New Paltz AMA chapter hosts dining etiquette workshop

Thanks to a generous grant from the Career Resource Center, the New Paltz chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) held a dining etiquette workshop from 6-8 p.m., at the College Terrace, on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

The workshop provided students the opportunity to network with other students while enjoying a four-course meal and receiving advice on business and dining etiquette. Insightful business/dining etiquette reminders were provided throughout the meal with the primary purpose of the event to teach students proper dining etiquette in both a business and non-business atmosphere. The workshop was led by guest lecturer, Patrice Huart, director of dining services at the Mohonk Mountain House.

An added benefit was welcoming business professionals Dr. Fred Mayo and Michael Gold, professional photographer and artist, who are working on a book outlining table manners. This book is intended to be of great educational benefit to students, both American and international, who are unfamiliar with dining manners in different cultural situations. They photographed the event and provided the participants with free vouchers worth $200 redeemable for professional headshot sessions in their studio.

The event attracted 55 attendees including students, faculty and business professionals. School of Business Professor Ted Clark, who also serves as the AMA’s faculty advisor, said, “ Table manners play an important part in making a favorable impression. They are visible signals of the state of our manners and therefore are essential to professional success. I’m delighted that so many students took advantage of this opportunity to add to their skill set.”