Teaching Innovation Grant COVID-19 Online Social Distance Teaching Project & Virtual Event

ABSTRACT In response to the early stages of the Coronavirus pandemic in January, 2020, an opportunity was created to apply for grant funding to host a real-time, social media teaching modality that would help Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) students remain engaged [and enrolled] in classes as they quickly pivoted to the practice social distancing. This new modality [ZOOM] was also intended to connect former students, alumni, and industry professionals to industry leadership through an online [streaming] format. The initial proposal indicated faculty would travel offsite, visiting alumni and former students to conduct interviews and bring the classroom to students as they returned home early. However, as the situation continued to evolve, it was determined traveling would not be feasible. As a result, the initiative evolved into the planning and facilitation of a virtual event/conference attended by approximately 500 students, alumni, and industry professionals from around the globe.