Rosen College hosts BELA Conference for 4th Year
A group of 40 graduate students from Universidad de Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Colombia spent three days at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management for the 2017 Business Entrepreneurship in Latin America Conference (BELA). The 2017 BELA Conference, held in late May, is a unique opportunity for students from Latin America to learn more about innovative research ideas, current trends in the areas of entrepreneurship and management, and engage with Rosen College’s internationally known faculty.
“Our students are post-graduate level and they are here to learn from Rosen College professors about finance, government, human resources, logistics, marketing and transportation,” said Jairo Humberto Sanchez Segura, the Academic Coordinator from Universidad de Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano. “For the past four years we have had a successful collaboration with Rosen College, which allows us to engage with their leadership and learn more about management, innovation and technology for our business models.”
During the BELA conference, Rosen College faculty promoted an exchange of opinions about the challenges facing new entrepreneurs in Latin America. Sessions focused on factors affecting entrepreneurship including new trends and challenges in the region. Considerations and solutions for innovative initiatives for resolving pitfalls and issues affecting emerging business ventures were also discussed. In particular, the conference allowed for the sharing of ideas between the participants and researchers in relation to creating or doing business in Latin America while ensuring sufficiently robust financial stability.
Rosen College industry partner Sysco and Hard Rock International also participated in presenting conference seminars. Sysco presented a seminar on logistics during the BELA conference with input from members of their team who included: Juan Gonzales, Warehouse Manager; Marlen Hendo, Human Resources; Lonnie Peek, Director of Safety and Barry Haynes, Director of Facilities. Alex Merchan, Senior Director, Global Marketing and Sales at Hard Rock International delivered a presentation on branding.
The BELA conference was co-chaired by Rosen College Associate Professor, Dr. Manuel Rivera and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs & Research, Dr. Youcheng Wang. Conference guest speakers include Rosen College faculty, Dr. Amy Gregory, Dr. Murat Kizildag, Dr. Jorge Riddestat, Dr. Valeriya Shapoval and Dr. Edwin Torres. The BELA conference wrapped up with a two-day field trip to Universal Orlando, which included a behind the scenes visit at the theme parks and a presentation on customer experiences, facilitated by Rosen adjunct Professor Gary Swanson, who once served as a Vice President at Universal Orlando.
— (May 31, 2017)