26th Annual Travel and Dining Auction
You’re invited! Last year’s 25th Silver Anniversary of our Travel and Dining Auction was a success thanks to YOU! Our students work so hard and are so happy to celebrate this year’s auction on April 1, 2023, at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center in Manhattan from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. The auction is planned and organized by the Hospitality Management TDA class.
Registration
Register for tickets to the auction. Individual tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Reserved tables are available for $300.
Hotel rooms are available at the Hilton Garden Inn; information about hotel accommodations *Limited availability until March 1, 2023.
Time
Saturday, April 1, 2023; Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center, Manhattan, KS. Follow us on Facebook for all the latest news and updates.
For footage of the 2019 auction, check out the video below.
History
The Kansas State Travel and Dining Auction is the largest student fundraiser in the College of Health and Human Sciences. The event has been offered as a class ever since the spring of 2009. Our students are able to learn hands-on what goes into planning, organizing, and executing a large event. Students must apply, interview, and be selected in order to enroll in the class and become part of that year’s Travel and Dining Auction Team. Once the spring semester begins, students get to work on the Auction right away; they’re broken down into committees, solicit for donations, design marketing materials, and so much more. Some students who have done the Auction in past years choose to come back as Team Leaders, taking on more administrative duties and guide the team to another successful year. In addition, the Capstone Class for Restaurant Management assists in planning and executing the food for the in person event.
Beneficiaries
Each year, proceeds from the auction are used to fund student scholarships as well as support the Hospitality Management Club and Hospitality Management Graduate Club. Students involved in these organizations are not only a part of an on-campus club, but are also affiliated with student chapters of national organizations including the National Restaurant Association of America, Meeting Professionals International, Club Managers Association of America, and Professional Convention Management Association. Through these organizations and student scholarships, our students have opportunities to succeed both inside and outside the classroom, network with professionals, and get hands-on experiences in the hospitality industry.
Making a Donation
Interested in making a donation to this year’s auction? Our solicitation letter (pdf) has the details. Please fill out the form in its entirety and include it with any donation. Donations can be addressed to:
Travel and Dining Auction
Attn: Ashley McCowan
152B Justin Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-1403
For any questions, comments, or concerns regarding donations, feel free to email Ashley McCowan or call at 785-532-5521. Thank you for your generosity and support of our event, program, and students.