Lure of Luxe Symposium

The School of Merchandising & Hospitality Management hosted its 4th Creating Consumer Experiences Symposium on April 11, 2008 in the University Union, Silver Eagle Suite. The theme for this year's event was the "Lure of Luxe" highlighting the growing consumer trend toward luxury products and services. Karen Weiner Escalera, president and CEO of Miami-based KWE group was the keynote speaker. Escalera has been one of the leading marketing and public relations experts in the luxury travel, hospitality and lifestyle industries for over 25 years. She has represented such clients as Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, American Airlines and American Express and has worked to promote such destinations as Mexico, Finland and Hong Kong. She has been named an All Star by Relate, the public relations supplement to Adweek's Marketing Week, and her firm has been named one of America's 20 Hot Small Agencies by Inside PR.

Other featured speakers included Ann Stordhal, executive vice president of women's apparel for the Neiman Marcus Group Inc., and Pam Wilson, Director of Strategy and Operations for Deloitte Consulting LLP, and Jerry Dickenson, Dedman Chair in Club Management. The symposium coincides with the  annual student research competition which showcases the executive and scholary work of both undergraduate and graduate students.