Cornell Students to Enlighten, Entertain Hospitality Leaders in Annual Extravaganza, April 1-4

Some 300 guests will gather at Cornell's Statler Hotel from April 1-4 for the 79th annual Hotel Ezra Cornell, an extraordinary affair that gives students the opportunity to run a hotel and a major conference at the same time.

"Our students have spent nearly a year planning what is sure to be a most educational and entertaining weekend," said David W. Butler, dean of the Cornell Hotel School. "They see this as a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge to industry leaders, and they approach the weekend with great enthusiasm and anticipation."

Among the highlights will be a panel on brand management featuring Fairmont President Chris Cahill, Marriott President William Shaw, Starwood CEO Barry Sternlicht, and Hilton CFO Matthew Hart. Guests also will hear presentations on the growth of spas, the impact of e-distribution on hotels, and ARAMARK's role as a food service provider to the 2004 Olympic Games. Cornell Hotel School faculty members and students will present their research on several subjects including restaurant revenue management, information technology, hotel investment opportunities, and the airline industry's recent challenges.

A Charity Casino Night will benefit the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund, which provides aid to the families of the victims of the World Trade Center tragedy who worked in the food, beverage and hospitality professions. The casino event is one of many social activities in an agenda that balances education and entertainment. Closing dinners on Saturday evening will be prepared by Chef Floyd Cardoz of Tabla in New York City, and Chef Dale Miller of Jack's Oyster House in Albany, NY.

Hotel Ezra Cornell dates to 1925 when Dean Howard Meek traveled with students to New York City to manage the Hotel Astor for a day. Upon returning to campus, the students decided to hold a "hotel for a day" and invited industry pioneers to Ithaca to see the new hotel program. The first Hotel Ezra Cornell was held in May of 1926 at Risley Hall, which was then a women's dormitory. Among the first guests was E.M. Statler, who saw the benefit of hospitality education and graciously donated the funds to construct the first Statler Hall and Hotel. Every year since, Cornell Hotel School students have carried the tradition forward.

For more information on the event, visit .

The Cornell School of Hotel Administration is shaping the global knowledge base for hospitality management through leadership in education, research and industry collaboration. The Statler Hotel, located in the center of the Cornell campus in Ithaca, N.Y., is a core teaching component of the School. Founded in 1922 as the nation's first collegiate course of study in hospitality management, the Cornell Hotel School is recognized as the world leader in its field. For more information, see .