International Gastronomic Seminar at Velas Vallarta

The first International Gastronomic Seminar, organizad by GrupoExcelencias, in Puerto Vallarta titled “How to Boost your Business in Times of Crisis” was held in the Velas Vallarta Hotel, and included subject themes such as Human Resources, marketing, E-commerce and event coordination.

The seminar started October 5 with the aim of increasing quality in tourism-related business, and was attended by the chairman of the Group Excelencias, Jose Carlos de Santiago, city officials from Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, as well as representatives from hotels and restaurants, and other segments such as travel agencies and tour operators.

The seminar included a series of conferences: Human Resources, dictated by Guillermo Fraga, an expert with over 15 years of experience in multinational companies like Coca Cola and Nabisco; Food and Beverages by the expert Luis Ocaña, trained at the Four Seasons hotel chain; Applied marketing, alliances, media, image, by Carlos Elizondo.

Edgar Urence also participated by giving a conference on E-commerce, digital marketing strategies and internet sales; social networking and applications. Haydhelen Velazquez spoke about Abundance and other success habits to fight crisis.

Jose Carlos de Santiago gave a conference on Creating a Communication Group and his 25- year experience in media in different countries.

The seminar also included other activities: Douwe Egberts did an excellent presentation of the world of coffee and latte art, with incredible figures drawn on the milk foam of lattes. It aimed to improve service and opening other business opportunities. Yamir Pellegrino, the president of the Sommelier Club of Cuba, in turn, offered a tasting of Cuban Cigars, coffee, and Flor de Caña Rum, and another tasting with such an authentic Mexican liquor as raicilla, a Cuban Romeo and Juliet Cigar, Serrano ham from Spain, along with Colombian coffee and Mexican Chocolate.

On the last day of the seminar, the theme was banquet and event organization. Guest speakers were Elias Sapien, from Guadalajara, with a vast experience in this field, the proud organizer of the dinner offered to President Obama during his visit to Guadalajara, and Rocco Troyani, who talked about wedding and event decoration, with great experience in Mexico and abroad.

In the evening there was a tasting of Trio wines conducted by sommelier FErmin Gomez, from Mexico, who invited Yamir Pellegrino, while Cuervo World offered a conference by tequila expert Sonia Espinola followed by tequila tasting.

The seminar closed with the diploma ceremony, an impromptu raffle and the christening of the seminar by sommelier Yamir Pellegrino with the cutting of a wine bottle with just a wine glass.

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