Hospitality Management students hosting inaugural ‘Hospitality on the Half Shell’ event Nov. 15

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What better way to prepare yourself for a career working in event management or in the culinary industry than by planning and executing a large oyster social event from start to finish?

With students in the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management at the forefront, guests are encouraged to attend Hospitality on the Half Shell happening Saturday, Nov. 15 from 2-5 p.m. that will combine delicious oyster dishes and New Realm Brewing for unique dish pairings that brings out the best in both the oysters and the brew.

Hosted by students in the event management capstone class in collaboration with advanced culinary students, this event serves as a tremendous learning experience that is being offered for the first time this fall as a supplemental event for the Hospitality Gala and Global Gastronomy events held each spring.

With the growing number of students in the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, a plan was put in place to create Hospitality on the Half Shell as another signature event that could be offered to hospitality students.

Hanna McGarahan, a senior studying the event management option in the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, said she has been heavily involved in the planning process as part of the marketing team.

“I’ve helped design social media posts and stories, create signage and brainstorm creative ways to promote the event,” said McGarahan. “I’m most excited to see how everything comes together on the day of the event. We’ve been planning since the second week of the semester, and it’s been amazing to see the event grow from ideas on paper into something real. Watching all the details — like booth setups, décor and takeaway gifts come to life will be a rewarding moment for everyone involved.”

The planning class for the Hospitality on the Half Shell event

Culinary students participating in the Hospitality on the Half Shell event

Featuring 12 unique oysters to sample prepared in a variety of ways, the menu will feature themed oysters ranging from breakfast themed, Asian, beverage and Australian inspired. In addition, the event will showcase appetizers such as a southern pickled shrimp boat, crab cake stuffed oysters and a Cacio e Pepe Pasta Bari dish. The New Realm beverage pairings will also include a keepsake cup.

One of the students helping to prepare the unique menu is Laila Emaish, a senior studying the culinary science option in the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management.

“I'm really excited to showcase my own recipe idea and have the chance to network with other chefs participating in the event, all while representing Auburn in the process,” said Emaish. “I created an oyster recipe for the event, and in preparation, another culinary student and I have been working with Chef Rivera to test and refine our ideas until they're perfect. On the day of the event, I'll be helping make sure everything is prepped and presented properly, and I'm looking forward to talking with guests as they try our oysters. I believe participating in an event like this helps open doors for future opportunities once I'm out of school and starting my career. It's great preparation because it allows me to build connections and gain valuable experience by learning from others who have been in the industry longer.”

“Hospitality on the Half Shell has been an incredible hands-on learning experience. It gives me the chance to see an event come to life from start to finish and understand every step of the planning process."

Hanna McGarahan, a senior studying the event management option in the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management

McGarahan echoed Emaish saying the event provides valuable experience for a future career working in the hospitality industry.

“Hospitality on the Half Shell has been an incredible hands-on learning experience,” said McGarahan. “It gives me the chance to see an event come to life from start to finish and understand every step of the planning process. It’s also helped me expand my skills, specifically in marketing and graphic creation, which has always been an area of interest for me. Getting to apply classroom knowledge to a real event has made me more confident in my abilities and excited for my future in the hospitality industry.”

General admission tickets for the event are currently on sale for $75 each that includes full access to the main event.

For more information on Hospitality on the Half Shell and to purchase tickets, click below

Hospitality on the Half Shell Tickets

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