[HN hospitalitynet] Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) Names Annual Student Case Competition Winners
PSU’s Logan Prendergast and Andrew Heiland and BU’s Eva Li, Rishabh Sharma and Albina Zhangirova Submit Winning Entries
BU School of Hospitality’s Rishabh Sharma (MS in Hospitality Real Estate), Eva (Jinyi) Li (MS in Hospitality Management), and Albina Zhangirova (MMH) demonstrated their strategic acumen in the 19th Annual Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) Student Case Competition. Tasked with revitalizing an underperforming Boston hotel, the BU team devised an innovative survival action plan that leveraged rooftop bar utilization, restaurant relocation, and a creative reimagining of existing spaces. Their analytical approach and compelling board presentation earned them top honors alongside Penn State’s undergraduate team, highlighting the next generation of leaders in hospitality asset management.
The competition challenged students to think critically about hotel profitability, guest experience, and operational efficiency while working under the guidance of industry professionals and faculty mentors. The BU team’s winning proposal reflects the School of Hospitality Administration’s emphasis on real-world application, strategic problem-solving, and experiential learning. As part of their achievement, the team will attend HAMA’s Spring Conference, where they will engage with leading asset managers and gain deeper insights into the future of hospitality investments and development.
With a strong foundation in real estate finance, market analysis, and operational strategy, BU’s M.S. in Hospitality Real Estate program prepares students to tackle complex investment and asset management challenges in the hospitality industry. Read more about the program here.
- Date: March 13, 2025
- News source: hospitalitynet
About HAMA (Hospitality Asset Managers Association)
HAMA members are involved in asset management, acquisition, financing and disposition of hotels and resorts and are directly responsible for making decisions concerning capital investments, renovations, asset repositioning, operational policies and management selection. The association’s mission is to, “Further the knowledge and skills of our members, facilitate peer relationships, and serve as the collective voice of members and hospitality asset owners.” Its U.S. members represent more than 3,500 hotels and resorts across every major brand, accounting for 775,000 hotel rooms, 250,000 employees, $40 billion in annual revenue and $3 billion in capital expenditures. The organization boasts an additional 245 international affiliate members, as well.