FIU teams up with catering entrepreneur and alumnus Bill Hansen to elevate hospitality education with new events laboratory

MIAMI (Aug. 27, 2025) – The Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU) is taking hospitality events education to a new level with the inauguration of the Bill Hansen Catering & Events Laboratory located inside the Roz and Cal Kovens Conference Center on the Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami. The interactive learning laboratory opened its doors on August 16.

This innovative facility offers FIU students unparalleled hands-on training in catering and event management, merging academic excellence with real-world experience. Through industry-leading technology, dynamic learning environments and mentorship from celebrated professionals, the Bill Hansen Catering & Events Laboratory serves as a transformative hub for aspiring hospitality professionals studying mega and large-scale events at the top ranked hospitality school.
 
“When I first started here at FIU as a student, I couldn’t have imagined this amazing future I’ve created for myself in this wonderful industry. Now I’m excited to pass on my knowledge to the future leaders of hospitality in this creative and innovative way,” said Bill Hansen, the creative visionary and founder of the Hansen Group and Bill Hansen Catering, behind some of Miami’s most lavish events for more than 45 years. Hansen graduated from the Chaplin School in 1980 with his master’s degree and over the years has served as an adjunct professor teaching catering management.

The idea for this space was first imagined years ago by the late FIU events professor Dan Cormany, whose dedication and passion for events education helped shape FIU Chaplin School’s mega event management program—one of the only in the country to offer both an undergraduate and graduate degree.

Professor Cormany had a bold vision for the future of events education, which emphasized the importance of academic research combined with consultation with event professionals. The launch of the laboratory reflects the shared vision of Professor Cormany, FIU and Bill Hansen to foster creativity, innovation, and leadership within the hospitality industry. Students gain expertise in all aspects of catering and event planning, positioning them for success in an increasingly competitive and dynamic field.
 
“We are thrilled to partner with Bill Hansen, whose commitment to excellence and as a trailblazer in the world of catering and events has shaped the South Florida hospitality landscape for decades,” said Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School. “This new laboratory will expand the horizons of our students and set a new standard for experiential learning in the field.”

The new space is located in the Chaplin School’s Kovens Conference Center, just steps away from the school’s main building. Factory 360, an experiential marketing and events agency, brought the room to life with a dynamic design, while Panache Events and Different Look Tabletop Rental Co. provided the furnishings..

Students taking classes this academic year will get to use the facility in a variety of classes including Mega Event Management, Event Feasibility Studies, Meetings and Conventions, Promotions and Experiential Marketing, Advanced Event Management, Event Technology, Entertainment at Venues and Entertainment Tour Management. 

“We can’t wait to have our students experience this unique and innovative way of planning events,” said Sharifa Wilkinson, lead faculty of the mega event management program. “What sets this space apart is its flexibility, creativity and focus on industry immersion. Students will be able to diagram event floorplans, design mood boards, rehearse duties, practice for emergency scenarios and use the skills to engage in activities required in the events and entertainment industry before they even graduate from college.”

About Bill Hansen Catering:
Passion, innovation, teamwork, quality. These are just a few of the words we use to describe Bill Hansen Catering. For over 40 years, Bill Hansen has been pushing the boundaries of what it means to put on an event. Today, he continues his mission to stage extraordinary events in Miami, Palm Beach, and the Florida Keys, now with the help of his seasoned team.

With over 200 team members, clients have the unique opportunity to take advantage of unmatched experience, personalized service, and an outstanding commitment to happiness. Bill and his team continue to be recognized worldwide for their bespoke event planning, customized menus, and marvelous cuisine. To learn more about Bill Hansen Catering, please visit www.billhansencatering.com.

About FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management:
Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management is the No. 4 best hospitality school among U.S. Public Universities and ranked 31 in the world, placing it in the Top 1% globally. As the second-largest hospitality school in the U.S., FIU attracts nearly 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world who are drawn to our outstanding reputation, expert faculty, immersive curriculum, and real-world career pathways. From international hotel and lodging to real estate, foodservice, beverage management, tourism, revenue management, entertainment, and large-scale events, our programs prepare students to lead across the full spectrum of the global hospitality industry.

Located in the heart of Miami—a world-class tourism hub—our students gain unparalleled hands-on, experiential learning that brings hospitality education to life. For more information about Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, visit http://hospitality.fiu.edu.

About FIU:
Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars, and MacArthur Genius Fellows. A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health, and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.