Yesterday we were delighted to co-host with the Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME) a discussion forum to bring together professionals and academics to discuss the state of Hospitality Education at present and what it needs for the future.

From discussions, five key areas have emerged as possible priorities:

· Creating a best practice code for academic institutions focusing on inspirational teaching and learning and on hospitality as a lifestyle;
· Working with industry partners who are committed to best practice in all they do;
· Monitoring and communicating examples of best practice in collaboration between industry and education;
· Including the voice of students and recent alumni in educational developments; and
· Creating an industry-academia exchange programme.

The Covid-19 pandemic has intensified the challenges faced by the industry as well as academia, which heightens the need for meaningful collaboration.

A good open discussion was had and many points put forward for consideration which EP and CHME will use with the aim to facilitate stronger and more productive working relationships between education and industry.