George Washington University School of Business students in the Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management program attended Destination DC’s 2026 Annual Marketing Outlook Meeting.
Cevat Tosun, the program of the director and the Eisenhower Chair and Professor of Tourism Studies and Management, has brought students to the annual event since 2021, connecting them with industry leaders and professionals. The program incorporates events hosted by organizations including the U.S. Travel Association, Destination DC, the Professional Convention Management Association and Destinations International into its curriculum to provide industry-based experiential learning. The 2026 meeting brought together about 500 industry leaders at Lisner Auditorium on the GW campus.
Tosun said Washington, D.C., serves as a wider classroom and social lab allowing students to apply classroom learning through professional events. “The city of D.C. presents unmatched and unfair learning and networking advantages to our students. The faculty connects the students to the industry and the industry leaders to the GW campus,” Tosun said.