Acsenda Students Shine at the 2025 BCHA Annual Summit

April 30, 2025
8:37 pm

Shaping Tomorrow: Leading and Growing Together

The 2025 BC Hotel Association (BCHA) Annual Summit, held at the Westin Hotel Vancouver, was a powerful gathering of over 400 hospitality leaders, innovators, and rising stars. With the theme Shaping Tomorrow: Leading and Growing Together, the summit called on the industry to embrace new opportunities and realize its untapped potential.

This year’s program featured a dynamic mix of thought leadership sessions, a vibrant Marketplace with more than 50 exhibitors, and the prestigious Awards of Excellence Gala. The event provided a platform for collaboration, professional development, and innovation, all while celebrating the best in hospitality across British Columbia.

We’re incredibly proud to share that two students from Acsenda School of Management’s Bachelor of Hospitality Management (BHM) program were selected to attend and volunteer at the Summit: Cherry May Regalado and Marina Markovic. Their participation underscores Acsenda’s commitment to experiential learning and connecting students directly with industry professionals.

Student Reflections

“On April 23, 2025, I had the privilege of representing Acsenda School of Management at the BCHA Summit as a student volunteer. Being part of this event not only gave me exposure to the hospitality industry’s top professionals but also reaffirmed the importance of hands-on learning. The conversations, the energy, and the excellence I witnessed left a lasting impression on me, both personally and academically. Thank you, BCHA, for this incredible opportunity!”
— Cherry May Regalado

“The BCHA Summit 2025 offered far more than a volunteering opportunity—it was a learning experience that bridged theory and real-world application. From witnessing the operational flow of large-scale events to connecting with industry experts, I left with greater insight into what it takes to succeed in hospitality. I’m grateful for the chance to be part of it.”
— Marina Markovic

A Message from the BCHA Team

“On behalf of everyone involved in our Summit, I want to sincerely thank you and Acsenda School of Management for your support and for providing such engaged and enthusiastic student volunteers. Cherry and Marina brought energy and professionalism to the event, and we truly couldn’t have done it without them. More than just helping the conference run smoothly, we hope this experience gave them meaningful insight and helped reinforce how vital the next generation of hospitality talent is. Your students truly embodied that future.”

At Acsenda, we’re proud to foster partnerships that open doors for our students. As we look ahead to the future of hospitality, we’re committed to supporting opportunities where students can lead, learn, and thrive in real-world environments.