This year marked my first time working at the renowned South Beach Wine & Food Festival®, a milestone I had long looked forward to as an FIU student. As I stood with a camera in hand, watching students move swiftly between plating gourmet dishes, crafting cocktails and supporting sustainability efforts, I couldn’t have been more grateful to capture true hospitality in action.
As a marketing assistant for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, I was grateful to attend and work at seven events throughout the weekend.
More than just a celebration of food and beverages, this opportunity allowed me to see the passion and soul of hospitality right here in the heart of Miami.
During the Festival, I was able to capture a variety of work happening behind the scenes from different angles. Some of my highlights included the sustainability efforts led by the FIU Green Team, sponsored by Nestlé Professional, the work of current FIU alumni as hospitality leaders and connecting with current industry professionals.
One moment that stood out in particular was the sustainability initiatives led by the FIU Green Team. Witnessing and capturing 500 students working together to make a large-scale event as sustainable as possible allowed me to gain a new level of respect and appreciation for all the parts that go into creating hospitality experiences that are not only entertaining but environmentally responsible.
Getting to experience Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best was incredible. I especially enjoyed capturing the creativity and production behind it all, with students working hard throughout every step of the process—from preparation to execution to the perfect finishing touches.
During this event, along with Sunday Brunch hosted by Katie Lee, Jeff Mauro and Geoffrey Zakarian as part of The New York Times Series, I had the chance to hear directly from hospitality leaders themselves. My main role was interviewing and capturing stories of FIU alumni who now excel in their real-world hospitality careers. That was exciting.
As someone who has always loved the Food Network, meeting some of my favorite stars felt like an absolute dream. But even better, during the Festival, I had the opportunity to meet Guy Fieri and interview him. As a girl who grew up watching almost every episode of Guy’s Grocery Games and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this meant the world to me. I also had the amazing chance to speak with Aarti Sequeira, another Food Network chef and a personal childhood favorite of mine. During the interview, I asked what advice she would give to FIU students.
“Experience goes beyond the book. As a student, take every opportunity you can. Most often it’s the moments where you stretch yourself where you learn a cosmic amount. For all students stepping out of their comfort zone, keep being brave — it’s a lifelong journey,” Sequeira said.
The advice she shared for students was inspiring and encouraged listeners to continue growing outside their comfort zones.
Although I’m a public relations and advertising student, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival® has reminded me that no matter what career I pursue, the heart of hospitality belongs in every workplace. These experiences will continue to fuel my passion for curating memorable moments—leading with service, leaving guests with memories that bring them back, and telling stories that go far beyond the moment itself.
Barnett meets Food Network legend Guy Fieri behind the scenes.
Star-struck Barnett with her celebrity chef inspiration, Aarti Sequeira.
A perfect pairing—Barnett, FIU student, and renowned chef Alex Guarnaschelli.