Liz Cain '03

Function Space Coordinator,

Rosen Plaza

(Maiden name: Liz Geer)

q: What do you do?

a: I'm in charge of yield management for convention and meeting rooms. Every space blocked at Rosen Plaza has to go through me first. I analyze and plot out the space for functions to ensure a proportionate ratio to sleeping rooms booked by the group, and make up agenda grids. I also create space analysis reports comparing our bookings to overall city-wide conventions.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: I like the people I work with. (If you don't, how can you go to work?) Also I'm in charge of planning some internal events that let my creative side loose, like our annual Rosen Hotels and Resorts Golden Pillar Gala Awards Dinner, and appreciation lunches for employee birthdays and celebrations. For our 17th Anniversary Luncheon last year, I came up with a sock hop theme with 50's music and giant records as table decorations.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: The pressure that everyone's under in this economy, to keep this building full and people employed.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: Nikki (Suit) Stellges '03, and my sorority sisters Chris Zaremby '03 and Ilyssa Backer '04 who both work at Rosen Hotels. Chris is my best friend and we're joined at the hip. She was one of my bridesmaids and my wedding in March and her son was my ring bearer.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: Tailgating at UCF football games, shopping, or at Sea World or Disney.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Getting involved with the Girl Scouts. I've been a troop leader for an elementary school in Casselberry for several years.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: The group projects show you how the real world works. Sure, half the classroom could be sorority sisters and people you really like, but groups are chosen for you. Inevitably you're assigned to work with people you don't know and have different personalities or styles than you. In real-life you don't choose your co-workers and must be able to work effectively with all types of people.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: Throughout the program they made us feel that after graduating, we could walk into the restaurant or hotel of our choice and be a manager. I worked at a restaurant company for two years and now a hotel for four years and am still in what's technically an administrative position. They need to make it clear that the UCF degree can help open the door for you, but once inside, you'll need to pay your dues before becoming a manager.

q: A UCF memory?

a: So many...Bid Day when I found out I was accepted to my sorority, Spirit Splash, and Hospitality Association events including especially memorable Halloween parties. We traveled to New York City together for a hotel show and at Homecoming won three different trophies for Rosen, competing against the other UCF clubs. We created had a banner featuring Knightro in a tux, holding a silver tray that said Rosen School, and we turned Dave Buckalew's truck into the hospitality spirit car. There were only 60 of us in the program at that time and at graduation we all stood up and cheered loudly whenever the Rosen name was mentioned. The College of Business students kept staring in amazement.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: The Chicken Parmesan or Special of the Day at Stefano's Trattoria, on the corner of Red Bug and Tuscawilla Roads in Winter Springs. It's a family-owned restaurant where the food's closest to what we had in Italy. They have homemade Cannoli.

q: On your iPod?

a: Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley - I'm going to their concert later this year. Also, other country music like Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney. I'm from Texas and a country girl.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I love American History.

Dave Gans '92

Systems Manager,
Regal Sun Resort

q: What do you do?

a: I've been here at the Regal Sun Resort, an official Walt Disney World Resort, for 17 years. I wear many hats within the sales office including working with wholesalers and contracting all groups from outside the U.S. I also manage month-end reporting and tracking close-out dates.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: Going to trade shows and meeting people from all over the world, which has allowed me to learn about different cultures. The International Pow Wow which was recently held in Miami, Las Vegas and Anaheim is one of my favorite shows.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: The economy. Even though we're at 90%+ occupancy today, because it's the peak time for Brazilians to holiday in Orlando, it could be completely different at another time of the year. The international market is seasonal and affected by the economy.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: I've been in touch with Kim Vu-Le '93. There are many like Mike Baker '92 and Mike Anderson '93 who I'd like to get back in touch with. I miss them.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: In my other job at Toys"R"Us at the Florida Mall. When my daughter was little, she collected Barbie dolls and I thought it would be nice to have the employee discount. Fifteen years later, I still work there and she has over 550 of the collectible dolls. You could also find me at the theme parks or home playing video games.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: My three children, including my oldest daughter who is starting at UCF this Fall in the College of Education. She's transferring from Rollins College.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: I use everything I learned in my job. I learned a whole lot from our projects including a "live" marketing plan we wrote for a hotel in Las Vegas. The professors made the experience -- they were wonderful -- especially Dr. Stephen Lebruto, Dr. Henry Melton and Dr. William M. Quain.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: UCF needs to keep the calibre of professors that we had back in my day. In spite of the growth of the hospitality program and larger class sizes, there needs to continue to be a high standard of teaching and a way to connect with the students on an individual basis.

q: A UCF memory?

a: The other students in my class. We had such a great time. I remember always being designated secretary for each group project because I could type the fastest. All of us had such a great rapport.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: Does it have to be in Orlando? My favorite is Fresh Harvest at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa. They have seven different kitchens.

q: On your iPod?

a: Rock and 80's music.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I changed my major six times. During my years of school at Santa Fe Community College, the University of Florida and UCF, I had these seven majors (in order): PreMed, Math, Organic Chemistry, Psychology, Pharmacy, Computer Science and finally Hospitality Management.

Sullyann Gonzalez '07

Event Manager, Office Manager & Sales Representative
Rapco Supply

q: What do you do?

a: I'm in charge of events, marketing, sales, accounting and human resources for an air conditioning and appliance parts company. We've been in business 23 years and specialize in distributing appliances and parts to hotels, resorts, apartments and condos throughout Florida.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: Forming relationships with clients, planning employee incentives and traveling to events. We're active members of CFHLA, AAGO and CFVRMA and participate in their trade shows. I take joy in working really hard to plan an event, then feeling great about the job I did when I see it in person, and receiving compliments from family and co-workers.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: There are a lot of ups and downs with a family-owned business. I wear many hats and time management is crucial. If any of my clients, vendors or employees have a problem, I try to resolve it as quickly as possible. I'm constantly multi-tasking.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: Zulkeira Rodriguez, Tanya Morse and Adam Marcy '04.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: I'm always out...trying new restaurants, going Downtown with friends, enjoying a martini at Bar Louie, hanging out with my family or on vacation!

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day which benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. I raised over $2500!

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: The "forced" internship hours get your feet wet. At the time you don't realize how well you're getting prepared. I was previously a marketing major and am glad I transferred because at Rosen College I learned the terminology of the events industry which has been a tremendous help to my career.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: I felt that some professors at Rosen focused too much on attendance. I went to USF before UCF and there were large classes with auditorium seating that gave you a "university feel." I was captivated and challenged, and therefore self-motivated to attend. My favorite classes were the ones where the professors focused on truly giving us a "wow" experience, not on the administrivia of taking roll or signing a roster, or just relating their own personal experiences at one single company.

q: A UCF memory?

a: Classes: Dr. Kim Severt's where we planned and served breakfast for Rosen College faculty and staff, Quantity Food Production with Bob Ashley, and an event management course with Premila Whitney where we planned and worked at a career fair on campus. My very favorite was Hospitality Law in the auditorium, taught by the late Tony Marshall, who always wore a bow tie. Everyone loved his class.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: My friends call me "Sullshi" because I love sushi so much, and my favorite is the Mexican Bubble Roll at Nagoya Sushi in the Dr. Phillips Marketplace. I also recommend the margaritas and guacamole at Cantina Laredo.

q: On your iPod?

a: I'm a big 80's fan, and also love rock and hip hop so you'll find quite a mix: Third Eye Blind, Incubus, Michael Jackson, Jayz, Frank Sinatra, Black Eyed Peas/Fergie, Drake and so much more.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I'm an aspiring professional photographer.

Michelle Trias '05

National Sales Manager,
Shepard Exposition Services

q: What do you do?

a: I provide services to meeting and convention exhibitors; about 60% of my time is spent getting new business and 40% is spent working with clients. Because I'm located in-house at the Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, I'm available to personally help with floor planning and signage. I travel to my clients' shows throughout the U.S. since most work with me year after year, although their meeting destinations change.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: When clients have problems. I love brainstorming creative solutions and putting them into action, to show that I really care and know what I'm doing.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: Learning to be a salesperson. The service side comes naturally to me which helps me get repeat business, beating my 2008 sales goal in spite of the economy and being named "Salesperson of the Quarter" for all of Shepard several times."Closing the deal" for new business is something I'm learning through experience and reading books. I like trying new ways to make an impact, ranging from sending hand-written notes on "Welcome to Orlando" postcards to showing off Orlando to one client by helicopter!

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: Michelle (Leary) Devitt '03 and I go to the same tiny daycare - it's a real coincidence. Becky (Long) Martin '05 works at Shepard with me, out of Chicago. I also stay in touch with Courtney Beckwith '04, Dave Buckalew '05, Lisette Gonzalez '05, Jennifer (Sandler) Rosenthal '06 and Clinton Winn '06.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: At Acquatica, out at comedy clubs like the new Bonkerz at Firkin & Kegler, or Downtown with my girlfriends.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: My nine month old daughter.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: By actively participating in the student chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association, I learned how to network which is the basis for the sales aspect of my job. The classes taught me project management and how to be organized and detail-oriented. Although I wasn't a big fan of accounting at the time I took the classes, I do use what I learned in my work every day.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: When I was at Rosen, the Event Management degree wasn't available yet. Many of the required classes didn't interest me or have application to what I'd be doing after graduation. For instance, the quantity food production class is good for students who will manage kitchens some day but knowing how to dice an onion is irrelevant to my career path. My husband does thank Professor Kevin Murphy for teaching me that though!

q: A UCF memory?

a: Spirit Splash and tailgating.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: The fish at A Land Remembered at Shingle Creek, pan-seared with brown butter, lemon and capers.

q: On your iPod?

a: I have my iPod hooked up into my car stereo so play it when I'm driving my daughter around; besides lots of baby music, I listen to classical, Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli and Maroon 5.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: After my career, I want a very simple life. My husband and I want to live in a villa on the beach in Spain.

Larry Kiang '08

Senior Sales Manager & Production Coordinator,

Sovereign Cruises

q: What do you do?

a: Sovereign Productions and Events is a full-service travel, event management, and production company that serves both religious and corporate companies. Our primary focus is meetings, conferences, and conventions; however, we can facilitate all types of events such as family or class reunions and alumni functions. Clients get an extraordinary value because we build a custom website for their events and take care of marketing and registration. In addition, we attend every event and handle all of the logistics and audio visual production.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: Traveling the world on different cruises and at hotels and resorts. I love meeting new people, learning different cultures, and experiencing new adventures.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: The economy, as most companies are cutting back on their event and travel budgets. Another challenge is increased competition, from both online travel providers and other event management companies.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: Absolutely. I still keep in touch with some high school friends who also graduated from Rosen like Jenny Harnish ’07 and Jordan Dowty ’07. I also see JP Philip '07, Nate Nakamura '06, Jessica Goldstein '06, Megan Oxman '06, and Shannon Cole '06 quite often. Of course Facebook has been great for keeping in touch with everyone.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: Eating at one of Orlando’s fine restaurants. I’m a diehard foodie and love all types of cuisine.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Being able to spend time and devote energy to my church, Faith Baptist Orlando. Another accomplishment is being able to plan and book great vacations for my family and friends.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: The Event track classes provided a great introduction to the meetings and event industry and paved a solid foundation. I enjoyed learning the industry terms and lingo and hearing first-hand experiences from professors like Premila Whitney. I also made many excellent connections while at UCF that will prove invaluable for my career.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: One recommendation is to create a Rosen online forum where students can discuss classes, trade textbooks, and have a general community.

q: A UCF memory?

a: Food Prep Class with Dr. Kevin Murphy. I loved learning how to cook, and the “Iron Chef” competition at the end was fun.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: The Prix Fixe Menu at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, especially the Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle for dessert!

q: On your iPod?

a: Mostly Contemporary Christian like Chris Tomlin, and some Big Band/Swing like Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I’ve been granted the title of “Scholarship King” at Rosen, according to Dr. Hyung-il Jung, who manages the scholarship award process. I won 3-4 a year including the Harris and Trisha Rosen Scholarship multiple times. I'm very thankful for all of the scholarships and I sincerely appreciate the generosity of the donors, especially Mr. Rosen.

Adrien Prawlocki '06

Account Executive,
Exclusive Destination Management

q: What do you do?

a: I manage sales and marketing for a boutique destination management company that services the state of Florida from Miami to Naples to Tampa to Central Florida and up to Jacksonville. Exclusive Destination Management differentiates itself by providing services to any client, no matter the size of the group. We have a relationship with all Orlando hotels, even midsize ones, instead of focusing only on large convention hotels. The co-owner, Mark Fredericksen, CMP recently launched the resort services division of the company in January 2009, so, working for a start-up, I'm very hands-on and work long hours, by choice. You'll find me meeting with clients and vendors, in theme parks, and setting up events. Clients work directly with me from start to finish instead of being passed off -- a benefit versus larger firms with a large number of employees. We provide services from transportation, staffing, tours, themed events, entertainment, table décor, off-property dinner, theme park events and tickets.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: The creativity of being able to constantly brainstorm and implement new ideas for off-site tours, team building ideas and themed decor to fit in my clients' budgets. I love trying to think of outside the box ideas for clients.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: The economy. Every client's budget has been cut in half and many themed award and recognition events have been completely canceled for 2009. Many groups this year have decided to forgo extra services, such as linens or décor, but still want a glamorous event, which makes you just try to figure it out somehow!

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: There are many Rosen students that work in Orlando that you always come across at theme parks, restaurants, venues, etc. Casey Keller '07 is one of my closest friends, and people I have worked with or stayed in touch with are: Pri Martins ’06, Megan Palmer ’07 and Frank Todd '08.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: At home....I'm such a homebody...or shopping.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Being self-sufficient and happy with my life, friendships and family.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: Taking a few hospitality courses changed my life. The content of the classes compelled me to change my major (in spite of being held in modular classrooms on Main Campus without air conditioning before Rosen opened). The small class sizes allowed for lots of one-on-one interaction with the professors, who encouraged us to get out of the "school zone" and be independent hospitality professionals. For instance, we attended a Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association convention with the assignment of collecting business cards.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: It would have been nice if the new campus were open during the whole time I was in college, and if the event management degree had been available. It would be valuable to have a full course in Destination Management; there's so much information to cover.

q: A UCF memory?

a: Sisterhood memories with my sorority, Pi Beta Phi. I was a PC ’03 my sophomore year and the friendships and memories that I made over those three years were irreplaceable and unforgettable.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: Anything at Maggiano's. The fried zucchini is great.

q: On your iPod?

a: Classic Rock and Alternative.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I've lived in Orlando for 22 years.

Jesse Newton '04

Operating Partner,
Blue Martini

Master of Science, Hospitality and Tourism Management '04

q: What do you do?

a: Operate the Blue Martini in Orlando, located in the Mall at Millenia. Blue Martini is a privately-owned company and the four founding partners give me guidelines, but empower me with marketing, advertising, purchasing and human resources. It's like running my own business. We have nine Blue Martinis throughout the U.S. and are opening another location in Naples next month, with lots of plans for expansion including internationally in 2011. My goals are to drive revenue, keep costs low, and make customers happy to generate repeat business.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: Seeing the staff grow up, getting promoted here or moving on to new opportunities. They're my family that works with me.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: When you're the leader in your industry, everyone's gunning for your business. New bars and lounges are always opening and we need to keep looking outside the box and evolving our concept. Also, since 60% of my labor force is tip-based, I focus on employee satisfaction as much as guest satisfaction. I need to find the right balance of having enough bartenders and servers, but ensure everyone's making lots of tips while they're here.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: Look at where I work. I think nearly every Rosen graduate and professor has come into this building (laughs)...specifically I'll mention Dr. Chris Muller and Dr. Paul Rompf. Each semester, Judy Holcomb brings her Introduction to Hospitality/Tourism class here for a behind-the-scenes tour.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: Playing golf.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Living the life. In just the last two weeks, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Charles Barkley and Tiger Woods have all been in here. When I'm hanging out with these guys, I'm not even star struck anymore. I started here as a floor manager when Blue Martini opened, and worked my way up to where now I own part of the building. I'm very thankful for the lifestyle my career has given me.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: It taught me the basic concepts of hospitality. I learned to apply them to this business myself. Bars, clubs and lounges weren't covered in the curriculum, but should have because they're recession-proof businesses with a significantly higher profit margin than restaurants and hotels.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: With a more open-minded mentality of the professors to talk about specialized hospitality niches beyond hotels, restaurants and events.

q: A UCF memory?

a: The camaraderie of my classmates. I could pick up the phone right now and call any of them and they'd be there for me. I went to USF for my bachelor's degree and don't stay in touch with a single person. Orlando's so different. Even though it's a big city, it's very small in terms of the warmth and friendliness of the hospitality community and who knows each other.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: Anything at Ocean Prime.

q: On your iPod?

a: Even in my spare time, I'm still working. I listen to demos of future artists who are interested in performing at Blue Martini, and new music styles.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I've loved to cook ever since I was five or six years old. I cook every single day. I'm a real Foodie.