<p>Tracy Olenick's adventure in academia began at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she majored in Marketing and Communications. While there, Olenick discovered her love for event marketing through various courses and internships, eventually leading her to take roles in fashion and beauty event planning.</p> <p>Then, she transitioned into the financial sector, where she has been producing and leading event teams for over two decades. Always a proponent of continuous learning, Olenick furthered her education with certifications in Wines and Spirits and a Master's Degree in Hospitality from Johnson &amp; Wales University.</p> <p>Her teaching career at NYU SPS began with an opportunity provided by Dianne Devitt, a former teacher of hers, when Event Management was still a certificate program at NYU SPS.</p>

<p>Olenick's passion for teaching comes from her family. &quot;Being raised by two school teachers, education is in my DNA!&quot; she shares. Despite the demands of her full-time career, she finds great joy in impacting and influencing the next generation of event professionals. The environment at NYU SPS, which emphasizes learning from working industry professionals, is something Olenick values highly. She enjoys sharing her experiences, supporting her students' development, and aiding in their success. &quot;It is so important for budding event professionals to learn from those with boots still on the ground,&quot; she asserts, emphasizing the advantage this brings when recruiting emerging talent.</p>

<p>Students in Olenick's classes benefit from her close connection to the day-to-day realities of event management. Her lessons are often more technical, providing students with realistic insights into the industry. This approach helps students discover their preferred career paths and inspires them to pursue them. Olenick's classes feature distinguished guest speakers, volunteering, and real-world projects, all designed to expand students' networks and build lasting professional relationships. She delights in hearing that her classes exceed students' initial expectations or steer them in new, previously undiscovered directions.</p> <p>The journey of event management is fraught with both challenges and triumphs. Olenick acknowledges that events are live shows with high visibility and fixed deadlines, requiring unique personalities and ways of working that are both innate and learned.</p> <p>She considers herself fortunate to be surrounded by incredible talent who support the success of events, contributing to her own successful career trajectory. &quot;Event management presents its own brand of challenges, but also celebratory successes not seen in most other careers,&quot; Olenick reflects.</p>

<p>Looking ahead, Olenick sees the hospitality industry at a crossroads between tradition and modernization. She believes that balancing these aspects will be crucial for doing hospitality &quot;right.&quot; As the industry evolves with automation, AI, and other technologies, she stresses the importance of maintaining the personal touch that is central to hospitality and events.</p> <p>&quot;Build your network! Find your allies. To do this, you need to work hard… and be nice. This industry requires a village to thrive and your reputation and relationships will carry you forward. Lead with integrity and success will follow.&quot;</p> <p>Olenick also highlights the immense opportunities within the hospitality field. By choosing NYU SPS, students are taking a vital and exciting step towards building a network and showcasing their talent to industry leaders. &quot;How lucky are you to have made the decision to study Hospitality. This is an area brimming with opportunity, and more importantly, heart,&quot; she concludes.</p> <p>Join Tracy Olenick and other boots-on-the-ground faculty in the classroom at the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/jonathan-m-tisch-center-of-hospitality.html" title="Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality">Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality</a> when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-event-management.html" title="MS in Event Management">MS in Event Management</a> today.</p>