Students and faculty members of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) worked together to deliver catering and hospitality services for the Theveli Conference from 17 to 20 August 2026.

Led by the FHTS Faculty Management Committee, the catering operation involved preparing and serving breakfast, lunch and tea for more than 400 conference participants over three days, followed by a high tea on the fourth day. Through close collaboration, students and faculty members worked across the kitchens and service areas to prepare and serve food and beverages while maintaining professional food safety, quality and service standards.

For students, the conference provided an important experiential learning opportunity where they could apply the knowledge and skills gained through their studies in a real working environment. Students gained hands-on experience in quantity food production, production planning, food safety, quality control, service coordination and problem-solving.

Catering for more than 400 participants also required careful planning and management of food and other resources. This gave students practical exposure to responsible consumption and production and helped them understand the importance of responsible production when managing large-scale food and beverage operations.

Working as part of a large team also helped students strengthen important skills for the workplace, including teamwork, communication and time management. The experience gave students a better understanding of the world of work and the standards expected when working in hospitality and food-service operations.

The catering team received positive feedback on the handling, food production and overall delivery of the service. Through opportunities such as the Theveli Conference, FHTS continues to support quality education and lifelong learning by connecting classroom learning with practical experience. The collaboration between students and faculty members also created opportunities for students to learn from experienced staff while contributing as part of a professional team, supporting skills development, student success and preparation for future employment.