Welcome!
September 2025 Scholarships
In order to assist individuals around the world who are looking for additional education opportunities, we have partnered with the University of Mid Florida.
Forward application to Damien @ ProfDuchamp.com ASAP! Fall classes begin September 30.
Sign Up for The Waitlist
We'll let you know when it "ships"
Frankenstyle #4
February, 2025
A slightly different fashion contest. The goal is to encourage designers to make something beautiful out of upcycled materials. Over 15 million garments are dumped into Ghana each week, so we wanted to think differently.
Over three contests, teams designed new fashion pieces using second-hand clothing purchased from the markets.
The next contest in Ghana will take place in February 2025. Click below to learn more and apply to be a contestant.
Signature Programs
Over ten years, the following programs have been created under the Hospitalented flag.
BlockVariable
(technology)
An iteration of the 'Bitcoin Meetup' held originally in Ghana, this event went further to separate cryptocurrencies from blockchain technology. Participating students learned about how the technology can be applied to a variety of industries; hospitality, tourism, fashion, medicine, real estate, etc.
Not So Scary Foods
(alternative foods)
I wanted to help students discover the world of alternative foods. The future is uncertain in terms of access to traditional proteins, so we focused on insects, plant-based and other food options. We also addressed sustainability through the lens of "use the whole beast." Students and other attendees were able to sample roasted and ground insects, as well interact with live insects (for the courageous).
Airline Expo
(airports and airlines)
This event has taken place twice now, each time exposing students to careers in the airline industry. The second event expanded beyond just traditional careers in aviation/airports to include journalism and media roles. In both events students had a chance to win $25,000 in our paper airplane contest. MORE
Tourism Entrepreneurship Workshop
(tourism)
This edition will focus on the WTTC projections for tourism in Ghana. The country has fallen short in most years over the last decade, We will explore how they could be reached in the near future. We will also discuss pricing for services and tipping from the perspective of visitors.
Frankenstyle Contest
(fashion)
Millions of clothes are dumped into Ghana on a weekly basis. While there are incredible organizations that are tackling this monumental issue, we have created a contest to bring attention to new audiences. This is an effort to provide a creative approach to upcycling through fashion.
Art in a Bottle
(food & beverage)
I am passionate about beverage marketing so I created an event that speaks to a part of the industry rarely discussed. AIAB gets into the business and marketing behind beverage and condiment brands. We bring together the top people in the business; those who can tell practical stories about how they built their brands. MORE
Nightlife Academy
(careers in nightlife)
This event was the inaugural showcase of elements within the nightlife industry. Three panels were delivered virtually; history/future, food & beverage, and DJs/entertainment. In all there were fourteen panelists and over fifty students who attended. What an amazing collection of experience!
Interview360
(career paths)
Prompted by a concern about the lack of interview preparation for high school students, this event was created to fill the void. The result was an event that combines speed-mock interviewing, networking and group interaction activities. The first year we had 25 students, and last year it jumped to 75.
HospiChallenge
(skill development)
This event is known as the 'hospitality Olympics,' requiring students to complete a number of written and physical challenges that span the full hospitality industry. We were able to host the eighth iteration of this event just before COVID-19 hit New York City. We matched our record for involving seven different high schools from around the city.
Chapters
While the organization's projects are still very young, they are executed with the help of individuals from around the world.
Alpha
St. Joseph's College - Brooklyn, NY
The first official chapter was founded on October 5th, 2016 after a vote to change the name of their hospitality and tourism club. The students of SJC Brooklyn were only in the second year of the Hospitality & Tourism Management program. Alpha chapter is where HospiChallenge, Airline Expo, Not So Scary Foods and Art in a Bottle first took place.
Beta
New York City - United States
This chapter was founded in 2016, retroactively including students and professionals within the New York City metro area.
Gamma
Accra, Ghana - West Africa
Our third chapter was founded throughout 2016, based on the work of two individuals who have been helping expand hospitality and tourism in Ghana. The collective community has grown significantly, thanks in large part to the success of the TEW, or Tourism Entrepreneurship Workshop.
Delta
San Juan, Puerto Rico - The Caribbean
The fourth chapter was assembled in 2016, amassing over 200 members throughout the island of Puerto Rico. In the wake of Hurricane Maria, the chapter became dormant but will come back soon!
Epsilon?
Your City, Your Campus - The World
Who will be the next chapter founded? If you are interested please email info@hospitalented.org
F.A.Q.
Answers to some common questions.
HospiChallenge?
In a world that is dominated by cooking competitions we thought it was important to give students and staff a chance to show their skills. Each HC is created for the people who will participate in it. Some traditional challenges include:
- Table Turnover - Teams race to clear and reset a table for a restaurant
- Luggage Stack - Teams find the most creative ways to pile luggage
- Bottle Presentation - Individuals open and serve a bottle for a guest
In addition to these 'active' challenges, teams may work together to solve problems, come up with ideas, and develop solutions to issues in the industry. Participants represent different schools or organizations.
Global hospitality education?
Hospitalented engages in programming and education that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone around the world. Too many people do not have access to formal education as they should, so we try to bridge the gap by creating curriculums and packaging them in a way that is more accessible.
Are you a non-profit?
While we do not have the official designation of 501(c)(3) entity, Hospitalented is largely not for profit. Funding for various programs is thanks to affiliations and collaboration, while certain projects like HospiGo and Frankenstyle are largely funded by the executive director.
Who are you?
While we work with a number of colleagues throughout the world, Hospitalented was founded and is still operated by Dr. Damien L. Duchamp. Learn more about 'ProfD' on his website.
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