Earlier this summer, three Hotelies, Richy Petrina '01, Chad Wemischner '13 and Mitchel Davis '91 organized an afternoon series of conversations called Petitfour, bringing current and future industry leaders together. These were ‘bite-size’ and thoughtful discussions around the worlds of luxury, food & beverage, leadership, crafting experiences, and technology.

The conference was presented by the innovative and pioneering Moët & Chandon and supported financially by refreshingly-crafted Betty Buzz. Additional partners included La Colombe Coffee Roasters, Milk Bar, Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders, Cinco Jotas Jamon Iberico, Made In Cookware, and The Pierre Hotel which organized a surprise chefs parade down Fifth Avenue! Attendees had the opportunity to demo the whimsical and immersive Aerobanquets RMX art installation x dining experience. 

Speakers included Anish Melwani [Chairman & CEO, LVMH North America], Will Guidara [Restaurateur & Author of Unreasonable Hospitality], Clare Reichenbach [CEO, James Beard Foundation], Tim Brooke-Webb [Managing Director, The World's 50 Best Hotels I Restaurants I Bars], Elizabeth Blau [Founder & CEO, Blau & Associates], Chrissy Gamble [SVP Planning & Integration, Global Operations, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts], Nelson Billington [Account Director, Corporate & Business Travel, Belmond], Ellia & JP Park [Co-Owners, Atomix], Roni Mazumdar [CEO, Unapologetic Foods], Mattia Casalegno [Aeroabanquets RMX, Artist & Creative Director], and others.

The 100+ audience consisted of current Hotelies, recent graduates, young alumni, and seasoned industry professionals from companies including Aston Martin, Four Seasons Yachts, Dorsia, Rimowa, Moët Hennessy, Myriad Restaurant Group, Saks, JLL, Fendi, Van Cleef & Arpels, Rethink Food, The Infatuation at JP Morgan Chase, Aquavit, and many others. 

We were kindly hosted in the exquisite LVMH Magic Room which provided an intimate and elevated atmosphere for everyone to network and be inspired.

In the enduring spirit of the 95 year-old Cornell Hotel Society, we are so delighted to share moments like this with industry colleagues and Hotelie community alike.

Audio Links from the Event

PetitFour 1 / Audio only / Reaching for the (new) top: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK3x-OSSoRI

PetitFour 2 / Audio only / Helping women dare to achieve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxERaAcmAks

PetitFour 3  / Audio & slideshow / Crafting experiences, Belmond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSkPag2F-EU

PetitFour 4 / Audio only / Crafting experiences, Ellia & JP Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfzlpOhKgA4

PetitFour 5 / Audio only / Art & gastronomy in the metaverse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqUigfuZ5oQ-