Hospitality Leadership Certificate

The Hospitality Leadership Certificate is not slotted to run in 2024, and we hope to have more information about the program and its next date of offering closer to the end of the year.

Interested in learning more about the Class of 2025? Please complete the information at the following link and we will send you further details when it becomes available.

Johnson Hall

Learn from North America's leaders in hospitality executive training – without interrupting your career.

Hospitality leadership involves you in every aspect of your business. Today's competitive environment requires advanced skills to succeed, from a firm grasp on finances to managing talent. Advance your abilities to manage world-class operations with a foundation in essential best practices and new knowledge from University of Guelph and Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration certificate program.

For the Online program, you will take three core courses which will cover interpreting and using financial statements, leading people, and hospitality marketing. You will also choose two of eight elective courses that provide additional emphasis on financial management, foodservice, marketing or revenue management. Participants who successfully complete the five courses AND the 3-day in person workshop in this program receive a Hospitality Leadership Certificate from University of Guelph and the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University.

Who should enroll?

Students who enroll in this program include general managers, property owner/operators, F&B managers, front office supervisors, sales and service managers, operations managers, room controllers, and those who are transitioning into the hospitality field.

"I found both the on-line and the on-campus portion of the HLC to have been extremely relevant and engaging. The on-campus was extremely insightful and the professors were knowledgeable and interesting. So much valuable information for new managers or veterans alike!"

Nancy Champagne – General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, Ottawa, ON

"A great opportunity to network with faculty as well as other industry leaders. This was an especially rewarding experience during a global pandemic."

Nichole de Gouw - Director, Learning & Development Programs, Recipe Unlimited Corporation, Vaughan, ON

"HLC was an excellent opportunity to build my skills as a leader and connect with my colleagues and learn from them. Everyone in the hospitality industry should have the opportunity!"

Adam Zendel – Manager, Asset Manager, Innvest Hotels, Toronto, ON

"The course further developed my skills, opened my eyes to different perspectives and ideas. I look forward to using all of my new skills."

Jennifer Anthony – Operations Director Metro East, Keg Restaurants, Toronto, ON

"This program was a great balance of on-line learning and on-site activities. Perfect option for professionals to further their education in the F&B and hospitality industry."

Ryan Cooling - Director of Operations, Concord Sundial Management, Whistler, BC

"What an excellent program, the ecourses and three days on campus with professional training from masters of the industry. I could not have picked a better group of people who are now friends."

Frank Guerreiro - Director of Banquet Operations - Fairmont, Toronto, ON

"The HLC was not only a great learning program, but it was delivered in an engaging way. It was also a great opportunity to network with some of the industry's best."

Wil Leung - Regional Chef, Cactus Restaurants Ltd, Toronto, ON

"The HLC was valuable to me, as I was able to network with other hospitality professionals in a way that allowed us all to really share our experiences and challenges. We are all in this together."

Susan Dennison - Owner, Denwest QSR, Manotick, ON

Program facts:

Developed by two of North America’s leading hospitality schools – the University of Guelph and Cornell University.
5 online courses offered through eCornell (Each 2 weeks in length, offered either once or twice a month).
3-day leadership workshop at the University of Guelph in May.
Ideal for mid-to-senior level hospitality managers.
Explore advanced topics in hospitality including marketing, revenue management and food beverage services.
2023 Fee: $5,499 +HST (CAD) (5% discount for 2+ registrants from the same organization). 2025 Fee TBD.

Designed for leaders in the hospitality industry

If you are a mid-to-senior level professional in the hospitality industry, this certificate is for you. You will connect with colleagues at a similar place in their careers who wish to reach the next level.

Watch a video featuring Statia Elliot, School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management at the University of Guelph, talk about what the program offers you.

Video transcript (txt)

HLC Information Session

Learn more about the Hospitality Leadership Certificate in this short information session video.

Flexible learning

The Hospitality Leadership Certificate is offered with the flexibility of online coursework (Cornell University) + a three-day on-campus leadership workshop held in May.

Online, self-guided learning

You will start by taking five online, self-guided courses facilitated by eCornell. This will include three core courses focused on team leadership, hospitality marketing and financial management, as well as any two electives in the following subject areas.

financial management,
advanced revenue management,
services marketing or
food, beverage and restaurant management.

Regardless of your area of expertise, you will gain new skills and knowledge in an area relevant to your career.

Leadership workshop

The program concludes with a 3 day on-campus leadership workshop, (May) hosted by the University of Guelph’s School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management where you will learn from noted hospitality experts from both universities, and network with industry professionals - aka your classmates. During the workshop, you will engage in leadership development activities designed to build your understanding of your own brand of leadership. You will leave more aware of how your team perceives you and where you can create change in your leadership style to benefit your organization and industry.

Certificate fee

The 2023 Hospitality Leadership Certificate costs $5,499 +HST (CAD) which covers: (2025 Fee is TBD).

5 hospitality relevant courses facilitated through eCornell (online)
3-day on-campus leadership workshop hosted by the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario CANADA (May)
Material and meals for the three-day workshop.
Accommodations are not included. A hotel room block has been reserved close to campus.

*A discount of 5% applies for 2+ registrants from the same organization. If you are registering two or more people from your organization, please complete a form for each individual and send them in a single email.

Questions?

Media/Photos

STORY: Hospitality professionals learn leadership skills, best practices in new certificate program
HOTELIER MAGAZINE: University of Guelph launches online Hospitality Leadership Program

Learn from North America's leaders in hospitality executive training – without interrupting your career.

Who should enroll?

"A great opportunity to network with faculty as well as other industry leaders. This was an especially rewarding experience during a global pandemic."

Nichole de Gouw - Director, Learning & Development Programs, Recipe Unlimited Corporation, Vaughan, ON

"HLC was an excellent opportunity to build my skills as a leader and connect with my colleagues and learn from them. Everyone in the hospitality industry should have the opportunity!"

Adam Zendel – Manager, Asset Manager, Innvest Hotels, Toronto, ON

"The course further developed my skills, opened my eyes to different perspectives and ideas. I look forward to using all of my new skills."

Jennifer Anthony – Operations Director Metro East, Keg Restaurants, Toronto, ON

"This program was a great balance of on-line learning and on-site activities. Perfect option for professionals to further their education in the F&B and hospitality industry."

Ryan Cooling - Director of Operations, Concord Sundial Management, Whistler, BC

"What an excellent program, the ecourses and three days on campus with professional training from masters of the industry. I could not have picked a better group of people who are now friends."

Frank Guerreiro - Director of Banquet Operations - Fairmont, Toronto, ON

"The HLC was not only a great learning program, but it was delivered in an engaging way. It was also a great opportunity to network with some of the industry's best."

Wil Leung - Regional Chef, Cactus Restaurants Ltd, Toronto, ON

"The HLC was valuable to me, as I was able to network with other hospitality professionals in a way that allowed us all to really share our experiences and challenges. We are all in this together."

Susan Dennison - Owner, Denwest QSR, Manotick, ON

Program facts:

Designed for leaders in the hospitality industry

HLC Information Session

Flexible learning

Online, self-guided learning

Leadership workshop

Certificate fee

Questions?

Media/Photos

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Hospitality Leadership Certificate

Learn from North America's leaders in hospitality executive training – without interrupting your career.

Who should enroll?

Read student testimonials

"A great opportunity to network with faculty as well as other industry leaders. This was an especially rewarding experience during a global pandemic." Nichole de Gouw - Director, Learning & Development Programs, Recipe Unlimited Corporation, Vaughan, ON

"HLC was an excellent opportunity to build my skills as a leader and connect with my colleagues and learn from them. Everyone in the hospitality industry should have the opportunity!" Adam Zendel – Manager, Asset Manager, Innvest Hotels, Toronto, ON

"The course further developed my skills, opened my eyes to different perspectives and ideas. I look forward to using all of my new skills." Jennifer Anthony – Operations Director Metro East, Keg Restaurants, Toronto, ON

"This program was a great balance of on-line learning and on-site activities. Perfect option for professionals to further their education in the F&B and hospitality industry." Ryan Cooling - Director of Operations, Concord Sundial Management, Whistler, BC

"What an excellent program, the ecourses and three days on campus with professional training from masters of the industry. I could not have picked a better group of people who are now friends." Frank Guerreiro - Director of Banquet Operations - Fairmont, Toronto, ON

"The HLC was not only a great learning program, but it was delivered in an engaging way. It was also a great opportunity to network with some of the industry's best." Wil Leung - Regional Chef, Cactus Restaurants Ltd, Toronto, ON

"The HLC was valuable to me, as I was able to network with other hospitality professionals in a way that allowed us all to really share our experiences and challenges. We are all in this together." Susan Dennison - Owner, Denwest QSR, Manotick, ON

Designed for leaders in the hospitality industry

HLC Information Session

Flexible learning

Online, self-guided learning

Leadership workshop

Certificate fee

Questions?

Media/Photos

"A great opportunity to network with faculty as well as other industry leaders. This was an especially rewarding experience during a global pandemic."

Nichole de Gouw - Director, Learning & Development Programs, Recipe Unlimited Corporation, Vaughan, ON

"HLC was an excellent opportunity to build my skills as a leader and connect with my colleagues and learn from them. Everyone in the hospitality industry should have the opportunity!"

Adam Zendel – Manager, Asset Manager, Innvest Hotels, Toronto, ON

"The course further developed my skills, opened my eyes to different perspectives and ideas. I look forward to using all of my new skills."

Jennifer Anthony – Operations Director Metro East, Keg Restaurants, Toronto, ON

"This program was a great balance of on-line learning and on-site activities. Perfect option for professionals to further their education in the F&B and hospitality industry."

Ryan Cooling - Director of Operations, Concord Sundial Management, Whistler, BC

"What an excellent program, the ecourses and three days on campus with professional training from masters of the industry. I could not have picked a better group of people who are now friends."

Frank Guerreiro - Director of Banquet Operations - Fairmont, Toronto, ON

"The HLC was not only a great learning program, but it was delivered in an engaging way. It was also a great opportunity to network with some of the industry's best."

Wil Leung - Regional Chef, Cactus Restaurants Ltd, Toronto, ON

"The HLC was valuable to me, as I was able to network with other hospitality professionals in a way that allowed us all to really share our experiences and challenges. We are all in this together."

Susan Dennison - Owner, Denwest QSR, Manotick, ON