How the Voyage Program Helped This Restaurant Events Specialist Launch Her Career

Name: Madison C.
Position: Restaurant Events Specialist
Hotel: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Dream destination: Florence, Italy
Drink or treat of choice: A hot cup of coffee with a dash of vanilla cream. It sets the tone for a great day ahead.

What could be more Texan than growing up in a family that runs a BBQ and steakhouse? Not much!

With that background, it’s easy to understand why Madison grew up wanting to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.

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“My grandpa taught me that hospitality is not just a job, but a heartfelt commitment to welcoming and caring for others,” Madison says.

Inspired by her family’s experience, she decided to go for it and started with a position as a server at the Renaissance Austin Hotel during her senior year of college. That’s when she discovered the Marriott Voyage Program. “The admission process, from application to interview, was seamless. I greatly appreciated everyone’s guidance, including timely communication and professional support every step of the way.”

For Madison, her time as a Food & Beverage Voyager at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in her life so far, helping her grow on both a personal and professional level.

“The most impactful aspect of my journey has been the trust my team places in me each day to make independent decisions and take initiatives,” she says. “The freedom to learn and make mistakes has given me the confidence to advance as a young leader in my career.”

Madison completed the program in July and immediately started a new role as Restaurant Events Specialist at the Gaylord Texan. The perfect next step given her background in F&B and her passion for hospitality. “Leveraging this experience, I can now effectively collaborate with clients, chefs, and restaurant managers to plan and execute events seamlessly,” she says.

Below, read more about Madison’s Voyager experience and what working in a multi-outlet Food & Beverage operation is really like.

What do you like the most about your new role?

One of the aspects I love most about my new role is the opportunity to explore a new department while still collaborating with my previous team members. I am eager to apply my organizational and planning skills with my experience in F&B to create memorable events within the restaurants.

What was your favorite thing about the Voyage program?

My favorite aspect of the Voyage program is that it serves as a steppingstone after graduating from college. This program has been the ideal starting point for me. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of people from different departments. Being in this program has also helped me realize how much I truly love and want to grow in the hospitality industry. While I enjoy the operational side of things, what I cherish even more are the connections I formed with guests and the sense of family I built with my coworkers.

How did you feel supported in your role as a Voyager?

I’ve felt incredibly supported in my role, especially as a new leader. Initially, my team took the time to train me, offer advice, and gradually delegate responsibilities. And as I built relationships and grew more confident in my work, I was given projects and tasks to manage independently. Working in the Food and Beverage industry demands quick decision-making, and regardless of the outcome, my team has always backed my decisions. This support boosted my confidence to take initiative and handle situations on my own.

How has Marriott supported your growth and given you the opportunity to try new things?

Working at a large hotel with multiple restaurant outlets provided me with the opportunity to manage different outlets at the same time, each with its own unique demands. This experience helped me hone my team management skills, and [taught me how to] deliver exceptional guest service. My journey as a Voyager began at the lobby bar and at one of the evening dinner restaurants. There, I acquired knowledge in fine-dining service, navigating high volume scenarios, and effectively managing the demands of a busy bar. One of the most rewarding aspects was coordinating and executing events within the restaurant. It was so gratifying to make sure both my team and clients were well-prepared for successful events. In addition to these restaurants, I also had the opportunity to manage a coffee and market shop. This exposed me to the bustling demands of morning business, facilitated collaboration with various food vendors, and allowed for hands-on leadership with my team.

What are some of the most exciting projects you’ve been able to take part in at Marriott?

[While I was a Voyager] I was involved in several exciting projects at the Gaylord, including designing limited menus and vouchers for guests, giving me the opportunity to showcase my creativity creating materials that were used at the restaurants. One of my favorite responsibilities was leading the execution of restaurant events, where I could utilize both my organizational abilities and creativity to ensure a seamless experience for our guests.

How would you describe the Gaylord culture?

If I were to sum up Gaylord culture in one word, it would be ‘family.’ Despite being part of different teams, each of us contributes significantly to fostering an incredible collective team spirit. Hospitality isn’t just a job for us; it’s a genuine passion. At Gaylord, I’ve experienced unwavering support, guidance, and love from everyone I’ve encountered. We not only share a dedication to creating exceptional guest experiences but also deeply care for each other, regardless of our role’s importance. Whether I need assistance in the restaurant, help obtaining a product, or advice on executing a task, there’s always someone willing to lend a hand, regardless of how busy they may be.

How did you make the most out of your Voyage experience?

I maximized my Voyage experience by cultivating relationships beyond my Food and Beverage team. Fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with departments ranging from banquets, events, sales, engineering, to the front desk. Each team has extended a helping hand in times of need, allowing me to connect with a multitude of individuals. Understanding the vital role each team plays within the Gaylord community has inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace different opportunities.

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