Events Industry Council CEO joins Penn State hospitality industry advisory board

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

Karen Kotowski, CEO of the Events Industry Council (EIC) and Penn State alumna, has joined the Penn State School of Hospitality Management (SHM) Industry Advisory Board.

The EIC is a federation of 32 organizations in the meetings, exhibition, events and travel industry. Kotowski is responsible for the day to day management and strategy of the EIC, including delivering several signature programs, including the Certified Meeting Professional Designation, Accepted Practices Exchange, and the CIC Hall of Leaders.

โ€œI am truly honored to have been selected to serve Penn State and the School of Hospitality Management in this way,โ€ Kotowski said. โ€œSince graduating from the College of Liberal Arts at Penn State, Iโ€™ve made my career in event planning and management, and now lead an organization with a mission to champion and professionalize the events industry. I look forward to bringing that voice to the board and to further the field of study of event management within the school for the benefit of students pursuing this career choice. I am passionate about Penn State and the events industry, and seek to serve both equally well in this role.โ€

The board invites industry experts to strategically advise SHM on industry trends and guide students who are studying hospitality management. The members are leaders in the field, including vice presidents and senior vice presidents of large companies and executive vice presidents, chief operating officers and CEOโ€™s of smaller companies.

Kotowski has more than 20 years of meeting planning, education and program management experience for non-profit associations and private sector companies. She has a proven record of strategic and entrepreneurial vision. She earned a degree in public service at Penn State and holds both of the industryโ€™s eminent designations, the Certified Meeting Professional and the Certified Association Executive.

โ€œEducation and professional development have been central to Karenโ€™s successful career, providing it to association members and as a leading events industry advocate. Having Karen contribute her considerable talents and insights to our celebrated advisors is exciting for our faculty and students,โ€ said Donna Quadri-Felitti, Marvin Ashner Director of the Penn State School of Hospitality Management.

Prior to joining CIC, Ms. Kotowski was Vice President, Member Education with the National Association of Home Builders for 16 years. During her tenure with NAHB, she focused on providing education and business management services to the members of the organization.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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