The SHTM and Hong Kong Disneyland were the settings this year for the 2012 Hong Kong PolyU Winter School^®, an Executive Development Programme in Hospitality attended by a host of senior managers. Co-organised by the SHTM and the Hong Kong Hotels Association from 6 to 18 February, the event was sponsored by the Pacific Asia Travel Association, the Institute of­ Hospitality and Hotel ICON.

Delivered as a series of six in-depth modules spanning two days each, the Winter School featured leading industry professionals and SHTM academics presenting interactive modules.

The week began with a module on hospitality industry leadership in the 21st century co-presented by SHTM Dean and Chair Professor Kaye Chon, and Mr Mark Conklin, General Manager of the JW Marriot Hotel Hong Kong. During the second module, Dr Basak Denizci Guillet, Assistant Professor at the SHTM, led participants through the basics of revenue management for non-revenue managers.

The first week ended with a module on preparing for growth through human resources management, co-hosted by Dr Simon Wong, Assistant Professor at the SHTM, and Mr James Lu, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Hotels Association.

The second week kicked off with a module on strategic management delivered by Dr Qu Xiao, Assistant Professor at the SHTM and Mr Steve Kleinschmidt, President of Marco Polo Hotels Ltd. Dr Tony Tse, Assistant Professor at the SHTM, and Mr John Ludlow, Senior Vice President of Global Risk Management at the InterContinental Hotels Group, then helped participants to understand why managing risk is the key to long-term success.

The Winter School culminated in a module on the Disney's approach to inspiring creativity delivered at Hong Kong Disneyland by Disney Institute's Program Consultant, Mr Rob Morton and Disney Institute's Facilitator, Mr Jeffrey Williford.

The next Hong Kong PolyU Winter School^® will be held in January 2013.