Fall 2026

Advanced Nutrition/Hospitality Study Tour

NHM 595

Attend IMEX America, the largest trade show for the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry, to discover global trends and connect with industry professionals.

5 days travel at
$1,500 plus tuition

NHM 595
3 Credit Hours

Instructed by
Dr. Cindy Choi

Priority Deadline
August 28, 2026

Travel Overview

Go beyond textbooks and lecture halls. Study USA’s travel courses combine academic learning with hands-on, real world experiences. Every class maximizes its unique location with immersive activities. 

You’ll earn academic credit, apply what you’re learning directly to your surroundings, and engage in lively class experiences—all guided by Ole Miss faculty.

What You'll Do

  • Attend IMEX America, the largest annual trade show for the global business events industry.
  • Participate in the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum, a special program for students to gain expert insight into the meetings industry by learning from and connecting with industry leaders and peers.
  • Network with professionals and engage in educational sessions to gain direct exposure to global meetings and events.
  • Travel to Las Vegas to see cutting-edge event technologies, exhibitor booths, and innovative event designs.

What You'll Learn

  • Describe the dynamics of the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry and identify the diverse career opportunities it offers.
  • Engage in a leading international trade show and discover the benefits and rewards of participating in global industry associations.
  • Examine emerging trends and innovations in event design, technology, and sustainability, and assess their impact on the industry’s future.
  • Develop professional networks with international industry leaders and appreciate the professionalism and prestige that define the MICE sector.
  • Compare and contrast business and event practices across global markets, with attention to regional and cultural differences.
  • Create a personal learning portfolio reflecting key insights and takeaways from the IMEX America experience.

All activities are tentative and subject to change depending on scheduling, booking availability, and course adjustments.

Meet Your Instructor

All Study USA courses are designed and led by Ole Miss faculty. Your instructor(s) will be your first point of contact during your travels and lead you through all the class experiences. 

Candis Varnell

Dr. Cindy Choi

Interim Chair and Associate Professor of Nutrition and Hospitality Management
echoi2@olemiss.edu

My specialties include consumer behavior and hotel management. With over seven years of industry experience, I have had the privilege of working with prestigious hotel brands, including the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami, Florida; the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Seoul, South Korea; the COEX InterContinental Hotel in Seoul; and the Laforet Zao Resort & Spa in Sendai, Japan. Additionally, I had the opportunity to teach the Study USA program in New York during the fall of 2021, where I shared my expertise and passion for hospitality with students.

“This program gives students an amazing opportunity to dive into the latest industry trends, connect with top professionals, and gain hands-on experience that can jumpstart their careers. I’m especially thrilled about the Future Leaders Forum, an inspiring platform that empowers the brightest students to learn, network, and launch successful careers in the dynamic events industry.”

– Dr. Choi

Program Details

Open to students in all majors.

Ideal for students majoring or minoring in:

Hospitality Management or IMC who are interested in careers in event management.

No prerequisites.

Must have approval of instructor and department chair.

Must be a Junior (60 hrs).

Prior to Departure

On-campus class meetings: September 4, September 18, and October 3, 2026

Meet with your Ole Miss instructor and fellow classmates on the Oxford campus for an orientation, and two predeparture classes to prepare for the conference.

During Travel

Travel: October 12-16, 2026

  • Students make their own travel arrangements to and from the destination.
  • Study USA will book double occupancy hotel rooms in a conference hotel, allowing you a convenient base for your stay.
  • Your instructor will share exact meeting times and locations before travel and will be available to you leading up to the course through Blackboard.
  • Students may have their airfare billed to their bursar account. You’ll receive details upon course enrollment.

At Program End

Virtual: October 21, 2026

To close out your course experience, you will submit a post-trip paper summarizing the sessions, keynotes, and exhibitor presentations you attended at IMEX America.

Cost of Program

$1,500
Plus Tuition

What’s Included

  • Lodging/Accommodation during travel
  • Select group meals
  • Conference registration fee

What’s Not Included

  • Tuition
  • Airfare to and from destination
  • Personal spending money