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Florida International University’s (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and Factory 360 today announced a partnership to create an events incubator. The collaboration will help create new and unique experiences and engagement activities for students studying mega and large-scale event management.
As part of the initiative, the incubator will work to bring awareness to underrepresented communities in South Florida by developing new events. The Chaplin School, a top 10 ranked U.S. public hospitality program, and more than 1,200 FIU students already help run the South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®), a four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. Factory360 is an award-winning agency known for experiential exhibits.
“Our hospitality program is a leader in producing top talent in the events industry through our existing partnerships and location in Miami, a destination for mega and large-scale events,” said Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School. “This incubator will help expand our expertise and give students seeking additional experience in experiential marketing and events another tool toward becoming innovators and leaders in this field.”
As part of the partnership, Factory360 will have a presence on the FIU Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami, Florida, offering mentorship and internship opportunities to students, as well as workshops and a speaker series.
“We are offering FIU students a real hands-on experience in event design and production while working with them to create an engaging and fun experience that the entire South Florida community will enjoy,” said Factory 360’s Gabriela Neves.
In collaboration with FIU Chaplin School, Factory 360 will work with students to plan and design activations for some of the participants in an event focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. Students will be assigned a restaurant or another exhibitor to create an installation that matches the design to the client objectives and needs.
After completion, projects will be reviewed and judged based on most creativity and best interpretation of the client’s requests. Monetary awards and internship opportunities will be awarded.
“This partnership is a game changer for students who want to bring their studies to life by learning and working alongside professionals producing some of the world’s most dynamic events while still in school,” said Dan Cormany, assistant professor and mega and large-scale events program lead. “We’re excited to partner with Factory 360 on this new adventure.”
