the ARIA, Judy Phillippi from the Red Rock Resort, Renee Haberman from the Wynn, and Emily Dimalanta from the Monte Carlo.
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TISOH participates in 2014 NACE Experience Conference
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Together with our Las Vegas NACE Chapter, TISOH students, alums and administrators attended the spectacular 3-day conference and expo for the National Association for Catering & Events in Baltimore, Maryland. The conference featured an exciting waterfront opening session, educational break outs, an over-the-top Foundation of NACE event that featured DJ Skribble, marketplace expo, culinary experience, and a black tie awards gala.
TISOH's Executive Director Tim Lam MIBS, MS, CHT, CGSP serves as the Vice-President for the Foundation of NACE, while our Director of Academic Affairs Donnell Bayot M.Ed., CHE, CPCE, CFBE serves as the National Second Vice President. Congratulations to TISOH academic consultant Patti Shock MS, CPCE for winning the prestigious and first-ever NACE Industry Icon Award!
TISOH students Megan and Natalie both won scholarships from the Timothy S Y Lam Foundation to attend the conference. Click the video to see the conference from their perspective: https://vimeo.com/101135268
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TISOH Exec Director Tim Lam featured in Las Vegas Review Journal
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Chris Tamura shares interviewing tips on FOX 5 More Show
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Ever get faced with a tough open-ended interviewing question and freeze? Chris Tamura, TISOH's student services manager and FOX 5 career expert, chats with Jason Feinberg on how to answer the common questions that interviewees get stuck on. Never again let "so tell me about yourself" trip you up.
Watch the interview here (courtesy of KVVU FOX 5):
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Student highlights - Success stories from our graduates
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We are pleased to highlight our students as they achieve their goals and work in their chosen profession. Listed below are just some of the students who have recently obtained a new position.
Alyson Lyden
Alyson earned her certificate for Hospitality Leadership and Supervision. She is now the Director of Operations at Divine Events. Prior to class, Alyson was an account manager at a local party rental office.
Trent Orzechowski
Trent earned his certificate for Hospitality Leadership and Supervision. Trent is now theDirector of Hospitality and Training at TimeWise Concierge. Prior to the class, Trent was a concierge.
Shelby Northrup
Shelby earned her Executive Diploma with an emphasis in Events. She is now the Assistant Wedding Consultant at the Wynn. Prior to the class, Shelby worked as a seamstress.
Seth Rochefort
Seth earned his certificate in Conference Management and Event Planning. He is now a Concierge at the Monte Carlo. Prior to the class, Seth worked as a food server.
Jose Sanchez
Jose is currently enrolled in the Executive Diploma Program for Hotel Operations. Jose was recently promoted to Front Desk Supervisor at the Residence Inn. Prior to the class, Jose was a front desk agent.
Brittney Von Elling
Brittney is completing her Executive Diploma with an emphasis in Events. She is now the Project Manager for Eventure LLC. Brittney began her journey at TISOH in the spring of 2014 and moved from Kansas to Las Vegas to pursue her education. Prior to the class, Brittney worked as a food server and hairdresser.
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Hello! My name is Rodney Nelson (TISOH alum 2012). I currently serve on the alumni association board as the Community Relations Chair. Once a month, I will give our readers ideas on different organizations to join in the hospitality industry to assist with networking and helping each other grow as a community.
National Association for Catering & Events (NACE)
The National Association for Catering and Events is the oldest and largest catering and events association in the world. From its local beginnings in 1958 years ago in New York City, NACE has grown to encompass more than 4,000 members in more than 40 chapters in North America, NACE members represent a broad range of professionals from a variety of disciplines including: wedding and event planners; caterers and hoteliers; event professionals; and educational institutions. NACE offers educational programs, professional certification, chapter initiatives, networking opportunities, recognition and awards. The Las Vegas chapter has meetings once a month. Learn more by visiting lasvegasnace.net
Two TISOH administrators serve on the national board and several instructors and alums serve on the board of the Las Vegas chapter. The incoming President for the Las Vegas chapter is TISOH instructor, Michael Testagrossa CHE CPCE.
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP is available for $50.
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Longtime supporter and former TISOH instructor & course developer launches Ava Rose Agency
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Tyra Bell-Holland recently hosted a launch party for her newest venture, The Ava Rose Agency. The agency specializes in marketing, brand strategy, special events, social media, product launching and executive recruitment. Tyra was instrumental in the development of the Art of Concierge program and has been an amazing supporter of TISOH through the years. We wish her the best of luck!
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A message from the TISOH Alumni Association Board President
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I wanted to take a moment to thank all who attended our Summer Mixer at Mariposa at Neiman Marcus. What an awesome event! From the entertainment to the panel of speakers, who were absolutely amazing, and to our venue, Mariposa and their staff who were outstanding.
We really appreciate all the support we have received to date. It really means the world to all of us and to TISOH as a whole. I look forward to your continued support in the future. We hope you will encourage other alums to join us all for future events.
We are planning many fundraisers in order to support future mixers and will need everyone's support to make them as much of a success as our Summer Mixer at Mariposa.
Our next mixer will be our Christmas Holiday Mixer/Party, to be held sometime around the fall graduation, and we really hope to see all of you and many more there.
Our goal is to provide continued growth for all alums, staff, and instructors as we provide a great networking avenue for us all. Thank you again for your support.
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As a Human Resources professional, I would like to share my:
Top 5 Email Etiquette Tips
E-mails are becoming the predominant way to communicate in the business world. With the need to communicate at a faster pace from any location, e-mails make it that much easier to complete assignments. That being said, e-mails have a way of taking a life of its own. Interpretation is not always clear and it is imperative to follow guidelines to ensure that your words are being understood as intended.
Tip #1
Never skip a beat but always greet
Always begin a message with a proper greeting. Good morning, afternoon, and evening are the safest greetings. If you do not know the person, Mr. or Ms. is appropriate. Hi, Hello and what's up can be a bad way to start a message.
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Tip #2
Always think to avoid a kink
Emotions can run high in the business setting. Before sending out the nasty gram, think about what you are going to write and do not send it for at least one hour. This will give you time to really analyze if it is worth sending a negative message.
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Tip #3
You might lose a friend due to a quick send
Always check to see who you are sending the message to prior to hitting the send button. Hitting the all users or reply all buttons, or accidentally including a person who should not be on the e-mail could end in disaster.
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Tip #4
Get it Wright!
Be sure to spell check before you send out an e-mail. Spelling errors can lead to the receiver believing you are careless or cannot spell. I would recommend reading e-mails twice before sending.
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Tip #5
You got it wrong if the eamil is too long
Most people do not have the time to read diatribes or long-winded paragraphs that seem to not have an end. Keep it short and simple or split the email in to segments.
Chris Tamura is the Student Services Manager at TISOH. Chris is a regular contributor to My Vegas magazine's career column and is featured as a career counselor on Fox 5 The More Show.
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