The School of Physical Education and Tourism Management is excited to announce a significant increase in credit hours for the fall 2004 semester. The total is 10,685 as compared to 8,861 for the Fall 2003 semester. Of the 23 schools at IUPUI, PETM leads IUPUI enrollment with an increase of 20.6%. This translates into a 22.5% increase in number of majors in the school setting an all-time record of 615.

The Physical Education Department has a total of 368 majors while Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management (TCEM) have 247 majors. According to Dean Nick Kellum, “This increase indicates a bright future for the school. Based on the past years record increases, we were able to attract seven additional faculty members since 2001.”

The newest member of the faculty is Lisa Farley, Lecturer in the Department of Physical Education. Lisa specializes in nutrition and health studies. She is a graduate of Butler University and brings a wealth of teaching experience to campus.

Notably, the school’s graduate program is also prospering. The Physical Education masters program has increased to over 20 in only its third year of existence.

TCEM is thrilled to announce a partnership with IU Bloomington to begin Master of Science in Recreation with a Tourism Option. Sotiris Avgoustis, TCEM Department Chair, commented, “Working with Dr. Lynn Jamieson to create this joint program opens opportunities for students throughout the state to study the growing field of Tourism.”

TCEM MAJORS GAIN VALUBABLE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCES

From January 2004 through the fall, TCEM students have had multiple opportunities to gain industry experience.

In January, 75 majors volunteered at the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) Annual Conference in Indianapolis. By serving as greeters, registration assistants, support staff for the host city booth, members of the organizing committee’s customer service center, and special event assistants; students received great insight on the responsibilities and roles of a convention meeting planner.

Additionally, catering and special event experiences were provided through a number of university events: Explore IUPUI, Campus Day, Chili for Charity, and TCEM golf outing. Students were able to set-up, serve, and break-down functions for several thousand people.

The summer 2004 Jazz Festival was staffed by a number of students who collected important data to help shape the future of this exciting event. Over 400 guests were surveyed and Dr. Yao-Yi Fu provided the summary report to Jazz Festival Executive Committee.

Finally, Gen Con, a convention for 25,000 gamers came to Indianapolis in mid-August.. TCEM students managed ticket sales and refunds and assisted with customer service. Throughout the four day conference, a number of students received class and intern credit for their participation. TCEM hopes to continue this relationship and expand by adding experience with other conventions, conferences and events.

TCEM DEGREES TO BE OFFERED AT IUPUC
by Kathy Hanley 

The city of Columbus, in southern Indiana was recently recognized by the New York Times for it architecture and tourist attractions. According to Dr. Nassar Paydar, Vice Chancellor at IUPUC, approximately 25,000 visitors come to Columbus each year to experience its uniqueness. The tourism industry is growing rapidly and opportunities to work in the industry are growing as well. Therefore starting in the Fall of 2005, IUPUC will be offering the Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Conventions and Event Management degree.

IUPUI and IUPUC officials signed an official agreement on October 22 at the Columbus Visitor's Center. The agreement will allow IUPUC students to take all courses included in the first three years of the plan of study via web and commute to IUPUI to complete their last year. The students will attend Camp Brosius during a summer session.

Dr. Paydar said "IUPUC administration will be promoting it very heavily on their website and through other formats to let their students know they are offering this degree". By promoting the Tourism, Convention and Event Management degree on campus, it will give students a better understanding of what the program has to offer.

Dean Kellum and Dr. Paydar see this agreement as a great opportunity for both campuses to offer a quality program that will meet the growing needs of the state's tourism industry. According to Dr. Avgoustis, graduates who enter the tourism business environment will be equipped with skills and knowledge needed to operate at the highest levels of management.

IAAPA INTERNSHIPS
By: Kathy Hanley 

The Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management (TCEM) department will have four of their students representing them at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) in Orlando, FL. The IAAPA offers a one-week non-paid internship opportunity. It is focused towards college students who are pursuing careers in event management and the amusement industry. The internship begins on Saturday November 13 and ends on November 20. The students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Orlando. The IAAPA provides complimentary lodging and meals.

Andrea Watson and Emily Gilmore will be attending this event for the first time. Mark Firestone and James Elliot will be attending this event for the second time. The students heard about this opportunity through the department, a teacher, and an employer.

When they were asked what interested them to apply for the internship, I got a different response. Mark said " My interest in the IAAPA stems from my interest in the theme park industry". James said "Ever since I was a small child I wanted to own my own theme park, being at this event, I am simply surrounded by my idols". Andrea said " Being able to work with an international association at a convention center other than ours and networking was also a big part of it".

The TCEM department offers two classes that focus on conventions. They are 377 Exhibit Marketing and 371 Convention and Sales.

Megan Leek, a graduate from the TCEM department, attended this event last year. Megan was asked what the students should expect in a typical workday. A typical day for Megan began around 7:00 a.m. She was shuttled over from her hotel to the convention center and met in her staff office for the day's assignments. The majority of her assignments were on the Trade Show Floor or at the various special events. She had the opportunity to assist in managing the moving of the exhibits, as well assisting with the spouse program, golf outing, and silent auction. The other ambassador assignments included assisting with registration, interpreting the international lounge, working with the pressroom, overseeing the educational sessions and helping out in the staff office. There are many activities that an ambassador can participate in and gain experience in these areas.

Being a show ambassador will give the students many learning opportunities. James and Mark attended this event last year. What can they both learn this year? James stated that he " Hopes to gain additional leadership responsibilities to help broaden the experience". Mark wants to " Use the IAAPA as a way to gain a much deeper understanding of companies and services that are involved in the amusement/theme park industry. I also learned a great deal about the inner workings of one of the largest conventions. This year I hope to further that understanding, as well forgo some new relationships with others in the industry who may be able to assist me in reaching my ultimate career goals". Good luck to each student.

Megan was asked if she would recommend other TCEM students to do this internship. She said " Most Definitely! It was a great experience. You meet wonderful people and walk away with so many memories. This is also a great way to determine whether convention management is the right field for you".