Sedona, AZ — On March 4th, the Sedona Lodging Council, in partnership with Northern Arizona University’s School of Hospitality & Restaurant Management, hosted a dynamic industry Job Fair in Sedona — a one-of-a-kind event designed to spark meaningful career opportunities for aspiring hospitality professionals. The Sedona Lodging Council is a non-profit organization advocating for the benefit of the “traditional” lodging industry of greater Sedona.
Coordinated by Cheryl Barron of the Sedona Lodging Council and John Hattab of NAU, this event brought together talented students enrolled in NAU’s renowned hospitality program. The day was packed with insightful experiences, starting with an exclusive tour of the newly remodeled Hilton Sedona Resort Bell Rock. Students enjoyed lunch while gaining behind-the-scenes access to one of Sedona’s premier properties, observing both front-of-house and back-of-house operations.
Next, the group explored the Arabella Hotel, delving into its rich history and discovering what sets it apart from Sedona’s top-tier hotels. The journey continued at Ambiente Hotel, a luxury property where students experienced firsthand the exceptional service standards and distinctive offerings that define Sedona’s high-end hospitality scene.
The final stop and host of the afternoon’s highlight was L’Auberge de Sedona. Here, five local hotels—Enchantment Resort, Amara Resort,
Courtyard/Residence Inn by Marriott, L’Auberge de Sedona, and Hilton Sedona Resort Bell Rock – conducted rapid-fire interviews with each student.
Over three hours, students participated in 90 quick, 12-minute interviews with multiple hoteliers, in a fast-paced “speed interviewing” format that maximized opportunities for connection.
Cheryl Barron said,“The day concluded, and as students prepared to return to Flagstaff, we heard firsthand about their exciting experiences. The energy was electric, and the enthusiasm palpable, with students expressing gratitude for the chance to see Sedona’s hospitality landscape up close and to engage directly with industry leaders.” .
The event yielded immediate results: two job offers were extended on the spot, and numerous follow-up callbacks are already underway. This innovative initiative not only connects talented individuals with Sedona’s exceptional hospitality community but also reinforces Sedona’s reputation as a vibrant hub for career growth and hospitality excellence.
“The Sedona Lodging Council, an affinity group of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, is a non-profit organization focused on advocacy for the lodging industyr and we are proud to host such impactful events that attract the best and brightest future professionals.
“We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence and fostering a strong pipeline of talent for Sedona’s thriving hospitality industry,” Barron concluded.
