Building Pathways, Partnerships, and Purpose: My Experience at the Hospitality Pathways Conference

In late August, I had the privilege of traveling to Washington, D.C. for the Hospitality Pathways Conference, hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Being new to my role, I knew this event would be a valuable learning opportunity. Over the course of three days, I dove headfirst into conversations about workforce development, Restaurant Ready, and the HOPES GO5 Grant, which we were recently awarded here in Connecticut.

From the very first session, I felt the importance of connection. Sitting among other state restaurant associations, I was inspired not just by the scope of their work, but also by the deep relationships they had built with community partners and employers. It showed me that while funding and program design are critical, the true strength of workforce development lies in collaboration and trust in your community.

What I Learned: Partnership, Program Delivery, and Purpose

At the conference, one main theme stood out to me in particular: building a strong hospitality workforce requires relationships at every level - from justice agencies and community organizations to state restaurant associations and employers. Strong partnerships are rooted in honest conversations, shared goals, and proposals that clearly demonstrate participant impact.

Another key aspect of the conference was discussing how we interact with those we are helping to provide pathways to. When working with anyone, it is essential to use a strength-based approach. Representation, mentorship, hands-on experiences, and wraparound support all help prepare participants for long-term success. Of course, in our industry, this support is immensely easy to come by. 

Equally important is co-designing programs with partners and participants alike - aligning goals, maintaining communication, and fostering trust. Everyone should be involved in the process. As one speaker put it, “Invest in your relationships - the more people you know, the more successful you will be.”

A Celebration of Community

The conference closed with an awards ceremony, which brought together leaders, partners, and advocates from across the country. Sitting in that room, I felt a sense of pride. It was a celebration of the collective work happening in every corner of the nation - all centered on nurturing and growing the hospitality workforce and staying true to our collective visions and ideas for the industry.

Bringing It All Back to Connecticut

Leaving Washington, D.C., I felt energized and excited to bring all that I learned home. The insights, strategies, and relationships I built at the Hospitality Pathways Conference are already shaping how I think about our work in Connecticut. From expanding partnerships to strengthening wrap-around support, I’m eager to put these lessons into action and help make our programs even more effective than they already are.

This conference was a reminder that when we invest in people, partnerships, and purpose, we are building a stronger future for hospitality.