April 2025 Experience Industry Management Newsletter
Legacy Leaders Outreach Program
At the start of fall quarter, Interim Department Head Kevin Lin launched a student outreach program, called "Legacy Leaders." This initiative was created to enhance department outreach, primarily targeting high school students, with some engagement at the community college level.
The Legacy Leaders team consists of four dedicated students: Jordan Lum (EIM Social Media Director), Isabella Leyva (EIM club president), Zach Eagle (Rho Phi Lambda president) and Finn Schlamp (EIM major). The students’ efforts focused on the fall Cal State application season, working to connect with college counselors across the West Coast and even internationally, expanding awareness of the EIM program to future students worldwide.
On Feb. 28, Lum, Eagle, Schlamp, and Lecturer Jenn Prentice visited Arroyo Grande High School in Arroyo Grande, California. In collaboration with Arroyo Grande High College and Career Counselor Trisha Oksner, the Legacy Leaders presented to more than 60 students, introducing them to the EIM department, sparking excitement about the industry and encouraging them to envision their future as EIM students at Cal Poly.
During the presentation, the team shared insights into the dynamic opportunities within the experience industry, highlighting career paths in event planning, hospitality, tourism and recreation. They engaged students with interactive discussions, personal success stories and real-world examples of how an EIM education can lead to fulfilling careers. The visit also provided students with a chance to ask questions, connect with current Cal Poly students and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of the EIM community.
The EIM department received a total of 488 applications for Fall 2025, marking an 15% increase from last year’s application pool. This growth is a testament to the impact of ongoing outreach efforts.
The Legacy Leaders diligent efforts in connecting with high school and community college counselors, sharing the EIM story and engaging with prospective students played a crucial role in expanding awareness and interest in the program. Their efforts have set a strong foundation for continued growth and we look forward to building on this momentum in the years to come!
EIM 2025 Career Fair Success
After many months of planning and hard work, the annual Experience Industry Management Career Fair was a resounding success. EIM’s National Honors Society, Rho Phi Lambda, hosted the event that took place on Jan. 30 in Cal Poly’s Chumash Auditorium. Twenty-two companies, spanning from all experience industry subsets, came together to help support the professional development of the student body. In response, over 200 ambitious students engaged with companies, deepening their understanding of the industry, networking with professionals and exploring job and internship opportunities.
Many students came with initiative and excellence, which made an impactful impression on the companies attending. All the companies were very complimentary of the event, with many providing positive feedback about their experience. A representative from Fabletics highlighted that, they felt the engagement from the students was wonderful and attendance was high and they could tell that the students really did their research and have a passion in their area of focus. The representatives from KCBX and Live Oak Music Festival recognized students' passion and knowledge for the industry, calling the students impressive.
The career fair ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a steady flow of students and company representatives keeping conversations active throughout the event. Many students appreciated the opportunity to connect with employers, with one attendee noting that there were opportunities and potential jobs for all concentrations. These connections directly led to students securing interviews and arranging internships for future quarters. Representatives from Downtown SLO highlighted the students’ enthusiasm and passion as key factors in fostering meaningful relationships.
The dedicated efforts of Rho Phi Lambda in planning and executing the career fair proved to be incredibly rewarding for each officer. President Zach Eagle reflected on the experience, saying, “It was not just a great Learn by Doing experience but a great life experience. It taught me to keep pushing forward because your work might be a greater success than anyone imagined.” Beyond Rho Phi’s hard work, the invaluable support of the EIM faculty and staff played a crucial role in making this the most successful EIM Career Fair to date. Their support and teamwork took the event to the next level, prompting one faculty member to express that the success of the event truly reflects the excellence of our student leaders, majors and minors, and the incredible backing from our faculty and staff — a proud moment for all.
Exploring Physiological Responses in Experience Research: Insights from Breda University
During the 2024 fall quarter, Professor Keri Schwab had the opportunity to visit Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands during her sabbatical. Breda’s faculty and students have been conducting research similar to the work happening in the EIM Innovation Lab — but with several more years of experience. Schwab’s goal was to learn from their research processes, explore ongoing projects, and most importantly, refine methods for collecting and analyzing data using Shimmer Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) technology.
Shimmer GSR devices measure physiological responses to emotional stimuli, providing deeper insight into how people experience different environments. By combining GSR data with surveys and interviews, researchers can track not only what participants remember but also identify the exact moments when they had an emotional response.
Before heading abroad, Schwab piloted the use of Shimmer devices through the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences’ Summer Undergraduate Research Program, exploring how walking indoors versus outdoors affects emotions, memory, and attention restoration. As with many new technologies, the team encountered challenges along the way —l learning how to properly use the equipment, refine data collection methods and troubleshoot unexpected issues. These lessons have helped shape the lab’s approach moving forward.
Now, alongside EIM lab assistant Sydney Korbey, Schwab is piloting a study with students at The Experimental Structures Facility in Poly Canyon. Participants wear Shimmer devices during their walk to the site, take photos they might post on social media and complete a post-experience survey upon return. Data collection is ongoing, with further analysis planned in the spring.
Looking ahead, Schwab and Professor Pei Zhang are developing a study on hotel workers' physiological stress, well-being and desire to remain in their jobs. By integrating Shimmer data with observational research and self-report surveys, they aim to gain valuable insights into workplace stress and its impact on the hospitality industry.
Additionally, Schwab worked on a proposal for the study abroad center, securing one week of funding to participate in immersive experiences and connect with other experience designers. A one-week trip is planned for late August, offering students the opportunity to engage in transformative experiences and network with industry professionals.
SLO CAL Summit Recap
Earlier this school year, in September, Visit SLO CAL hosted its annual SLO CAL Summit, bringing together more than 200 leaders in the hospitality industry for an afternoon of networking, education and insights from SLO CAL’s President and CEO, Cathy Cartier. This event serves as both a celebration of the tourism industry and a platform for collaboration among key stakeholders.
Among the distinguished attendees, Cal Poly’s Experience Industry Management (EIM) department was proud to be represented by faculty members Interim Department Head Kevin Lin, Dr. Jerusha Greenwood, Sandy Shen, Pei Zhang and Amber Karson, along with students Julie Solomon, Reese Kenerson, Lanyssa Cantu, Annie Iantuono, and Cole Seawell. The event featured a lineup of impactful speakers, ranging from local winery owners discussing sustainability and tours to the President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, each offering valuable insights on industry trends. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of recent shifts in U.S. travel patterns and how the hospitality and tourism industry in San Luis Obispo County is poised for continued growth in the coming years.
A highlight of the event was Visit SLO CAL’s recognition of the Experience Innovation Lab, praising the department’s efforts to drive creativity and innovation in the experience industry.
After touring the lab earlier in 2024, Visit SLO CAL had the opportunity to explore our cutting-edge technology and research, which are shaping the future of the experience economy.
Beyond the excitement of the summit, the department is thrilled to share that Visit SLO CAL has made its third generous donation to support EIM students. This latest contribution will provide scholarships for students from the San Luis Obispo County area, reinforcing Visit SLO CAL’s ongoing commitment to the next generation of industry leaders. With $100,000 donated to the EIM department and the Experience Innovation Lab, they remain one of the department’s valued partners.
We are incredibly grateful for Visit SLO CAL’s continued support, and we look forward to growing this partnership as we expand opportunities for our students and advance the future of the experience industry.
California Restaurant Foundations Visit the EIM Innovation Lab
The Experience Industry Management (EIM) department at Cal Poly welcomed 24 high school teachers from across California as part of the California Restaurant Foundation's ProStart program in November.
The Experience Innovation Lab buzzed with energy as educators engaged in hands-on demonstrations, explored cutting-edge technologies, and discovered the incredible student projects shaping the future of the industry. The immersive experience showcased the dynamic opportunities within the program and highlighted the ways Cal Poly prepares students for success in the restaurant and experience sectors.
This initiative, made possible with the support of Cal Poly’s Office of University Diversity and Inclusion (OUDI), aligns with Cal Poly’s commitment as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) to create meaningful pathways for diverse talent. By connecting with educators, the department is fostering future industry leaders and strengthening the bridge between high school programs and higher education. The event was led by faculty and staff, including Pei Zhang, Sandy Shen, Kevin Lin, and Jenn Prentice. In addition, student ambassadors Glenn Carvalho (computer science), Lanyssa Cantu (EIM), Naria Duenas (EIM), Sydney Korbey (EIM), Jordan Lum (EIM), and Macy Lloyd (wine and viticulture) embodied Learn by Doing through their engaging demonstrations and participations at this event. The department would like to give a big special thanks to alumnus Kevin Rubow, who donated a delicious lunch from Old SLO BBQ!
We are especially grateful to our California Restaurant Foundation partners, Director of Development Erin Mascho and Program Director Natalie Tong, for making this connection possible. Their support has been instrumental in expanding opportunities for students, and we look forward to nurturing these relationships and creating even more impactful experiences in the future.
We’re thrilled to play a role in shaping the next generation of experience industry professionals and look forward to continued collaborations!
Check out the spotlight video of EIM, made by Student videographers Levi Folkrod and Michael Lee: Watch it here!
How to give to the Experience Industry Management Department?
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