Looking Back on Bangkok Riverside Fest 2023
Bangkok Riverside Fest 2023 drew to a triumphant close, having attracted a record number of attendees. One component of its success: the dedicated support of AIHM’s hard-working hospitality students coupled with the expert direction of Programme Lead Ishaan Dargan and teachers Gavin Tiffin and Tip Tirakanirunkul. AIHM’s student ambassadors wined and dined VIPs whilst showcasing the skills of exceptional customer service for special guests. They shared the latest trends in responsible hospitality at Sustainability Kiosks. Behind the scenes at the performance stages, they helped keep things running smoothly. At a variety of stations throughout the festival, students put their events management studies and newly acquired skills and knowledge of practical arts subjects into practice.
In the words of Mark O’Sullivan, Area General Manager of nine Minor properties in Thailand including Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort and Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, where the festival was held:
“This year we were very ably assisted by the students of the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management who showcased their skills and learnings from what is fast becoming a truly exceptional institution – our thanks to Chris, Warren and Ishaan… The bar has now been set very high.”
We know our students put their all into this extraordinary event. As AIHM’s Academic Dean, I get to know each and every student personally, watching their growth over their time with us. From me as well, I’d like to send a sincere thank you to all our hospitality management students for your efforts! I trust you’ll take the invaluable lessons you gained from taking part in this event and carry them forward in your thriving careers to come.
AIHM Students on the Art of Events Management
For any of our AIHM Higher blog readers who might be considering studying at AIHM or others who want insights into the experiences of our students and future hospitality leaders, I’d like to share an assortment of our students’ reflections in their own words.
Here’s what they had to say:
“This was my first time participating in such a big event. The amount of knowledge and experience I gained from this was extraordinary. Interacting with around 3,000 people and delivering the best service possible was not easy at all but with the guidance of the lecturers and Riverside Fest team, we witnessed how we can achieve a better outcome if we join hand in hand. Also, thank you very much to AIHM for giving us this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
– Win Myatt Myatt Phyo
“During the two-week Events Management seminar prior to the festival, we learned about the events management process, the importance of sponsorship and budgeting, and the twelve essential roles in hosting an event. Working at the VIP booth for Casillero del Diablo winery, I gained more in-depth knowledge of beverage service and sparkling wines and was able to improve my teamwork, communication and leadership abilities. When another festival comes around, I’ll use the knowledge I gained from Riverside Bangkok Fest to be even more professional.”
– Prapasirikul Striprawatkul
“The Bangkok Riverside Fest gave all of us students a great opportunity to learn and showcase our skills. During the event, I worked in Benihana, Minor's Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. The food and beverage operations, event management, cashless payment system process and details required to plan such a stunning event were just some of the things I learned. This experience was one that I could not obtain unless I studied at AIHM.”
– Peerachaya Samruayruen
“My experience was amazing as it was my first time participating behind the scenes in an event with such a large audience. Working with the sponsor team from Mekhong was great. While I was part of the service team looking after VIPs, I was able to see how the Mekhong team was organised into different sections – the setup team, bartenders, cashiers and service – and how they all worked together. Taking part in and witnessing the management of such a massive audience and the efforts behind getting everything organised was a great moment of learning.”
– Ahmed Imthiyaz
"From theory to practical experience, the Bangkok Riverside Fest was a wonderful way to finish our studies on event management. Working together as part of the Bangkok Riverside Fest has given us a clear picture of how a large event is managed. Everyone on the event team, from the top to the bottom, has value and importance in making an event a success. We also all had the great opportunity to gain more knowledge through question-and-answer session with the event leaders and other experienced personnel from the festival."
– Yupa Mawan
“The atmosphere of the event was so entertaining and made learning enjoyable. I got a huge exposure to the festival’s event management and practical operations, which will definitely be useful in my future career path.”
– Prim Amornsupapol
“The vibes of the event were really matched its purpose – to return happiness to Bangkok. The last day was the best!”
– Siraphop Watthanabaramisakun
“It was a great opportunity to be part of such a big and extravagant event. We got introduced to a variety of outlets with different styles and themes, which allowed us to see all aspects of event management as well as to develop our future career paths.”
– Ekaterina Masiutina
“I learned more about the various aspects of wine service and food service while working with the team for VIP guests, as well as how to communicate as a team and knowledge about all that goes into event set-up.”
– Apichai Chaicharoen
My experience at the Riverside Fest was helpful for understanding how events come together in real life. I was able to see the different aspects of what goes on behind the scenes. It was hard work but educational and fun as well.”
– Jamila Ebbing
“The event had a wonderful turnout of thousands of people. This was great exposure for my classmates and me. We learned how to deliver service under pressure as well as how to cater to a diverse group of guests. I learned about the art of professional wine service and developed my communication skills through coordinating with colleagues and servicing guests. This ultimately led to a greater depth of knowledge in teamwork and leadership skills. I was also able to witness the amount of planning, preparation and closing procedures that go into hosting an event.”
– Niramol Khanijou
"We were able to learn practically through hands-on training and activities. It was also a good opportunity for us to be exposed to the various challenges faced in an event, as well as to learn from professionals how to resolve those challenges."
– Suphaphit Phanratanamongkol
“This event was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It taught me many life lessons, including the fact that working alone will not help you achieve your goals. To accomplish something greater than you could alone, you must have a team that will support you throughout the process. The Riverside Fest was ultimately a successful experience because the Riverside Fest team was so supportive and a strong team that helped us persevere until the event's conclusion. This experience helped me better understand how to tackle challenges in order to achieve what and where I want to be in my future careers.”
– Tanapat Phupha
Once again, thank you students for your tremendous work!
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