Boston University School of Hospitality Administration Proudly Presents Dean’s Distinguished Speakers Series & Alumni of the Year Award Ceremony
Featuring Anthony Valletta, President of bartaco, 2024 Alumni of the Year
(September 11, 2024) Boston, MA – Boston University School of Hospitality Administration (BU SHA) announces the fall edition of the Dean’s Distinguished Speakers Series, featuring Anthony Valletta, President of bartaco, (BU SHA ’05). The event takes place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at BU School of Hospitality (928 Commonwealth Ave., Boston). This series offers a unique opportunity to hear from leading experts, changemakers, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of hospitality by addressing the pressing issues and driving experience innovation in today’s fast-evolving industry. The talk is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. Registration link.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, followed by a reception from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- Location: BU School of Hospitality Administration, 928 Commonwealth Ave., SHA Auditorium, 1st Floor (Room 110)
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At this Dean’s Distinguished Speakers Series event, Anthony Valletta will be honored as the 2024 Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Valletta, who was recently appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Board, will be celebrated for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the hospitality industry. Joining him for this occasion are the 2024 Young Alumni Award recipients, Melanie Isola, Chief of Staff at Fourtop (BU SHA ’14), and Roy Madhok, Senior Vice President of Revenue & Distribution at Highgate (BU SHA ’13).
“We are incredibly proud of our alumni and all they have achieved,” said Arun Upneja, Ph.D., Dean of Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration. “I look forward to welcoming the community to hear from Anthony Valletta and celebrating our Young Alumni of the Year, Melanie Isola and Roy Madhok. These alumni embody the spirit of innovation, excellence, and passion we strive to instill in our students.”
“I am deeply honored to receive this award and to be recognized by the institution that played such a pivotal role in my career,” said Anthony Valletta. “My experience at SHA not only opened doors but also laid the foundation for my approach to leadership and innovation in hospitality. I’m excited to continue supporting the school’s mission and to inspire the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our industry with creativity, passion, and a commitment to excellence.”
About Anthony Valletta
Anthony Valletta is President of bartaco and was recently appointed to the BU School of Hospitality Dean’s Advisory Board. He brings an impressive track record of success in strategic operations, team leadership, revenue growth, and market expansion. Prior to his role at bartaco, Valletta held senior executive positions with notable companies such as Birdcall, MINA Group (led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina), and Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group. Anthony Valletta has also been a guest on the Distinguished podcast with Dean Arun Upneja.
About Boston University School of Hospitality
For more than 40 years, Boston University’s School of Hospitality has been cultivating the next generation of leaders of the multibillion-dollar hospitality industry. The Boston University School of Hospitality, in collaboration with hospitality industry leaders, is redefining hospitality as Experience Innovation. Our focus is on optimizing human interaction by innovating experiences that are employee, customer, investor, and business driven. The Boston University School of Hospitality offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs (several of which are STEM-designated). From experience management to hospitality real estate and beyond, our academic programs challenge students to become Experience Innovators for hotels, restaurants, travel and tourism, healthcare enterprises, retail and luxury brands, sports and entertainment venues, and any organization where hospitality can be strategically applied to help establish lasting and meaningful relationships. Learn more about Boston University’s School of Hospitality and Experience Innovation by visiting bu.edu/hospitality.