Manhattan Gathering Celebrates HTM Alumni and Culture

The Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM)’s annual NYC Reception on November 12th at the InterContinental New York Times Square Hotel attracted an enthusiastic gathering of alumni, students, faculty, and industry leaders. Catered by the elegant Ça Va Brasserie, the event was a significant networking opportunity and a celebration of HTM’s success stories and culture.

The evening’s principal honoree was Ashley Goodhue ’08, who described her high-energy career, including her 2014 founding of the successful start-up, Ashley G Productions. The Las Vegas- and New York-based business plans and orchestrates events, including weddings, hotel openings, galas, and fundraisers.

Ashley fell in love with event planning as an HTM student, gaining hands-on experience as an event coordinating intern with the Manhattan-based firm, Mary Blum Associates. After graduation, she worked as an event coordinator for TV celebrity David Tutera, as an event producer with Colin Cowie Lifestyle, and as COO with Aurelian Marketing Group in Las Vegas. In 2012, she cofounded the Las Vegas-based music, arts, and culinary festival, Life Is Beautiful. In creating her own successful business, Ashley joins a long line of fellow entrepreneurs who have graduated from Isenberg’s HTM program.

The lavish event also featured other speakers, including Steve Sasso, general manager of the Benjamin Hotel in New York City; Julian Miller ’04, general manager of the Eventi Hotel in New York City; and HTM professor Rod Warnick, who presented the Young Alumni award to Ashley Goodhue.

Reactions from the Event

"Having an event in NYC showed not only the strong representation in NYC area alumni, but also the willingness for alumni to come together, network, and recognize each others professional accomplishments," said Alissa Mendelsohn '15.

"This event was such a great success this year. It was wonderful to connect with so many passionate and talented alumni in NYC. A special thank you to the all of the NYC Host Committee Members whose support made this event possible," said Kate Leene, Director of External Relations and Engagement for HTM.