{"id":15007,"date":"2024-11-05T13:02:57","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T13:02:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eurochrie.org\/2024\/?p=15007"},"modified":"2024-11-05T15:55:16","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T15:55:16","slug":"presidents-speech-at-the-opening-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eurochrie.org\/2024\/presidents-speech-at-the-opening-ceremony\/","title":{"rendered":"President’s Speech at the Opening Ceremony"},"content":{"rendered":"

What a privilege it is to welcome all of you\u2014the brilliant minds shaping the future of hospitality\u2014to the 2024 EuroCHRIE Conference here in Doha.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As President of EuroCHRIE, I am welcoming you to a city where history and innovation blend seamlessly, much like our industry itself. And thank you for joining us here in Qatar, where tradition meets transformation, just as we do in the work we pursue.<\/p>\n

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This week, as we gather here in this dynamic city, I want us to take a moment to recognize His Excellency for his vision that has done so much to connect Qatar\u2019s rich heritage with the world: Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani. Through his work, particularly in education and cultural preservation, His Excellency has shown us what it means to make a place feel like home to anyone who enters. His commitment to fostering global understanding reflects what all of us aspire to as educators in hospitality\u2014to create a world where people not only feel welcomed but enriched by the experience.<\/p>\n

And that brings me to the heart of what I want to share with you today. In his book, \u201cUnreasonable Hospitality\u201d, Will Guidara shares a powerful idea\u2014the idea that true excellence comes from going beyond what is expected, from giving more than is required. He speaks of hospitality not merely as a service but as a profound gesture of care, of seeing people, really seeing them, and making them feel valued. It\u2019s about creating moments of joy that leave an imprint on someone\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s not just about the big gestures. Sometimes, it\u2019s the smallest acts of kindness\u2014the thoughtful word, the extra effort, the unspoken understanding\u2014that leave the deepest marks.<\/p>\n

This mindset isn\u2019t limited to the hospitality industry. It\u2019s a way of living. It\u2019s about bringing that same spirit to whatever you do, wherever you go. When you meet people where they are, when you surprise them by going the extra mile, you do more than just fulfill a task; you create a connection, a moment of shared humanity. And in a world that sometimes feels too divided, too focused on differences, that\u2019s the kind of impact that matters. That\u2019s how we bring people together. So, remember that every interaction, no matter how small, is an opportunity to be unreasonably hospitable\u2014to make someone\u2019s day just a little bit brighter, their load a little lighter.<\/p>\n

For those of us dedicated to teaching and training the next generation, this philosophy is a call to rethink what we consider possible. It\u2019s about inspiring students, helping them envision a world where hospitality goes beyond expectations, and imparting to them the value of going the \u201cunreasonable\u201d<\/em> extra mile.<\/p>\n

Each of you has made his or her way to Doha because you\u2019re passionate about your work, and because you know how much of an impact you can have. As educators, you\u2019re not just teaching skills and techniques\u2014you\u2019re shaping the culture of our industry. You\u2019re instilling in your students the mindset of \u201dunreasonable hospitality<\/em>\u201d, of seeing beyond transactions and embracing the human connection at the heart of what we do. Imagine the future leaders you are cultivating right now, who will bring their talents into communities around the world, each practicing hospitality as an art of empathy, creativity, and yes\u2014sometimes \u201cunreasonable\u201d<\/em> kindness.<\/p>\n

Now, we all know that education is about expanding horizons, and that\u2019s what I hope you\u2019ll find here at EuroCHRIE. Let\u2019s engage with ideas that challenge us, explore strategies that can make a real difference in our classrooms, and think deeply about how we can nurture the skills our students need for an ever-changing world. As we know, our industry is dynamic, and we have the responsibility\u2014and the privilege\u2014to prepare our students not just for the roles that exist today but for those that will shape tomorrow.<\/p>\n

This week, as we will certainly experience \u201cUnreasonable Hospitality\u201d<\/em>, I encourage each of you to consider how you might bring that spirit into your teaching. How can we inspire our students to go beyond \u201cgood service\u201d and into the realm of creating memorable, meaningful experiences for others? How can we cultivate resilience, creativity, and empathy in them\u2014traits that make them not just effective professionals but true ambassadors of hospitality?<\/p>\n

So, as we embark on this week together, let us commit ourselves to share, learn, and be inspired. Let us embrace \u201cunreasonable hospitality\u201d\u2014not only as a principle to teach but as a standard to live by.<\/p>\n

The team of Al Rayyan International University College under the leadership of Prof. Ninov has done a tremendous job in preparing this conference. I know how much effort this takes. Therefore, I call on each of you: Let\u2019s make this a conference that sparks new ideas, fosters new partnerships, and, above all, reminds us why we do what we do.<\/p>\n

Last but not least: Let us enjoy some Unreasonable Hospitality.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you<\/p>\n

Prof Dr Florian Aubke<\/strong>
\nPresident (EuroCHRIE, 2024-25)
\n5th November 2024<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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