Unleashing Opportunities in International Hospitality Competitions

International Hospitality Competitions at Swiss Hotel Management School

Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) is no stranger to international hospitality competitions. Every year, teams from our student body compete against the world to prove their creative skills, hospitality know-how, and more. Although these competitions are often overlooked when talking about the advantages of a hospitality education, these events can be a golden ticket to a successful career in the global hospitality industry. But how does one participate in these competitions, what types of hospitality competitions are there, and how can you adequately prepare for them? After answering these questions, stay in the loop about upcoming hospitality industry events to watch out for. Are you ready to dive in and discover how these hospitality events can supercharge your career?

Why Enter Hospitality Competitions?

Participating in international hospitality competitions is a stepping stone towards a thriving career in the industry. Let's delve into the various benefits these tourism conferences offer:

Networking with Industry Leaders: These events attract professionals and experts from diverse sectors within the hospitality industry. You'll have the chance to mingle with these industry heavyweights, opening doors to invaluable career opportunities. Establishing connections with these figures can lead to mentorships, job opportunities, or partnerships that could propel your career.

Showcasing Your Talents: Competitions serve as a stage to flaunt your skills to potential employers. Recruiters are always on the hunt for talented individuals and these hospitality industry events provide the perfect platform. By participating and excelling, you increase your visibility and chances of catching the attention of potential employers.

Boosting Your Industry Credibility: Winning or even participating in prestigious hospitality competitions can significantly enhance your industry credibility. It's a testament to your commitment, expertise, and passion for the industry. Recognition for your accomplishments can open doors to new opportunities such as speaking engagements, media appearances, and invitations to exclusive gatherings in the industry.

Participating in hospitality competitions can offer priceless experiences, connections, and recognition that can skyrocket your career. Whether you aim to gain exposure, expand your professional network, or establish yourself as an expert, these events are your passport to success in the international hospitality industry.

Types of International Hospitality Competitions

International hospitality competitions provide a platform for professionals to demonstrate their skills and expertise. These events offer the chance to compete against the best in the world, providing valuable networking opportunities and recognition. Here are three popular types of international hospitality competitions:

Culinary Contests: These competitions are popular among chefs worldwide, but you don’t have to be a culinary student to compete. They focus on various aspects of culinary arts, including cooking techniques, innovation, presentation, and taste. Participants are judged based on their ability to produce innovative dishes that impress the judges and provide a memorable dining experience.

Bartending and Mixology Competitions: These contests are all about know-how, flair, and innovation. Bartenders from around the globe gather to showcase their skills in crafting unique cocktails, mastering mixology, and delivering an unforgettable patron experience. The challenges often test bartenders' knowledge of different spirits, techniques, and their ability to create signature drinks. 

Hotel Management and Hospitality Operations Competitions: These contests focus on the management aspect of the industry. Participants are evaluated on their ability to handle diverse hotel operations, including front desk management, guest services, event planning, and even housekeeping services. These competitions offer an opportunity for budding hoteliers to display their leadership skills and innovative strategies for running successful establishments.

Entering international hospitality competitions allows professionals to display their talents and stay abreast with the latest trends and techniques in the industry. It's an opportunity to learn from peers, receive valuable feedback from judges, and enhance their skills. If you're keen on escalating your hospitality career, consider attending a hospitality school such as SHMS and entering one of these international events.

How to Prepare for International Hospitality Competitions

Preparation for international hospitality competitions requires a strategic approach. To increase your chances of success, it's essential to sharpen your technical skills and deepen your industry knowledge.

Technical skills are crucial in these competitions as they highlight your proficiency in executing tasks accurately. Whether it's culinary expertise, bartending techniques, or room design proficiency, enhancing your skills is vital. It is important to have a high attention to detail and to execute your skills with precision and consistency.

Practicing under pressure and time constraints is another essential aspect of preparation. Competitions often have strict timelines, and performing tasks flawlessly within the given time can be challenging. Create a practice schedule that simulates the competition environment, helping you acclimate to the pressure and improve your efficiency. The ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure is not only a great competition skill, but also a hospitality skill when working in the industry.

Moreover, understanding the competition rules and criteria is crucial. Each event has its own set of guidelines and evaluation criteria, which may include factors such as creativity, presentation, and adherence to industry standards. Ensure you review the rules and criteria carefully and align your preparation accordingly, and be familiar with the rules and criteria early enough to give you time to plan your course of action.

By focusing on enhancing your technical skills, practicing under pressure, and understanding competition rules and criteria, you can significantly increase your chances of success in international hospitality competitions. Remember, preparation is key, and investing time and effort in these areas will give you a competitive edge.

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Hospitality Competitions

Are you passionate about the hospitality industry and looking for opportunities to showcase your skills? Here are some exciting upcoming hospitality industry events to keep an eye on for when you are a student at SHMS looking to stretch your hospitality skills:

The European Semi-finals of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC) on 2 May 2024: This prestigious event will be hosted by SHMS this year on the Caux campus. It's the perfect platform to demonstrate your sustainability initiatives and make a positive impact on the industry. The grand final will be on 30 September 2024, at the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This event hospitality will bring together top hospitality professionals from around the world to celebrate innovation and excellence in the industry.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Student League in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 3 May 2024: This tourism conference offers an incredible opportunity to network with industry professionals and display talent in coming up with creative solutions to the tourism industry’s contemporary challenges. This year’s theme is “Off the beaten track” – finding ways for rural development through tourism.

The MIXIP Student Bar Talent Competition held in Caux on 24 May 2024: For those with a knack for mixology, this year’s edition is a must-attend event.  Show off your creativity and flair in front of a panel of experts.

The 47th WorldSkills competition held in Lyon, France from 10 to 15 September: Competitors are tested in a range of skills including cooking, front desk hospitality, restaurant service, medical hospitality, and logistics.

These competitions provide invaluable opportunities to showcase your skills, gain recognition, and network with industry leaders. Aside from the multitude of benefits you already get from studying hospitality, the chance to compete in these competitions is an often-overlooked opportunity of being a student at SHMS. Start preparing today and take your hospitality career to new heights!