Professional innovations and collaboration for hospitality education – the VSZOE national professional day ended successfully

Zoltán Kis, the president of VSZOE, reported on the activities carried out by the association since its foundation in 2014, significant events and the ever-expanding professional cooperation

The official program of the event was opened by Zoltán Kis, the president of VSZOE, who is also the director of the host VIK school. After greeting the guests, he reported on the work done by VSZOE and the future plans of the association. He also presented the association’s renewed website, which provides a comprehensive overview of the activities, events and ever-expanding professional collaborations since its foundation in 2014. This is an important milestone for the membership, as the new platform presents the association’s role in the development of vocational training in the hospitality industry more clearly and effectively.

The series of professional presentations was continued by Vice President Gábor Tóth, who summarized the experiences previously gathered among the membership regarding the operation of the renewed vocational training system. The questions and suggestions raised were finalized at the end of the day, based on which VSZOE is preparing a comprehensive package of proposals for educational management.

János Debreczeni, Deputy Head of Department at the Budapest University of Economics, provided an insight into the transformation processes of BGE. In his presentation, he presented in detail the factors inducing the changes, the development of enrollment data, the methodology for developing the new subject structure and the already visible positive effects of the new model.

Attila Szerényi, owner of Szega Books Kft., spoke about the state of the tourism and hospitality textbook market. The publisher is now a key player in the supply of teaching materials for the sector, including publications whose authors or co-authors are members of the VSZOE.

After the coffee break, one of the most eagerly awaited presentations of the day followed: István Pesti, the chef of the two-Michelin-starred Platán Gourmet, shared his personal professional story. He spoke about the path from the first star he achieved at Tanti to Platán, the development of the restaurant, the creative process behind the concept, and the everyday challenges of experience-oriented hospitality. His commitment to workshop work and education was particularly inspiring for those present.

The lunch was provided by the instructors and students of the VIK Vocational Institute and High School, who contributed to the success of the event with high-quality dishes and impeccable hospitality.

The afternoon program began with the presentation of the VSZOE Excellent Vocational Instructor Award, which this year was received by Dr. Róbert Vendriczky in recognition of his dedicated, exemplary professional activities. In his moving acceptance speech, he offered further selfless support for the organization’s professional goals.

The event was closed with informal discussions and professional exchange of experiences

To close the day, a professional forum was held under the leadership of Gábor Tóth, where those present jointly formulated the current challenges of the education system and the proposals that could help improve the quality of training. VSZOE undertook to systematize the comments received and forward them in an official form to the relevant authorities in the education administration.

The event concluded with informal discussions and professional exchange of experiences, proving that the hospitality industry teaching community remains strong, cohesive and committed to the development of quality training. In addition to the Facebook page, the further work of VSZOE can now also be followed on the renewed website www.vszoe.hu.