The Kent State University Casino Management class, taught by Rob Heiman and Carl LoPresti, went on a field trip to Las Vegas from March 3 to March 7! Heiman and LoPresti take their classes on this trip every year and are very grateful to have a multitude of contacts out in Las Vegas who open their doors and are incredibly hospitable to their classes.
The class toured multiple establishments including the Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, Luxor, the Wynn, the Palms, and Allegiant Stadium. The students were able to learn more about the casino industry, meet the professionals working at the casinos and grow their networks, and got behind-the-scenes tours and information!
The students learned about how each casino works and had a blast exploring the city that never sleeps in their down time which included seeing “Cirque du Soleil: Beatles Love.” The class was also able to connect with Kent State Hospitality Program alum Taylor Goodyear, who has her own company, Social Exchange Group, located in Las Vegas. Her company worked with Rob & Carl in planning an alumni event at their studio and scheduled a group dinner for the class at Flight Club.
Additionally, Kent State’s Student Chapter of Club Management Association of America (CMAA) was also in Las Vegas for an annual World Conference! At the conference, students attended educational sessions, networked with industry professionals, and had opportunities to obtain internships or job positions. The club also attended some of the casino class’s tours and events. However, the most notable moment of their trip was winning the Student Chapter of the Year Award in the Small Chapter category!
Overall, everyone had a wonderful time connecting with professionals and each other! CMAA looks forward to a Student Conference in November 2024 and World Conference in Tampa, FL in 2025. Rob and Carl plan on continuing these annual trips with their Casino Management classes and are looking forward to showing more students the beauty of Las Vegas and the casino industry.
Casino Management Students: Andrew Aronoff, Makayla Eddy, Lauren Foster, Jared Hamilton, Brooklyn Fockler Leshon, Michael Leshon, Gavin Lewis, Michael Miotto, Ariyanna Robb, Sydney Skwera and Tyler Urban.
CMAA Students: Molly Koerbel, Audra Lininger, Kylie Mapp, Olivia Reynolds and Emma Stekelenburg.
Other attendees: Mandy Ulicney (hospitality management professor and CMAA Faculty Advisor)
Audra Liniger, a senior hospitality major, is the secretary of Kent State’s Student Chapter of Club Management Association of America and a Casino Management Class TA. Contact her at [email protected].
