The Darden Series: HTM Executives in the Classroom is a forum that brings industry leaders into the classroom to give students a sense of the industry's current status, its future and what students need to know for success.  Students are given the opportunity to meet some the most respected and dynamic leaders in the hospitality and tourism business.  Visiting HTM executives share their experiences and knowledge of the industry, bringing the student's textbook material to life.  This is an opportunity of a lifetime for HTM learners. 

The Darden Series is also open to the public.  The program is an excellent juncture for other departments at Purdue, local business women and men, and community schools to coalesce with these extraordinary hospitality and tourism leaders. 

Visiting executives give their formal presentations to the HTM 100 Introduction to Hospitality class, meeting on Tuesday and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., which numbers 150 to 200 students.  However, the speakers are asked to spend a day and a half on campus.  Their itinerary typically includes an orientation dinner at the student led International Dinner Series in the John Purdue Room, breakfast the following morning in the HTM Cafeteria with students and faculty, lunch following the presentation in the John Purdue Room where students cook and serve.  Many speakers also stay for informal visits in afternoon classes.