Steven Brinkman CV

Steve Brinkman joined the University of Central Florida, Rosen College of Hospitality Management ten years ago as an adjunct instructor and is a full-time instructor. Before coming to UCF, he spent 24 years in the tourism and hospitality industry, working in sales and marketing and three years in the recycling industry. Mr. Brinkman has held the positions of Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Sunsational Receptive Tours/My Group Now DMC, Director of Marketing for Experience Kissimmee (DMO), and Director of Tourism Sales for Belz Enterprises, The Mercado, and Old Town Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Attraction. He was also instrumental in developing the first commission-free group travel website, Group Travel Odyssey.

Steve has sat on numerous sales and marketing committees/boards. Most notable included Visit Florida’s International Tourism Board, Visit Orlando’s Marketing Committee, the Domestic Group Travel Association Board of Directors, the American Bus Association Marketing Advisory Committee, and the American Bus Association Marketplace Convention Co-Chairman. In addition, Mr. Brinkman has organized, produced, and marketed many events, including The Saturday Night Cruise at Old Town, The Amazing Race Auditions (Florida), CFHLA’s Bacchus Bash, and Miss Hawaiian Tropic, to name a few. Mr. Brinkman received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Illinois State University. Mr. Brinkman is currently a member of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).

Instructor Brinkman’s teaching interests include preparing students for careers in Event Sales, Management, Promotions, Operations, Services, and Entertainment Management. His teaching style involves active participation for all students with real-world group projects to foster an environment of teamwork that is essential to working in this industry. He believes that the best learning opportunities occur when students actively engage in class with relevant course materials.

Mr. Brinkman resides with his family in Orlando. He spends his free time with his wife of 28 years and their three children, two daughters and a son. He is also passionate about sailing, Formula 1 racing, and creating sales and marketing solutions for companies to increase revenues.