ITHACA, N.Y. -- Lessons from a world-renowned economist and a leading hospitality executive are the focus of Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC) this April 4-7, reflecting a shift in what's being emphasized in education at the world's premier hotel school.

The gala gathering at Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, now in its 77th year, will feature a range of educational events, including talks by economist Alfred E. Kahn on the state of the economy, and Jonathan Tisch, CEO of Loews Hotels and chair of the Travel Business Roundtable, on the hospitality industry post-Sept. 11.

In the past the entirely student-run HEC event, which is attended by top-level hospitality industry executives, emphasized sumptuous cuisine and service. Luxury service and glamorous gourmet meals -- such as a dinner prepared by students under the direction of Chef Harold Moore of New York City's Montrachet restaurant -- will still be part of this year's event, however, the emphasis will be on industry-pertinent talks such as those by Kahn and Tisch plus seminars on managing customer relations, retaining a diverse workforce and eliciting peak workplace performance. In addition, students and faculty will present research relevant to the industry.

The shift represents the Hotel School's educational priorities, which have been given new emphasis under its current dean, David W. Butler. "As the hospitality industry has grown to encompass a range of activities, from cruise travel to gaming to branding of hotels and restaurants, our programs have expanded to include more rigorous, business-oriented courses and research relevant to the industry's needs," Butler said. "In addition to offering fine student-prepared fare and service, we wanted this year's HEC to reflect the shift toward creating and disseminating new knowledge that will shape how global hospitality firms are managed in the future."

In keeping with that emphasis, this year's HEC student managers surveyed top industry executives on the pressing issues that concerned them most and reviewed the school's new goals with Butler. The HEC educational agenda is based on their findings. The event also includes leisure activities such as golfing and other sports and a winery tour. For a full schedule and to register, call (607) 255-3824 or see: http://www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/HEC .

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