Battle of the Bubbles, a new event in the School of Hospitality Business Management’s (SHBM) new beverage lab, scored big points with students, parents, and community members attending Apple Cup on the Pullman Campus this fall. Prior to kickoff, people gathered in the lab to sample ciders, sparkling wines, and Ol’ Crimson beer along with food pairings by Chef Matt Morgan.
SHBM students gained practical experience in event management. About 35 people purchased tickets, resulting in $1,395 to support student opportunities and help maintain the lab.
“The hospitality department wanted to test the concept of outside events in the new beverage lab,” says Jessica Murray, SHBM assistant professor. “We sold out in two days.”
Beverage lab helps elevate program reputation
Murray led the design of the beverage lab and manages the space, which is located in the Center for Undergraduate Education near Todd Hall. She teaches the beverage management class and other experiences related to wine and beverage business management. Meghan Miller, a new SHBM adjunct instructor, also teaches in the lab. She specializes in direct-to-consumer wine industry logistics, relationship management, and wine curation and has professional experience in the wine, craft beverage, and hospitality industries.
“A dedicated beverage lab that serves as an event space not only gives students valuable event management experience but also reinforces our program reputation and community engagement,” says Jim Harbour, SHBM director.
Brew Fest makes a comeback at Family Weekend
After a temporary hiatus, Brew Fest returned to the campus festivities during Family Weekend in October. Forty-five people attended and enjoyed music, local brews including craft beer, cider, and ale tastings, and delicious local bites.
Sigma Iota, the premier hospitality business management club at WSU, hosted the event in the Marriott Culinary Innovation Center in Todd Hall. Combined with ticket sales, a silent auction raised about $2,200 to support club programming.
“Brew Fest is a great opportunity for hospitality students to get a jumpstart on event planning, working with vendors, and hosting guests,” says Cristy Eyre, Sigma Iota events coordinator. “We received many compliments throughout the night from guests about how much they were learning from the tastings and how much they enjoyed our offerings.”
Recognizing the power of interdisciplinary teamwork, Sigma Iota works collaboratively with other campus clubs to create engaging student-focused events as well as fundraising events such as Crimson Cheers & Beers during Family Weekends.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive, diverse, and creative community that values professional development,” Eyre says.