Isenberg HTM Alumni Gather for Fireside Chat in Boston

Recent alumni from the Isenberg School of Management Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Department at UMass Amherst gathered Dec. 10 for an evening of learning and networking at the Hotel Commonwealth in Boston. The occasion—an insightful fireside chat—brought together industry leaders and peers for a celebration of community and professional growth.

“This was such an energizing and important event in continuing to elevate the Isenberg HTM experience not just for current students, but with our lifelong commitment to our alumni network,” said Melissa Baker, HTM department chair and professor. “We seek to ensure continual connection and engagement of our transformational leaders.”

The evening was moderated by Brendan Collins ’17, vice president at HREC Investment Advisors. He guided the panel of accomplished Isenberg HTM alumni who are making an impact in the world's largest industry. Their experiences reflected the diversity and dynamism of HTM alumni, showcasing pathways to success, Baker noted.

The panelists were Jane Pritzker ’79, senior director of business development at Phunware, Inc.; Tim Brett ’00, partner at Atlantic Equity Partners; Alexandra DeMilia ’14, director of rooms at Hotel Commonwealth; and Matt Alemany ’10, vice president of development and acquisitions at Magna Hospitality.

Each panelist shared valuable insights, career highlights, and advice, sparking engaging conversations. Pritzker advised alumni about the importance of the HTM network at Isenberg. “This is a people industry,” Pritzker said. “The people you work with and the people you know—forge those relationships and keep them up. Networking has been crucial to my career growth, and the UMass network has been critical.”

Brett expressed the need to support others in the field. “The Mentor 2.0 model is to have both an established industry expert and then have the peer support,” Brett said. “In today’s world, you also need the people who are right beside you, experiencing the same thing. Have people who are your sounding board.”

Many panelists emphasized the importance of a life-long commitment to learning.

“Real estate and development are the business behind the business. How hotels operate is an incredibly complex business model,” said Alemany. “Those who only know the finance and numbers side are missing a crucial piece of the puzzle: how the business operates.” 

DeMilia advised that attitudes toward learning can determine career trajectories. “Energy, passion, and someone who wants to learn are critical,” DeMilia said. “No matter where you go, there are multiple ways to achieve the end goal. Constantly build your arsenal of knowledge.”

Hospitality professional and DEI advocate Maria Sucher ’18 praised the event, noting: "Attending the HTM Young Alumni event was an incredible reminder of how strong and supportive our HTM community is. It was such a treat to reconnect with familiar faces both from campus and industry while meeting new people and hearing firsthand how our connections from UMass and Isenberg continue to shape the careers of so many,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see the power in our networks and just how willing to help our alumni are. Even as young alums working on ourselves and navigating career changes, we are resources for one another, as we grow and evolve in today's ever-changing business world."

• View more upcoming events at https://www.isenberg.umass.edu/calendar.