Originally designed to thank its partners, this event now aims to foster dialogue, encourage collaboration and enhance the school’s reputation.

The event kicked off with a presentation of the Fundsevents project, a platform developed by BTS students that connects investors with event organisers. The evening featured an inspiring keynote speech by Robert Goeres, CEO of Goeres Watches, which highlighted the importance of the human factor in the hospitality industry. This was followed by a highlight of the evening: the presentation of the 6th “EHTL Award of Excellence”. Guests then continued their discussions over a regional and seasonal buffet, showcasing the expertise of the students and their teachers, as well as the quality of the dishes on offer.

Laurent Herschbach: an exceptional career recognised with an award

The EHTL had the honour of presenting its Award of Excellence to Laurent Herschbach, a former student of the school and an iconic figure in the luxury hospitality industry. A graduate of the EHTL, he began his career at the Ritz Paris in 1997 as a receptionist, before rising through the ranks to become general manager in February 2023. As noted by Michel Lanners, director of the EHTL, his career embodies loyalty and perseverance, with over 25 years at the same establishment, reflecting a constant commitment. Now working in consultancy, Laurent Herschbach remains an inspiring role model for students and professionals in the sector.

After warmly thanking the EHTL for presenting him with this award, Laurent Herschbach recalled that it was the school that had given him a solid foundation on which to build his professional career, thanks to a balance between theory and practice, but also by fostering a taste for teamwork from a very early stage. Reflecting on his school days, he was keen to pay tribute to the teachers’ dedication: he remembers each and every one of them, “which shows that they gave their all to inspire us to pursue this profession, to motivate us and to help us progress,” he concluded.

Convinced that a career in hospitality is no accident, he encouraged the younger generation to actively pursue this path. He also emphasised the importance of offering students inspiring and well-structured training programmes: “We need to make the younger generation want to enter this profession, because it is a wonderful profession.”

The event reaffirmed the EHTL’s role as a key player in training and professional networking within the hospitality sector, by fostering dialogue between generations and highlighting inspiring career paths.

For further information, please visit www.ehtl.lu.

A full version of this article is also available in French.