WHAT: More than 600 students seeking careers in the tourism industry attended the 17th Annual Student Industry Conference presented by the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. The conference provides Miami-Dade County high school students who participate in the academy's program an opportunity to attend sessions to help them target their future in the industry as well as interview with local companies for summer internships.

Breakout sessions for high schoolers covered a variety of topics, including "How to present yourself professionally," "Careers in Hospitality: Learn How to Find Your Perfect Position" and "Entering the Race: How to Have a Successful Interview."

Images: Hospitality & Tourism Conference

Academy of Hospitality and Tourism is a member of the nonprofit National Academy Foundation, which supports partnerships between business and public schools to create career academies. Locally, an industry advisory board provides career-connecting activities and guides academy programs. Miami-Dade County academies are located at Homestead Senior High School, Ferguson Senior High School, Robert Morgan Educational Center, Miami Beach Senior High School, Miami Norland Senior High School and Miami Springs Senior High School.

WHO: Highlighting the conference was a keynote address by Stuart Blumberg, president and CEO of the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association and a founder of the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.

Participating companies and organizations include Bethune Cookman University, Calder Race Course, Caribbean Tourism Organization, Conrad Miami, Florida International University, Florida National College, Four Seasons Hotel Miami, Island Queen Cruises, Johnson and Wales University, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Marriott Miami Biscayne Bay, Miami Dade College -- Travel and Tourism Management, Miami Seaquarium, Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Jungle Island, Rosen College of Hospitality Management and Visitor Industry Council.