The first semester of this program provides students with an introduction to marketing and hospitality. Units of study during this course include analysis of theoretical marketing processes and the strategies of product development, pricing, promotion, and distribution, and their applications to businesses and the individual consumer. In addition, students will be introduced to marketing aspects of the Hospitality Industry including hotels, restaurants, travel and tourism, conventions and meetings, clubs, and other food service entities. Students will explore career opportunities in all those areas. In the second semester, students will focus on customer service and event marketing. Topics include the marketing relationship of self to customers, problem-solving, and understanding the importance of communicating with customers. Specific emphasis is given to managing customer expectations by building customer rapport and creating positive outcomes. Event marketing topics include defining the importance and role of marketing, media, and public relations in the event planning industry. Students will also identify and implement marketing and communication tools such as social media, promotional events, networking, and blogs.