The South Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition invites you to attend the Tourism & Higher Learning Education Summit at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on October 7, 2011, beginning at 10:00am and ending at 3:00pm. Join us for a day of collaborative discussions between two of South Carolina's most important economic forces: Tourism & Higher Education.

As South Carolina’s largest industry, it is important that we engage in the development of our workforce by exploring collaborative opportunities for internships and mentoring programs between the tourism industry and our higher education institutions. The SCTTC Tourism & Education Summit will feature two interactive panel discussion sessions with educators and tourism professionals from across South Carolina, as well as a lunch featuring special guest speakers. 

Register now for this first of its kind summit.  Educators, Tourism and Business Leaders and Public Sector Partners engage in a lively discussion centered on our theme:

Tooling Tourism’s Workforce for the 21st Century

***Schedule of Events***

10:00 am Welcome

Welcome message from Governor Nikki R. Haley and SCPRT Director Duane Parrish.

10:30 am Educators Panel

A panel of educators from South Carolina's higher education institutions will discuss their tourism and hospitality programs and how internships enhance the educational experience.

12:00 pm Lunch

During the lunch session, a panel of higher education representatives and administrators will provide an overview of their school's programs and engage the audience to explore new possibilities for collaboration and partnership. (note: if you have any dietary restrictions, please email Brenda Ciapanna at bciapanna@hiltonheadisland.org.- by September 30th)

1:30 pm Tourism Industry Panel

A panel of representatives from various sectors of the state's tourism industry will talk about how their company or organization has benefited from the use of college interns, and how internships build a stronger tourism workforce for our state.