Dundalk IT welcomes hospitality industry leaders

The Hospitality Department at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) recently welcomed over 100 students and staff to a special guest lecture morning entitled “From Classroom to Career: Shaping the Future of Hospitality”, bringing together leading industry professionals to share their experiences, insights and advice on building successful careers in the hospitality and events sectors.

Held in the Hospitality Restaurant at DkIT, the event provided students with a valuable opportunity to hear directly from experienced professionals working across hotel management, recruitment, sales, business development and the international meetings and events industry.

The guest speakers were Richard Stevenson, Group Talent & Acquisition Manager at Windward Hotels; Megan Daly, Business Development Manager at the RDS; and Caitriona Lavery, Sales Manager at Hastings Hotels. Each speaker brought a unique perspective on the opportunities, challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in hospitality.

Richard Stevenson opened the industry presentations by exploring recruitment trends, emerging roles and the employability skills sought by hospitality employers. His contribution highlighted the importance of attracting and developing talent while recognising how the industry continues to evolve.

Megan Daly offered a relatable, student-focused perspective on the transition from education to employment, reflecting on workplace experience, career development and the lessons she learned along the way. Her insights provided students with practical advice on preparing for professional life and making the most of opportunities during their studies.

Drawing on 35 years of experience in the meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) industry, Caitriona Lavery shared her extensive knowledge of career progression, leadership and relationship-building. Having joined Hastings Hotels in 1997, Caitriona has played an important role in promoting Belfast and Northern Ireland as an international business events destination. Her contribution demonstrated the breadth of opportunities available within hospitality and events, as well as the value of long-term professional development.

The presentations were followed by a lively fireside chat and question-and-answer session, allowing students to engage directly with the speakers and explore topics relevant to their future careers. The discussion was moderated by Maria Roddy Freyne, Lecturer in the Hospitality Department at DkIT, and included Richard Stevenson, Megan Daly and Caitriona Lavery. The interactive format encouraged an open exchange of ideas, experiences and practical advice between students and industry professionals.

Speaking after the event, Maria Roddy Freyne said:

“The strong attendance of over 100 students and staff reflected the importance of connecting hospitality education with industry practice. Engaging with such experienced professionals provided students with valuable insights into employer expectations, career pathways and the skills required to succeed in a competitive and evolving sector. Events such as this provide wonderful opportunities for our students to engage with industry, develop their professional understanding and build connections that can support their transition from education into employment. A sincere thanks to Richard Stevenson, Megan Daly and Caitriona Lavery for sharing their expertise and experiences and all contributors who helped make the morning a success.”