TSNN Awards $5,000 Student Scholarship Awarded to Univ. of Central Fla.’s Sophia Hatchitt

October 6, 2015

Trade Show News Network is pleased to announce that the 3rd annual TSNN Awards $5,000 Student Scholarship awardee is Sophia Hatchitt, a student pursuing event management at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality.

The scholarship is sponsored by the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (Reno Tahoe USA), and Hatchitt will receive the funds and be feted during the celebration gala dinner at the 6th Annual TSNN Awards Nov. 6-8 in Atlanta.

“I am incredibly honored to be chosen as TSNN 2015 scholarship recipient,” Hatchitt said. “I am so grateful to the Reno-Sparks CVA for not only sponsoring this award but for also giving me the chance to attend this amazing event.”

Hatchitt recently completed an internship at the Kafuu Resort Fuchaku in Okinawa, Japan, where she worked in various departments, such as F&B, front office and concierge.

She also previously worked at the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau as an intern in the Global Sales and Marketing for the U.S. office.

In that role, she assisted with marketing events, updated marketing presentation materials, assisted and recruited users to the Orlando Travel Academy and helped plan and execute ‘fam trips.

Hatchitt plans to use some of the scholarship funds to finish her schooling and an internship next year in Hong Kong.

“The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority is proud and honored to once again team up with Trade Show News Network to present the third TSNN college scholarship fund,” said John Leinen, RSCVA’s vice president of convention and tourism sales.

He added, “Investing in our future industry leaders is one of our core values, which provides our brand the opportunity to make a positive impact in the Tradeshow industry. It is very rewarding to see how many excellent candidates applied for the scholarship. The quality of the upcoming talent entering the industry is very encouraging.”

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact