Editor’s note: The location of this event was changed after the story published. Initially, it was planned to take place in the Student Center Kiva Auditorium. Now, it will take place in the Student Center Ballroom balcony with a reception in the Schwebel Room afterwards. 

Students can come listen to Michael Crawford, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer for Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company, discuss his career in international hospitality and his book From the Mouse’s House to the Penthouse Feb. 7. 

The Global Management Speaker Series has been going on for about 10 years and works to bring international business leaders to the university to speak about the global economy and business communities around the world. 

“So much of what we do in business is international, and we attract students from all over the world to study here in this college,” said Deborah Spake, the dean of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. “It makes sense to bring in executives who have worked in and lived in other parts of the world who somehow have a connection to Northeast Ohio.” 

Crawford spent much of his career in Asia working for Disney and is currently the CEO of Hall of Fame Village, a venue that hosts sporting events, tournaments, concerts and festivals. Spake found this as an opportunity to invite Kent State Hospitality to the speaker series since a lot of Crawford’s work is around hospitality.

“It’s not very often that students have the opportunity to sit in the same room with the CEO of a company,” Spake said. “We certainly try to provide that opportunity to our students and allow them to meet and talk with top level executives.” 

Spake encouraged students interested in hospitality, marketing and international business to attend the event. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity to meet someone who has followed that path and been down his journey, so he really can speak to what those opportunities are for students,” Spake said. 

After the event, a reception will be held in the Westfield Campus Tour Center, where food will be provided and attendees can speak to Crawford. 

The event will take place at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom balcony with a reception in the Schwebel Room afterwards. The event is free and open to the public, but attendees are required to RSVP.

Adrianna Quinlan is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected]