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21 November 2024 
Mr. Oğuzhan Elma, Ms. Maysoon Khan, Ms. Sema Etiz, Ms. Beyza Nur Özşen, Mr. Nafi Sürmeli | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Fall 2024– 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Hotel Management students Ms. Sema Etiz, Ms. Maysoon Khan, Ms. Beyza Nur Özşen, Mr. Oğuzhan Elma and Mr. Nafi Sürmeli who participated in the CHRIE Smith Travel Research (STR) Market Study Competition as the guest speakers of the seminar series with their market study on Istanbul city.
Date : Thursday, 21 November 2024
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
STR Inc. is a member of the CoStar Group and offers insightful competitive data for the hotel industry all over the world. CHRIE is a well-established tourism education council that includes not only academics who teach in educational institutions worldwide in the field of hospitality and lodging but also industry stakeholders as members. STR and CHRIE organize a competition every year for higher education students to develop their awareness of the industry dynamics and improve their knowledge and skills on hotel analytics. This year, for the third time, our Hotel Management students represented our university at this exciting event in the EMEA region and were awarded “Honorable Mansion” among the top hospitality higher education institutions in the region. They prepared a very detailed market study project on the city of Istanbul under their advisor, Asst. Prof. Dr. H. Kader Şanlıöz-Özgen, and presented their study before a jury of professional partners in Europe. This year's event was organized online on 8 November 2024, with the participation of seven universities in total from various EMEA countries.
In the seminar class, our Hotel Management Department students Ms. Sema Etiz, Ms. Maysoon Khan, Ms. Beyza Nur Özşen, Mr. Oğuzhan Elma, and Mr. Nafi Sürmeli, who participated in the STR competition, will present on "Market Study for Istanbul City."
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14 November 2024 
Mr. Onur Özdiker | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Fall 2024– 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the general manager of Rixos Sungate, Mr. Onur Özdiker as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 14 November 2024
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Onur Özdiker, who completed his university education in Mersin University Tourism and Hotel Management and Anadolu University Business Administration departments, started his hotel business career while still in high school by selling Merit Gold Cards at Mersin Merit Hotel. Mr. Onur Özdiker, who was impressed by the discipline and order of hotel management, decided to study tourism and hotel management because he was curious about the academic infrastructure of the profession and believed that there were long-term and extraordinary opportunities in the sector. In the first year after starting university, he worked as a bodyguard for two seasons at Auditorium Disco, which he accepted to manage for a few weeks because the hotel where he would do his internship in Alanya was under construction. Then, his 10-year WOW Hotels Topkapı Palace journey began. After working as a manager at various levels in the food and beverage department of this group, he evaluated the offer from ACCOR Group, the world's largest hotel chain, in mid-2008 and transferred abroad to Bahrain as the food and beverage director. After spending years in this position abroad, he evaluated the offer from IHG Intercontinental Hotel Group and started working at Izmir Crowne Plaza as the food and beverage director in 2011. In 2013, he became the head of the same company's Wyndham Grand Hotel Levent investment in Istanbul.
After spending 2 years there, he returned to Antalya in 2015 as the deputy general manager of Rixos Sungate Hotel, which is part of Rixos Hotels. After various senior positions at The Land of Legends - Rixos Pera Istanbul facilities within Rixos Hotels, Mr. Onur Özdiker was appointed as the general manager of Rixos Downtown Hotel in 2017. He transformed Rixos Downtown Hotel from a bed and breakfast concept to an all inclusive and all exclusive concept, and was an important factor in the hotel reaching its highest efficiency for 4 years.
In September 2021, he was appointed to the mixed project Rixos Water World Aktau and Tetysblu project, which is Rixos Hotels' largest overseas investment. Here, destination management - Central Asia's first and largest all inclusive and all exclusive concept - first and largest theme park - golf club and villa and shopping mall and hotels and coastal roads and residences, the mixed project was implemented. In October 2023, he was appointed as the general manager of Rixos Sungate Hotel with 1,100 rooms and 3,500 guest capacity, where he still works.
Mr. Onur Özdiker, who is married and has a daughter, is 51 years old and his tourism journey, which started at the age of 17, still continues.
In the seminar class, Sn. Onur Özdiker will present on “Your Focus is Your Life.”
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7 November 2024 
Prof. Dr. Ayşın Paşamehmetoğlu | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Fall 2024– 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Özyeğin University, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Hotel Management’s faculty member Prof. Ayşın Paşamehmetoğlu as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 7 November 2024
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Prof. Ayşın Paşamehmetoğlu received her B.Sc. degree in Tourism and Hotel Management from Bilkent University in 1999 and her M.A. degree in Management from Atılım University in 2003. She received her Ph.D. degree in Management and Organization, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences in 2010 from Başkent University. Her Ph.D. dissertation was about “The Impact of Different Cultural Values on the Social Capital: A Case of Ankara Mobilyacılar Sitesi (SİTELER) and Ortadoğu Sanayi ve Ticaret Merkezi (OSTİM)”. In 2017 she received her post-doc degree from Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management, University of Houston, Texas, USA.
From 2005 until 2010 she worked as a part-time instructor at Bilkent University, School of Applied Technology and Management, Tourism and Hotel Management Department. Her research interests include organizational behaviour, organizational theories, organizational sociology, social capital and cultural studies, network organizations and industrial clusters. Prof. Ayşın Paşamehmetoğlu has been working as a faculty member at Özyeğin University Hotel Management Department since 2011.
In the seminar class, Prof. Ayşın Paşamehmetoğlu will present on “Hospitality Vision of Atatürk: Case of Ankara Palas and Ankara Ship”.
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17 October 2024 
Ms. Burçin Türkkan | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Fall 2024– 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the 2022 SKAL International President Ms. Burçin Türkkan as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 17 October 2024
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Burçin Türkkan is a dynamic and accomplished executive with over 25 years of experience spanning international HR, finance, education, innovation, business strategy, and operations specializing in Travel and Tourism. Her entrepreneurial journey is marked by founding several companies, including USEH International Training Services, International Training and Education Canada, and New Era Business Innovation and Management Consulting. She was the global President of SKÅL International in 2022.
Educationally, Ms. Burçin Türkkan shines as a valedictorian from Bilkent University with a B.Sc. Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, an MBA from Johnson and Wales University, and a Certified Hospitality Educator Designation from AHLEI. She is also a Graduate Certificate holder in Leadership in 21st Century Organizations from Copenhagen Business School and pursuing her Ph.D. in Hospitality Management at Rosen College at UCF, USA.
Her extensive recognitions include the Bill Sweet Award from SKÅL USA, a Certificate of Recognition from the Tourism Ministry of Mexico, and the Order of Merit from SKÅL International, among others, showcasing her impactful contributions to international tourism development and leadership.
Ms. Burçin Türkkan's involvement with SKÅL International highlights her leadership journey, starting from her membership at SKÅL Atlanta Club in 2007 to her presidency in 2014, and culminating in her historic role as the first Turkish American President of the SKÅL USA Executive Board in 2018 and the first American female elected to the SKÅL International EB and as the first female President from the USA in 2022.
Having lived, studied, and worked in six different countries, Ms. Türkkan has settled in Atlanta, GA, USA, for the past 22 years, where she enjoys playing competitive tennis, traveling, and skiing.
Ms. Burçin Türkkan's perspective of international markets specializing in the tourism and hospitality industry, particularly in integrating “Artificial Intelligence” into the travel and tourism industry to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency. Her articles and thought leadership on AI, travel and tourism, and global business strategies are featured on the “New Era Business Innovation” and “Management Consulting” blog.
In the seminar class, Ms. Burçin Türkkan will present on "Al's Impact in HR-Recruitment Process / Talent Management in Hospitality Industry".
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25 April 2024 
Ms. Hülya Aslantaş 
Mr. Salih Çene
Ms. Burçin Türkkan | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Spring 2024– 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Presidents of SKÅL International Ms. Hülya Aslantaş (2008-2009), Mr. Salih Çene (2014-2015) and, Ms. Burçin Türkkan (2022) as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 25 April 2024
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Hülya Aslantaş is a graduate of Notre Dame de Sion French High School and Bosphorus University, Business Administration Faculty. She started her career in tourism in 1984, together with her husband, and they founded Universal Travel Services, which is today one of the leading destination management companies of Türkiye. In 1995, they established a joint venture company with Europe Tax Free Shopping to launch Tax Free services for tourists. She is currently the President of Global Blue - Türkiye.
She was the Vice President of TÜRSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies) from 2000 to 2004, World President of SKÅL International (Association of World Tourism Professionals) from 2008 to 2009, and President of TMD from 2017 to 2019. She speaks English, French, and German.
Mr. Salih Çene was born in Istanbul in 1950. He has a higher national diploma in “Hotel and Catering Administration” from Westminister Technical College-London, UK. Mr. Salih Çene has been in the Travel and Tourism industry since 1969. As a “hotelier”, he spent 50 years of this period at top management or partner/CEO positions of various firms, hotels, and chains. He also gives educational seminars by taking part in the Tourism Education programs and symposiums of various universities. Between 2016-2019, he served the sector as a freelance consultant by assisting with Operational Management, Project Development, System Analysis, Pre-opening, Organization and Re-organization. Mr. Salih Çene has more than 200 articles published in various industry magazines and the press and worked as a columnist for the Akşam Newspaper’s extra issue. Mr. Salih Çene has been a SKÅL member since 1980 and has taken office at every level of SKÅL International. In October 2014, he was elected the World President of SKÅL International - at the SKÅL AGM in Mexico City and delivered his chain of office in October 2015 at the SKÅL AGM in Torremolinos-Spain. Also, Mr. Salih Çene held office at various organizations such as the “Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD-Founder Member)”, “International Hotels & Restaurants Association (IHRA)”, and ALTİD (Alanya Touristic Operators Association), AKTOB (Antalya Touristic Operators Association). He still contributes to some social projects of local and national NGOs. He also is the term President of “Antalya Dostlar Platformu”. He can speak English and German.
Ms. Burçin Türkkan is a dynamic and accomplished executive with over 25 years of experience spanning international HR, finance, education, innovation, business strategy, and operations specializing in Travel and Tourism. Her entrepreneurial journey is marked by founding several companies, including USEH International Training Services, International Training and Education Canada, and New Era Business Innovation and Management Consulting. She was the global President of SKÅL International in 2022.
Educationally, Ms.Burçin Türkkan shines as a valedictorian from Bilkent University with a B.Sc. Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, an MBA from Johnson and Wales University, and a Certified Hospitality Educator Designation from AHLEI. She is also a Graduate Certificate holder in Leadership in 21st Century Organizations from Copenhagen Business School and was recently accepted to pursue her Ph.D. in Hospitality Management at Rosen College at UCF, USA.
Her extensive recognitions include the Bill Sweet Award from SKÅL USA, a Certificate of Recognition from the Tourism Ministry of Mexico, and the Order of Merit from SKÅL International, among others, showcasing her impactful contributions to international tourism development and leadership.
Ms. Burçin Türkkan's involvement with SKÅL International highlights her leadership journey, starting from her membership at SKÅL Atlanta Club in 2007 to her presidency in 2014, and culminating in her historic role as the first Turkish American President of the SKÅL USA Executive Board in 2018 and the first American female elected to the SKÅL International EB and as the first female President from the USA in 2022.
Having lived, studied, and worked in six different countries, Ms. Türkkan has settled in Atlanta, GA, USA, for the past 22 years, where she enjoys playing competitive tennis, traveling, and skiing.
Ms. Burçin Türkkan's perspective of international markets specializing in the tourism and hospitality industry, particularly in integrating “Artificial Intelligence” into the travel and tourism industry to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency. Her articles and thought leadership on AI, travel and tourism, and global business strategies are featured on the “New Era Business Innovation” and “Management Consulting” blog.
In the seminar class, Ms. Hülya Aslantaş, Mr. Salih Çene, and Ms. Burçin Türkkan will present on "Tourism in the Past, Tourism Today, Tourism in the Future". |
18 April 2024 
Ms. Balcan Oğuz Kadayıfçı | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Spring 2024– 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Director of Sales & Marketing at Sanasaryan Han, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Istanbul Ms. Balcan Oğuz Kadayıfçı as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 18 April 2024
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Balcan Oğuz Kadayıfçı, a graduate of Dokuz Eylül University Department of Tourism Management, began her career in the hotel industry in the sales department at Hilton Istanbul. She held the positions of Special Events and Catering Sales Officer, Corporate Sales Officer, and Director of Corporate Sales. She then served as the Corporate Sales Director at the Le Meridien Istanbul hotel. Following this, she continued her career as the Director of Business Development at various companies and then as the Sales Director for the Marmara Pera and Şişli hotels.
After serving as the Director of Business Development at Double Tree by Hilton Istanbul Moda, she assumed the role of Sales Director at Hilton Bakırköy. She continued her career on the opening staff of the JW Istanbul Marmara Sea hotel, holding the positions of Sales Director and then Director of Sales and Marketing consecutively.
She is currently the Director of Sales and Marketing at Sanasaryan Han, the first "Luxury Collection" hotel by Marriott International in Istanbul. From the period of the hotel's opening preparations to the commencement of its services, she has taken on the task of creating a new definition of experiential luxury in Istanbul.
In the seminar class, Ms. Balcan Oğuz Kadayıfçı will present on "Opening Luxury Hotels and Positioning." |
04 April 2024 
Mr. Reno Moser | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Spring 2024– 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of Four Seasons Hotels Istanbul Mr. Reto Moser as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 04 April 2024
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Reto Moser, born on May 8, 1974, in Schwarzenburg, Switzerland, is a shining example of success in the hospitality industry. He has built a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the luxury hospitality industry, showcasing a wealth of experience in various managerial roles across different regions.
Currently serving as the General Manager at Four Seasons Hotels Istanbul, Mr. Moser oversees two properties in Istanbul, demonstrating his ability to manage complex operations and drive business success.
Before his current role, Mr. Reto Moser held the position of General Manager at the Four Seasons Corporate Office EMEA in Dubai, UAE. His extensive international experience includes serving as the General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Moscow in Russia, where he managed a diverse portfolio of offerings, including accommodations, dining options, and spa facilities.
Mr. Reto Moser's journey also includes leadership roles at renowned properties such as Four Seasons Hotels in Cairo at Nile Plaza in Egypt, Bangkok, and Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Thailand.
With a solid foundation in food and beverage management, Mr. Reto Moser's career highlights include roles at prestigious establishments such as Four Seasons Resort Provence in France and The Peninsula Chicago in the USA.
Outside of work, Mr. Reto Moser remains passionate about exploring new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. This curiosity enriches his leadership style, infusing it with a diverse range of experiences.
In the seminar class, Mr. Reto Moser will present on “Guest Recognition: Why It Matters?”. |
22 February 2024 
Ms. İpek Sepil Öztürk | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Spring 2024– 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome DHRI Group Brand Standards Manager Ms. İpek Sepil Öztürk as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 22 February 2024
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. İpek Sepil Öztürk, who graduated from Bilkent University Tourism and Hotel Management, started her career in the hotel industry in the food and beverage department at Sheraton Çeşme, then carried on as Senior Executive Assistant at Conrad Istanbul. Later, she joined Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International as CEO Assistant and worked as Group Training and Brand Standards Manager and Group Human Resources Manager respectively. Afterwards, she worked as Group Human Resources Manager at Point Hotel Management. Öztürk, who has been in the support team of many hotel opening operations in domestic and abroad, continues her career as Group Brand Standards Manager at Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International and is responsible for expanding the group’s brand range in the field of hotel management and accommodation services and also responsible for the quality assurance of the brands.
In the seminar class, Ms. İpek Sepil Öztürk will present on “The Art and Strategy of Hotel Branding”. |
4 January 2024 
Ms. Yeşim Doğukan | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Fall 2023– 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Radisson Hotel Group Area Marketing and Communications Manager (Türkiye, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq) Ms. Yeşim Doğukan as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 4 January 2024
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
With a strong background and experience in the Public Relations and Marketing Communications industry for over 25 years, Ms. Yeşim Doğukan possesses several skills across the board including research, analysis, critical thinking, financial reporting, guest relations, and problem-solving among others.
As a dynamic leader who completely believes in the value and importance of teamwork, she enjoys working in and managing teams. Over the course of her career, she has gained valuable experience in creating and managing public relations strategies, luxury marketing, branding and corporate identity practices, marketing plans and budgets, concept development, joint marketing activities, and financial budgeting.
Ms. Yeşim Doğukan has also been teaching as a part-time lecturer at Özyeğin University Department of Hotel Management since February 2014. The course is centered on marketing communications strategies required to create “Branded Guest Experiences” within the framework of integrated marketing and brand management.
Ms. Yeşim Doğukan started her career in 1995 and developed her expertise in the marketing and communications area in Türkiye. In 1995 her career started as a Brand and Public Relations Manager for Clinique cosmetic brand and followed by being a Marketing Communications Manager for Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Hotels for Turkey until 2001. After that, her journey continued with Mynet which is the leading internet company and the first email service provider for Turkish internet users. In 2005 she moved to Swissotel The Bosphorus and supported all the openings of new properties in Türkiye within 10 years. Before joining to Radisson Hotel Group in Türkiye, Ms. Yesim Doğukan was working for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group for Türkiye hotels overseeing all Marketing and Public Relations strategies and structures.
Ms. Yeşim Doğukan is graduated from İstanbul University and also attended many national and international programs and workshops for the improvement of her career.
Ms. Yeşim Doğukan is currently a board member of International Advertising Association (IAA) in Turkey and a CTI certificated life coach.
In the seminar class, Ms. Yeşim Doğukan will present on "Luxury Marketing Trends in Hospitality." |
21 December 2023 
Yağmur Karalı 
Ece Varnalı 
İlayda Tunalı 
Haania Ahmad | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Fall 2023– 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Hotel Management students Ece Varnalı, Haania Ahmad, Yağmur Karali and İlayda Tunalı who participated in the Smith Travel Research (STR) Market Study Competition held in Paris, as the guest speakers of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 21 December 2023
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
STR Inc. is a member of Co Star group and offers insightful competitive data for the hotel industry all over the world. The company organizes a competition every year for higher education students to develop their awareness of the industry dynamics and improve their knowledge and skills on the hotel analytics. This year for the second time, our Hotel Management students represented our university at this exciting event in Europe. Senior students Ece Varnalı, Haania Ahmad, Yağmur Karali, and junior student İlayda Tunalı worked for several weeks for this competition as a part of the Managing Revenue and Distribution Channels in Hotels course. They prepared a very detailed market study project on the destination of Paris under their advisor, Asst. Prof. Dr. H. Kader Şanlıöz-Özgen, and presented their study before a jury with academic and professional partners in Europe. This year event was organized online by Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne (EHL) on 3 November 2023 with the participation of nine universities in total from various countries of Europe.
In the seminar class, our Hotel Management Department students Ece Varnalı, Haania Ahmad, Yağmur Karali, and İlayda Tunalı, who participated in the STR competition, will present on "Market Study for Paris" in the Seminar course. |
14 December 2023 
Ms. Binnaz Uludağ Yiş | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Fall 2023– 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Chief Experience and Marketing Officer at Doğuş Group, Ms. Binnaz Uludağ Yiş as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 14 December 2023
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Binnaz Uludağ Yiş has been the Chief Experience and Marketing Officer at Doğuş Food and Beverage, Tourism and Retail Group since August 2020.
She leads the marketing and experience teams of a portfolio consisting of 45 food and beverage brands (d.ream), 13 hotels (D-Hotels and Resorts), and 15 retail brands (Doğuş Retail) operating in more than 280 locations in 55 cities across 23 different countries. She continues her work on transforming brands in the food and beverage, tourism, and retail categories through data and experience-focused marketing approaches, determining marketing and guest strategies, and carrying out all the marketing processes including; digital marketing, marketing communication, corporate communication, PR and Events, CRM, and campaign management, and working on expanding the portfolio with new brands and concepts.
After graduating from Koç University's Economics Department in 2004, Ms. Binnaz Uludağ Yiş completed her master's degree in Mathematical Economics and Econometrics at The London School of Economics and Political Science. She worked at Turkcell for about 13 years, where she had various managerial roles primarily focusing on customer loyalty and experience in brand management, creating marketing communication strategies, managing the marketing processes of numerous valuable brands and leading transformation teams run by the company on the focus of digital products and services. In the year 2019, she joined Amazon's Türkiye organization, taking on the role of category leader responsible for the digital product and service portfolio.
Ms. Binnaz Uludağ Yiş is married and mother of two children.
In the seminar class, Ms. Binnaz Uludağ Yiş will present on "Designing Timeless Brands and Experiences." |
23 November 2023 
Mr. Yılmaz Tokgöz | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Fall 2023– 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Managing Director of Unilever Food Solutions Mr. Yılmaz Tokgöz as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 23 November 2023
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Yılmaz Tokgöz started working in the Customer Development Department at Unilever in 2003. Throughout the years 2003 to 2018, he advanced his career by serving in various departments. As of August 2018, he holds the position of Category and Channel Development Director responsible for the Food Category in Türkiye. Additionally, as of February 2021, he serves as the General Manager of Unilever Food Solutions.
He completed his university education in the Department of Food Engineering at Ankara University, followed by a master's degree in the same department. In 2019, he successfully completed the Executive MBA program at Bilkent University.
At Unilever, he provided training as an in-house trainer on Negotiation Techniques. Furthermore, he practices coaching with his Co-Active Coaching Program Certificate.
Yılmaz Tokgöz voluntarily mentors at Lead Network Türkiye (Leading Executives Advancing Diversity). He is a mentor in “Sales Network Community” and Co-Chair of “Youth in Sales Network”.
He is a board member of ‘ETÜDER’ (Association of Out-of-Home Consumption Suppliers), and a member of the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Business Administration at Bilkent University.
Married and father of his daughter named Ela, Yılmaz Tokgöz is the recipient of the LiSA 2021 and 2022 "Leader of the Year in Other Industries" awards.
Mr. Yılmaz Tokgöz is going to make a presentation titled " Future Menu Trends" in the Seminar class. |
02 November 2023 
Mr. Ahmet Özkan | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Fall 2023 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of Rixos Tersane Istanbul, Mr. Ahmet Özkan as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 02 November 2023
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Ahmet Özkan earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Istanbul University in 2000.
Mr. Ahmet Özkan began his career journey in the sales department at Hilton Konya after completing his military service. Over nine years, he held various key positions in the sales and revenue management departments of Hilton Hotels, both domestically and abroad. During his Hilton career, Mr. Ahmet Özkan also participated in leadership training programs related to sales, marketing, and revenue management.
In 2010, he concluded his career with the Hilton Group by serving as the Revenue Manager at Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik. Then, he returned to Türkiye to take on the Sales and Marketing Director role at Swissotel Grand Efes Izmir; then, in 2013, he transferred to Swissotel The Bosphorus. During his tenure at Swissotel The Bosphorus, Mr. Ahmet Özkan has taken positions as the Deputy General Manager in charge of rooms and as the Hotel Manager. He also joined general management and leadership programs offered by FRHI and Accor.
Starting in October 2022, Mr. Ahmet Özkan has been serving as the General Manager of Rixos Tersane Istanbul, the flagship hotel of the Rixos Group located in Tersane Istanbul, and the newly introduced Aliee Istanbul brand.
Mr. Ahmet Özkan is going to make a presentation titled "Concept and Content in Hospitality Marketing " in the Seminar class. |
12 October 2023 
Mr. Michael Vincent Reyes | Seminar Series of the Faculty of Applied Sciences – Fall 2023 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Hotel Manager of The Peninsula Chicago, USA, Mr. Michael Vincent Reyes as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 12 October 2023
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Michael Vincent Reyes's career journey began with a strong educational foundation, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management from DLSU College of St. Benilde in the Philippines in 2004.
He started his career in 2005 in the Peninsula Manila as a Front Office Agent. During his tenure at The Peninsula Hotels for over 15 years, he proceeded step by step by taking positions in several esteemed Peninsula locations worldwide. Mr. Michael Vincent Reyes has held leading roles such as Hotel Manager and Director of Rooms, where he oversaw various divisions, including Front Office, Concierge, Guest Relations, Housekeeping, and Spa.
Along the way, Mr. Michael Vincent Reyes continued to gain experience by taking pre-opening positions at Peninsula hotels in Paris and Shanghai, with secondments and cross-exposure opportunities in New York and Hong Kong.
Mr. Michael Vincent Reyes is Filipino by birth and Canadian through naturalization. He is fluent in English and Filipino Tagalog also has conversational proficiency in Thai.
He continues to uphold the Peninsula tradition of creating exceptional guest experiences and maintaining the highest standards of excellence.
Mr. Vincent Reyes is going to make a presentation titled "Introduction to The Peninsula Chicago and Career Journeys " in the Seminar class. |
25 May 2023 
Ms. Yonca Erdoğ | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2023 – 7. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Revenue Director of Çırağan Palace Kempinski Turkey, Ms. Yonca Erdoğ as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 25 May 2023
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : ZOOM
Broadcast Classroom : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Yonca Erdoğ graduated from Friedrich Ebert Gymnasium in Hamburg and the Department of Eastern Languages and Literature at Istanbul University. Ms. Yonca Erdoğ has been working for the Kempinski Group for 17 years. She took part in the opening team of Swissotel the Bosphorus and served as the leader in the Sales and Marketing, Revenue and Reservation departments both here and in the Kempinski Group. Ms. Yonca Erdoğ continues her career currently as the Regional Director of Revenue Management, responsible for Southern Europe and Turkey Kempinski Hotels. She also mentors students and colleagues in the Tourism and Hospitality industry.
Ms. Yonca Erdoğ is going to make a presentation titled "Digital Revenue Streams for Upper Luxury Hotel Management”. |
18 May 2023 
Mrs. Şeyda Uncu | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2023 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Marketing Director of Puratos, Mrs. Şeyda Uncu as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 18 May 2023
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : ZOOM
Broadcast Classroom : AB-3 / 134
Mrs. Şeyda Uncu studied at Saint Benoit French High School and graduated from Marmara University, Department of Economics. Later, she completed her master’s degree in European Union Economics at the same university. Mrs. Şeyda Uncu started her career in 2000, at the export department of Puratos, a Belgian-origin company producing bread, patisserie, and chocolate raw materials. She continued her duties as East Africa and Middle East Regional Sales Manager until 2002. In 2004, she transferred to the Marketing department and established the department. After six years of working as a Marketing Director, she returned to her sales career in 2010 and worked as a Sales Director for another six years. As of 2016, she has been in charge of Marketing again, leading the company's digital transformation and consumer communication.
Mrs. Şeyda Uncu is going to make a presentation titled "Taste of Tomorrow", which conveys consumer trends in bakery, patisserie, and chocolate. |
6 April 2023 
Ms. Eda Öztop | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2023 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Director of Rooms of Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul, Ms. Eda Öztop as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 06 April 2023
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : ZOOM
Broadcast Classroom : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Eda Öztop graduated from Boğaziçi University, Department of Tourism Management with an honors degree and completed her master’s degree in Strategic Planning and Brand Management at Bahçeşehir University.
Ms. Eda Öztop started her career as a Receptionist at The Marmara Istanbul in 2005 and joined the Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul team in 2006. She was promoted to Front Office Supervisor and Night Manager in 2008 and three years later, she took part in the opening of Swissôtel Living and was appointed as Swissôtel Living - Service Manager in 2012. Over the years, Ms. Öztop has held key positions within the organization, including Assistant Front Office Manager, Front Office Manager, and Rooms Department Manager. After 16 years of experience and achievements, she was promoted to Director of Rooms Division Manager at Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul, in 2021.
Ms. Eda Öztop is going to make a presentation titled "How to Transform for Resilience". |
16 March 2023 
Mr. Tamer Yürükoğlu 
Mr. M. Kâmil Berk 
Mr. Eyüp Babür | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2023 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Hotel Investment and Management Consultants, Mr. Tamer Yürükoğlu, Mr. M. Kâmil Berk and Mr. Eyüp Babüras as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 16 March 2023
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : ZOOM
Broadcast Classroom : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Tamer Yürükoğlu, graduated from Middle East Technical University, Department of Economics and completed his master's degree in Economics at Boğaziçi University. He also participated in the Hotel Management program at Cornell University in the USA. Mr. Tamer Yürükoglu experienced in the business world for over forty years. He has worked in the Hilton, Swissotel, Club Med and Dedeman groups in Turkey, Syria, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia as a Hotel Manager, Country Manager and CEO. As a Hotel Investment and Management Consultant, he has provided consultancy and owner representation services to hotel owners and investors on hotel and resort investments, management, planning, operational valuation, corporate structuring, operator brand selection and agreements since 2013. He is also a Bilkent University, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tourism and Hotel Management Advisory Board member.
Mr. M. Kâmil Berk, graduated from Boğaziçi University, Tourism and Hotel Management department. He gained a wealth of experience over forty-two years working in the hospitality industry. His career journey started at Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus as a Management trainee. Before moving to Khartoum Hilton, Sudan as Food and Beverage Manager, he was experienced in several positions, including Human Resources Manager and Assistant Food and Beverage Manager. In 1989, he joined Divan Group and made instrumental contributions to Divan Group's growth in various areas as General Manager. Mr. M. Kâmil Berk held the position of General Manager at the opening of the Dalaman Hilton. Later on, he worked as CEO at NG Hotels. He has opened several hotels, restaurants, and food production centers during his career. Moreover, Mr. M. Kâmil Berk has attended several seminars, including General Manager programme at Cornell University, USA. Also, he attended many development programmes in the USA, England, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Israel and Egypt. He is an expert in hotel operations, marketing, human resources, hotel openings and handling hotel management agreements. Mr. M. Kâmil Berk is presently a Hotel Investment and Management Consultant, giving consultancy services to Hotel Investors and Hotel General Managers.
Mr. Eyüp Babür graduated from Istanbul University, Business Administration and Management. He also received a Master of Business Administration degree at NEOMA Business School. Mr. Eyüp Babür has a hospitality experience of thirty-eight years. He held key executive positions in international hotel companies such as Hilton, Swissôtel, and Kempinski in Turkey, USA, Switzerland, and UAE as Director of Sales & Marketing, General Manager, Regional Director, and Vice President. Also, in a local hotel group, he took the position of CEO. Besides hotel management, residences project development and operations and corporate office executive roles, he has also built up a sound experience in the hotel development and operational supervision field as an Owner’s Representative vis a vis global hotel operators, including Mandarin Oriental, Kempinski, Rosewood and Hyatt. Mr. Eyüp Babür works as a Hotel Investment and Management Consultant who assists hotel and residence developers in Turkey.
Mr. Tamer Yürükoğlu, Mr. M. Kâmil Berk and Mr. Eyüp Babür are going to make a presentation titled " Investment and Management in Hospitality" in the Seminar class. . |
2 March 2023 
Ms. Agnes Toth | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2023 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Program Coordinator of Hungarian Cultural Centre, Chef Agnes Toth, as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 02 March 2023
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : ZOOM
Broadcast Classroom : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Agnes Toth graduated from International Relations Program at Corvinus University in Hungary in 2009. In 2010 as a volunteer she started to organize the very first Turkish cultural program series in Budapest, Hungary. Between 2013-2016, after the official opening of the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü Turkish Cultural Centre in Budapest, she worked there as a cultural coordinator. From 2016 until the end of 2019, Ms. Agnes Toth worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, being responsible for Hungarian cultural centers in abroad. Meanwhile, as a hobby, she started to write a blog about Turkish gastronomy, organized private gastro events and gave workshops at the biggest cooking school in Hungary, called “Chefparade”. In 2019, Ms. Agnes Toth left the ministry to open her own business and continued her carrier as a freelancer chef promoting Turkish cuisine. During the last years, she held private events in her „home restaurant”, gave cooking classes, and organized Turkish breakfasts and thematic dinners in cooperation with restaurants in Budapest, Hungary. At the same time together with the Hungarian Cultural Centre in Istanbul and the Embassy of Hungary in Ankara through various kinds of events, she was promoting Hungarian gastronomy to Turkish society. Temporarily returning to the public service sector, Ms. Agnes Toth was delegated to the Hungarian Cultural Centre as a program coordinator in September 2022 where her main task is to organize Hungarian gastronomic events for locals in Turkey in cooperation with restaurants and the gastronomy department of universities. Ms. Agnes Toth is going to make a presentation titled "The history of Hungarian Gastronomy and the traces of the 150-year-long Ottoman rule". |
24 November 2022 
Mr. Volkan Öztürkler 
Mr. Kılıç Ali Kantar | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2022 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of the JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea, Mr. Volkan Öztürkler and Hotel Manager Mr. Kılıç Ali Kantar as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 24 November 2022
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Volkan Öztürkler earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International University. His journey started at Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, where he worked as Rooms & Guest Services Operations Manager for three years. Mr. Volkan Öztürkler took on the role of General Manager /Group Director of Luxury Operations at RIXOS Hotels in 2013 after holding key managerial positions in various international brands. Between 2017-2021, he served as the General Manager of InterContinental Hotels Group. Mr. Volkan Öztürkler was appointed as the pre-opening General Manager of the JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea in October 2021.
Mr. Kılıç Ali Kantar graduated from Yıldız Teknik University, Department of Civil Engineering, in 2004. He also received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Anadolu University in 2010. Mr. Kılıç Ali Kantar started his professional career in 2000 as a Receptionist / Shift Leader at The Marmara İstanbul. He was promoted to Front Office Manager at Rixos Elysium Suites Taksim after twelve years of experience. Mr. Kılıç Ali Kantar worked as Front Office Manager at various international brands for six years. In 2018, he accepted the position of Director of Rooms Division at the D Maris Bay Datça Peninsula. Before joining the Marriott Group, Mr. Kılıç Ali Kantar held the position of Hotel Manager at the opening of the Mandarin Oriental Istanbul. Mr. Kılıç Ali Kantar joined the JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea family as the Hotel Manager as of 2022.
Mr. Volkan Öztürkler and Mr. Kılıç Ali Kantar is going to make a presentation titled "About the JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea" in the Seminar class. |
10 November 2022 
Mr. Jonahtan Crook | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2022 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Managing Director of The Peninsula İstanbul, Mr. Jonathan Crook as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 10 November 2022
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Jonathan Crook’s tenure with The Peninsula Hotels spans over twenty years. Prior to his appointment to The Peninsula İstanbul, Mr. Jonathan Crook held key executive positions at other Peninsula locations in Asia and North America. Mr. Jonathan Crook served as General Manager of The Peninsula New York for nearly eleven years, and for more than two years he took on the role of General Manager at The Peninsula Manila. Before that, he held posts as Hotel Manager of The Peninsula Tokyo, Resident Manager of The Peninsula Beijing, and Director of Food and Beverage at The Peninsula Chicago. Before joining The Peninsula Hotels, Mr. Jonathan Crook spent several years on the executive teams of other luxury properties – including The Dorchester in London, and The Sonnenalp Resort in Vail, Colorado.
Mr. Jonathan Crook was born and raised in the U.K., he spent his formative years in Portugal, Zambia, Montserrat, and Egypt, before receiving a Higher National Diploma in Hotel & Institutional Management from Gloucestershire University in Cheltenham.
Mr. Jonathan Crook is going to make a presentation titled "The Peninsula Hotels – Luxury Hotel Career Discussion" in the Seminar class. |
3 November 2022 
Mr. Mustafa Bulmuş | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2022 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of W Hotel, Istanbul and The Ritz Carlton Residences, Mr. Mustafa Bulmuş as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 03 November 2022
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
After graduating from Bilkent University Tourism and Hotel Management Department in 2007, he started his career as a Sales Rep at Summit Hotel Midi Ankara and then moved to Hilton Ankara in 2008. He joined the pre-opening team at JW Marriott Ankara as a Sales Executive in 2011, where he was promoted to the Director of Sales and Marketing position in 2015. Mr. Mustafa Bulmuş took on the role of Executive Assistant Manager in charge of Sales and Marketing at The Bodrum EDITION in 2018 and he was promoted to the position of Hotel Manager in 2020 at the same property. He was also part of the pre-opening commercial support team of The Times Square EDITION and The Reykjavik EDITION between 2018 and 2020. Mr. Mustafa Bulmuş was appointed as the General Manager of W Istanbul in July 2021, and he has been operating The Ritz Carlton Residences, Istanbul as well since July 2022. He is married and the father of a daughter.
Mr. Mustafa Bulmuş is going to make a presentation titled "Lifestyle Luxury Hospitality & W Hotels “Tone of Voice”" in the Seminar class. |
20 October 2022 
Sn. Sezai Erdoğan | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2022-2023 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Executive Chef of Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, Mr. Sezai Erdoğan as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 20 October 2022
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Sezai Erdogan was born in Bolu. He started his culinary career when he was still in high school as a Commis de cuisine. He was inspired by his grandfather, who worked as a Head Chef on cruise ships. After graduating from Nescot College in England, he received education from hospitality management school, the Glion Institute of Higher Education and University of Reims. Then, he supported his professional development with international seminars and trainings during his career. He joined the opening team of Çırağa Palace Kempinski Istanbul in 1990 as a Commis de cuisine. After he gained experience in every part of the kitchen, from cold to dessert, Mr. Sezai Erdoğa was promoted to Senior Sous Chef in 2004 and to an Executive Sous Chef position in 2005. He worked with many world-famous and Michelin-Starred Chefs in this process. In 2013 Mr. Sezai Erdoğa was promoted to his current position as the first Turkish Executive Chef of Çırağa Palace Kempinski Istanbul. He speaks English and Japanese fluently. Mr. Sezai Erdoğan is going to make a presentation titled "Being a Chef" in the Seminar class. |
28 April 2022 
Dr. Erkan Yağcı | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2022 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the President of AKTOB, Dr. Erkan Yağcı as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 28 April 2022
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Dr. Erkan Yağcı, who was born in 1979, graduated from the Tourism and Hotel Management Department at Bilkent University in Turkey. After several successful experiences in various fields of tourism management during his career, Dr. Erkan Yağcı’s passion, to have a global view and understanding of the sector, lead him to the USA where he completed his MBA degree. He had the chance to bring his management skills to perfection while being responsible for various projects including business strategies, performance, and benchmark analyses. Additionally, he holds a Ph.D. degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. Dr. Erkan Yağcı became a member of various International and National Tourism Organizations. He brings excellent management and analytical skills as well as great insight into the operational and quality standards aspects of the business. Dr. Erkan Yağcı has also merited several awards from national as well as international tourism entities. He is currently the president of AKTOB (Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Investors Association) and an Executive Member of the Board of Concorde Deluxe Resort. He is also a Member of the Board and Responsible for Press-Media Relations of TGA (Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency). Dr. Erkan Yağcı is going to make a presentation titled “Tourism at Post-Pandemic Era” in the Seminar Course. |
20-21 April 2022 
OzU Tourism Meets | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2022 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences, You are kindly informed about “OzU Tourism Meets” Event in the context of the seminar series.
Date : Wednesday-Thursday, 20-21 April 2022
Time : 9:45-17:15
Place : Student Center, Forum Area
The Hotel and Gastronomy Seminar / GARM and HMAN 408_U will be realized in conjunction with 'OzU-Tourism Meets' Event (ÖzÜ Turizm Buluşmaları announcements will be made by Presidents of Student-Clubs) organized diligently by HoT-Club and OZUCUISINE. You should and are welcome to attend all the sessions/activities of this magnificent event, to commemorate the Turkish Tourism Week too!
Following are the details of Ozu Tourism Meets:
April 20, 2022, Wednesday at 10:00 – 10:45
Art and Customer Experience at Hotels
Deniz Met – Director of Marketing, Raffles Istanbul
Asst. Prof. Dr. Aydın Beyhan – Head of Hotel Management Department, Ozyegin University
April 21, 2022, Thursday (HMAN 408_U, GARM 408_U, HMAN 435 HOSPITALITY SEMINAR) at 15:00 – 15:45
Sustainability and Pandemic in Hospitality
Todor Başoğlu – Director of Operations, Divan Group
Derviş Aydemir – Director of Rooms, Divan Group
Mustafa Uysal – Head of Human Resources, Address Hotel
Asst. Prof. Dr. Ebru Tekin Bilbil – Hotel Management Department, Ozyegin University
Location: Student Center, Forum Area
April 21, 2022, Thursday at 16:00 - 16:45
Food & Hospitality: The Present and the Future
Chris Maxmell, Restaurateur and Founder, Catch Jobs
Burak Birand, Owner of Jus and Co-Founder, Catch Jobs
Bora Korkmaz, Executive Sous Chef, Nobu İstanbul |
14 April 2022 
Mr. TJ Joulak | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2022 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, Mr. TJ Joulak as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 14 April 2022
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. TJ Joulak studied Hospitality Management at University College Birmingham. Then he took a BA in International Marketing for Hospitality, an MA in Finance and Hospitality, and an MA in Economics from the University of Birmingham in the UK. He has also completed multiple courses from Cornell University and recently took his Business Leadership certification from Harvard Business School. Mr. TJ Joulak has been operating hotels in many parts of the world for over twenty-five years. After starting his career in Sales and Marketing, he moved to the Operations department. In 2002, he joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide's Sales and Marketing department as the Director. He opened award-winning and famous hotels and resorts such as Iberostar Hotel Hammamet and Sheraton Tunis Hotel & Towers in Tunisia, W Doha in Qatar, W Bali and W Taipei in Taiwan. Prior to his assignment in Turkey, Mr. TJ Joulak worked as the General Manager of special projects at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in the Middle East, India, and the Indian Ocean. He was named “Best Sales and Marketing Director” in the Middle East and Africa in 2006 and “Best Sales and Marketing Team” in Asia Pacific in 2011. While working as the General Manager in India, he received the “Most Prestigious Hotelier” and “General Manager of the Year” awards. In addition, he was deemed worthy of many awards from various organizations. Mr. TJ Joulak currently works as the General Manager of Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul. Speaking English, Arabic, French, Italian, and Spanish, Mr. TJ Joulak is going to give a presentation titled "Luxury at its Best" in the Seminar course. |
17 March 2022 
Mr. Cem Kınay | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2022 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Futurist Hotelier, Mr. Cem Kınay as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 17 March 2022
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
After graduating from Istanbul Austrian High School, Mr. Cem Kınay graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Vienna. As the founder of the Austrian, Vienna-based Gulet Turistik and Magic Life Hotels chain, Mr. Cem Kınay introduced the "All Inclusive" concept to European tourists for the first time. He successfully managed the Magic Life Hotels chain, which has a total of 20,000 beds and 23 hotels in Austria, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Egypt, Tunisia, and Bulgaria, with his hotel concept. He played a role in hosting millions of tourists in Sarigerme, Marmaris, Bodrum, Belek, Side, and Kemer regions, Turkey; on the Greek islands of Kos, Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes; in Arlberg, Austria; in Hammamet, Mahdia, and Djerba regions, Tunisia; in Sharm El Sheikh and the Nile, Egypt; in Varna/Duni, Bulgaria and on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura for 15 years. In 2006, he was honored with important and valuable awards such as the "Austrian State Insignia" by the President of Austria. Since 2017, he has been providing investment, concept design, and digital transformation consultancy to local and foreign investors at XPD Consultancy, of which he is the founder. Mr. Cem Kınay collected his experiences in “Akıllı Ol. İnsan Ol” and “Be Smart. Be Human” books and they were published by Destek Publications. Mr. Cem Kınay is going to make a presentation titled “Future+” in the Seminar course. |
3 March 2022 
Mr. Roberto Garrone | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2022 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Manager of Raffles & Fairmont Doha Cluster Hotel, Mr. Roberto Garrone as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 3 March 2022
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Roberto Garrone took his degree in Service, Bar, and Sommelier from Hotel School in Barolo, Italy. His career started as the Commis de Rang in Suvretta House, St Moritz, a five-star modern and luxury hotel. Then he continued to work in various hotels and restaurants in different countries as the Commis de Rang, Chef De Rang, Head Waiter, and Assistant Manager. He worked as the Sommelier in Cecconi’s Restaurant, London, England, and continued working at different positions in his early career. In 2010, he was assigned to The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong, China as the Food and Beverage Director. After this experience, he worked as the Executive Assistant Manager Operation in Aberdeen Marina Club, Hong Kong, China. Then he started to work in One&Only Corporate Office as the Director of Operation in Dubai, UAE, and continued in the same group as the Resort Manager in Cape Town, South Africa. Mr. Roberto Garrone has been working as the Hotel Manager of Lusail Towers, Raffles, and Fairmont Doha, Qatar since April 2020. Mr. Roberto Garrone opened over 10 Hotels that includes refurbishing, new opening, and rebuilding after natural disaster around the world. He took “Best European Sommelier in Europe, 2015” and “Best Employer and Best Spa in Africa - One&Only Cape Town, 2019” awards. Mr. Roberto Garrone, who speaks Italian, English, German, French, and Spanish, is going to make a presentation about “Opening an Iconic Property” in the Seminar course. |
24 February 2022 
Mr. Meriç Bıçakcıoğlu | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2022 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Ph.D., Academician, and Mentor, Mr. Meriç Bıçakcıoğlu as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 24 February 2022
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Meriç Bıçakcıoğlu completed his doctoral studies in the field of organizational management. He attended various academic congresses on entrepreneurship and organizational sociology. After teaching for a few years, he held various positions in the Istanbul Chamber of Industry. After working as an expert in an international restructuring project, he continued his duties as the Education Unit Manager, Coordinator, and Consultant. After an MA in Management from the University of Nottingham, England, he started his own business in agriculture. He carried out the "Agricultural Valuation" studies with his team with a new system he designed for investment projects. He is currently mentoring and training entrepreneurs. In addition, he provides consultancy to various companies on training and business development. He provides support for the project coordinator and mentorship activities at Hicelerate in New York, USA. His areas of expertise include business model development and innovation and innovation culture, restructuring, and process management. He gives training and mentorship support to various groups, private sector, and public institutions, and organizes workshops, especially on subjects such as social entrepreneurship, social innovation, and organizational culture. He teaches "Social Entrepreneurship, Social Innovation and Change" and "Creativity and Idea Development" courses at Özyeğin University. He also conducts academic studies. Mr. Meriç Bıçakcıoğlu is going to make a presentation titled “Social innovation and social entrepreneurship” in the Seminar course. |
23 December 2021 
Ms. Elif Günay | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2022 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Business Development Executive of Gastronometro, Ms. Elif Günay as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 23 December 2021
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Elif GÜNAY graduated from Özyeğin University, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department in association with Le Cordon Bleu Istanbul, in 2016. She also completed a minor degree in the Hotel Management Department. After graduation, Ms. GÜNAY opened an Italian Restaurant with her classmates from Özyeğin University. Meanwhile she had online interview with a pastry chef from one of Daniel Boulud’s restaurants in the USA. When she got accepted, she moved to Miami, Florida, USA, to work as a pastry cook in the restaurant called ‘Boulud Sud.’ Ms. GÜNAY worked there for a year and then returned to Turkey. After having been interviewed with Metro Market, she started working there since 2019, as the business development executive at the culinary discovery platform called Gastronometro. Ms. Elif GÜNAY will make a presentation titled the 'Product Development Process from Chef's Point of View' at the Seminar. |
16 December 2021 
Ms. Yeliz Sarı Çalık | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2022 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Director of Marketing and Communications of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus Istanbul, Ms. Yeliz Sarı as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 16 December 2021
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Yeliz Sarı Çalık, after graduating from Mersin University, Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, continued at Bremen University, Germany and English Bay College in Vancouver, Canada. Ms. Yeliz Sarı Çalık completed her internship in Canada and started her career in 2011 as the Public Relations Coordinator at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul. She worked at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul as the Sales and Marketing Officer, the Assistant Marketing Manager and the Marketing Manager, respectively. She participated in various trainings within Kempinski Hotels and took important roles in teams at different hotels of the group. Ms. Yeliz Sarı Çalık is currently working at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul as the Director of Marketing and Communications. Mr. Yeliz Sarı Çalık is going to make a presentation about “MarCom Activities at the Pre-Hotel Opening” in the Seminar Course. |
2 December 2021 
Mr. Kerem Arman 
Mr. Alp Karayalçın | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2022 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Regional Director of BTA Turkey, Mr. Kerem Arman and Deputy General Manager in Charge of Operations of TAV Esenboğa, Mr. Alp Karayalçın as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 2 December 2021
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Kerem Arman was born in Adana in 1971. He completed his undergraduate education in Bilkent University, Department of Tourism and Hotel Management in 1997. He started his business life at Bilkent Tadım Pizza and Tunalı Tadım Pizza as the Operations Manager. Afterwards, he worked as the Operations Manager at the world's largest Mexican restaurant chain El Torito Restaurant and El Torito Express. After working as the Ankara Regional Manager at Sofra Yemek Üretim ve Hizmet A.Ş (EUREST) between 2000-2006, he worked as the Operations Manager of BTA Ankara at the newly opened Esenboğa Airport. Mr. Kerem Arman currently continues to work as the Director of BTA's points of service in Turkey. Mr. Kerem Arman is also a member and volunteer of the Spinal Cord Paralysis Association of Turkey.
Mr. Alp Karayalçın was born in Ankara in 1974. After graduating from TED Ankara College, he completed his undergraduate education in Bilkent University, Department of Tourism and Hotel Management. After his graduation, he worked as the Project Manager at Flap Tour as a PCO (Professional Conference Organizer) and then established his own agency, Mentor Tour. After 10 years of travel agency experience, Mr. Alp Karayalçın moved to the aviation industry and started working at TAV Holding. Mr. Alp Karayalçın worked as the Deputy Logistics Manager of Havaş Tunisia, Deputy Revenue Manager of TAV Tunisia, ORAT (Operational Preparation and Airport Transfer) Responsible of TAV Macedonia, and the Operations Coordination Manager of TAV Airports Holding, respectively. Mr. Alp Karayalçın is still working at TAV Esenboğa as the Deputy General Manager of Operations. Mr. Kerem Arman and Mr. Alp Karayalçın is going to make a presentation titled “TAV and BTA: A Success Story” in the Seminar course. |
18 November 2021 
Mr. Hakan Mahsereci | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2022 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of HuqqA, Mr. Hakan Mahsereci as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 18 November 2021
Time : 14:40-15:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Hakan Mahsereci was born in 1970 in Gaziantep. After graduating from Istanbul Pendik High School, he completed Antalya Akdeniz University Tourism and Hotel Management program. He completed the Turquality Development Program that was based on Koç University’s Master of Business Administration (Executive MBA) and was prepared on the requirements of the TURQUALITY Program by qualifying for the Certificate of Achievement. Mr. Hakan Mahsereci started his career in 1991 at Çırağan Palace Hotel and then he joined IHG Crowne Plaza Group. While working there, he took a job offer from Royal Caribbean Cruises, USA and had worked here for 4 years. Between 2008-2013, he worked at Istanbul Doors Group that was incorporated by D-reams Entertainment Group later. Mr. Hakan Mahsereci has been working as the General Manager of HuqqA which is the first restaurant brand of Q Food & Beverage since the first quarter of 2013. He is responsible for HuqqA Kuruçeşme, HuqqA Emaar SQR, HuqqA Emirgan, HuqqA Bodrum, and The Market at Bosphorus in Turkey and Huqqa Dubai, HuqqA Doha, HuqqA Riyad, and HuqqA Muscat abroad. A total of 750 people are working in these organizations domestically and abroad. Mr. Hakan Mahsereci is going to make a presentation about “Turquality Brand Adventure of HuqqA” in the Seminar course. |
14 October 2021 
Ms. Yasemin Kireç | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2022 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Coordinator of Anatolian Grasslands, Ms. Yasemin Kireç as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 14 October 2021
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Yasemin Kireç was born in Istanbul in 1982. She studied sociology and anthropology. She took “Introduction to Permaculture” and “Permaculture Design Certificate” trainings at the Permaculture Research Institute of Turkey in order to educate herself on permaculture, natural life and ecology, which she has been interested in as an amateur since her university years. Afterwards, she said goodbye to corporate life and completed the "Integrative Management" training held in the Anatolian Grasslands application area in Çanakkale in the summer of 2015. Ms. Yasemin Kireç is on a constant journey between Gökçeada, Çanakkale and Istanbul. In addition to being the General Coordinator at Anatolian Grasslands, she is a beekeeper with 50 hives and continues to play an active role in various initiatives. Also, she participates in local producer-prosumer meetings and tries to act as an intermediary in the sharing of knowledge and experience. She works with the Wheat Association. To date, she has held trainings and activities on Introduction to Ecological Life, Applications of Ecological Life in the City, Urban Gardening, Seed, Beekeeping, Deep Listening and Nature Awareness with adults, youth and children. She continues to work passionately in the field of restorative agriculture and to walk towards the age of repair with confident steps. Ms. Yasemin Kireç currently continues to work as the General Coordinator of Anatolian Grasslands. Ms. Yasemin Kireç is going to make a presentation about “Beyond Sustainability: Regenerative Agriculture” in the Seminar course. |
30 September 2021 
Mr. Salih Çene | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2022 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome SKAL International World President 2014/2015, Mr. Salih Çene as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 30 September 2021
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Salih Çene was born in Istanbul in 1950. After completing his high-school education in İstanbul, he moved to England for his higher education. He has a Higher National Diploma in “Hotel and Catering Administration” from Westminister Technical College-London. Mr. Salih Çene is in the Travel and Tourism industry since 1969. As a “hotelier” he spent 50 years of this period at top management or partner/CEO positions of various firms, hotels, and chains. He also gives educational seminars by taking part in the Tourism Education programs and symposiums of various universities. Between 2016-2019, he served the sector as a Free-lance Consultant by assisting with Operational Management, Project Development, System Analysis, Pre-opening, Organization & Re-organization. Mr. Salih Çene has more than 200 articles published in various industry magazines and the press and worked as a columnist for the Akşam Newspaper’s supplement. Mr. Salih Çene is an Skål member since 1980 and has taken office in every level of Skål International. In October 2014, he was elected the World President of SKÅL International - at the Skål AGM in Mexico City and delivered his Chain of office in October 2015 at the Skål AGM in Torremolinos- Spain. Also, Mr. Salih Çene holds office at various organizations such as the “Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD)”, “International Hotels & Restaurants Association (IHRA)”, and ALTİD (Alanya Touristic Operators Association). He can speak English, German, and French. Mr. Salih Çene is going to make a presentation about “Social Impacts of Tourism” in the Seminar course. |
29 April 2021 
Ms. Burçin Türkkan | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2021 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome SKAL International Senior Vice-President, Ms. Burçin Türkkan as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 29 April 2021
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Ms. Burçin Türkkan took her B.Sc. degree from Bilkent University, Tourism and Hotel Management Program. She holds a Certified Hospitality Instructor title by AHLEI, and Graduate Certificate in Leadership in 21st Century Organizations by Copenhagen Business School. She recently got accepted to the MBA Program of Johnson and Wales University. She has studied, worked and lived in six different countries. For the past twenty years, she has been living in one of the fastest growing cities in the USA, Atlanta, Goergia. Her Hospitality and Travel Industry career began twenty-four years ago, working at SETUR, one of Turkey's largest Travel Agency Operations. She continued with teaching at Bilsit AHLA and Başkent University Hospitality courses. In 2000, she founded USEH International in Istanbul, Turkey and in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. In 2004, she joined American Hospitality Academy as an associate partner. Her career evolved to include several other entrepreneurships such as business consulting to International investors interested in starting a business in the USA or finding business/investment partners within the USA. Ms. Burçin Türkkan is currently the Senior Vice President of Skål International for 2021 and the Founder/Managing Director at USEH International Inc., an HR Consulting firm offering international talent management consulting for the hospitality industry for twenty years. She is one of the associate partners with American Hospitality Academy including Culinary Diploma Programs with four international campuses worldwide. Ms. Burçin Türkkan is going to make a presentation about “Changes in Talent Needs in the Hospitality Globally - Current Updates on Covid-19 Pandemic” in the Seminar course. |
22 April 2021 
Mr. Civan Er | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2021 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Head Chef of Yeni Lokanta Istanbul and Yeni London, Mr. Civan Er as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 22 April 2021
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Mr. Civan Er was born in 1978 and raised in Istanbul. After graduating from Istanbul Erkek Lisesi, he studied Economics at Marmara University. When doing his M.A., in International Relations in London he found his way in the kitchen of the Turkish Restaurant Sofra. Following his childhood passion, he decided to stay in and become a Chef. Having worked there for two and a half years, he went to Leith’s School of Food and Wine to take the Advanced Level Diploma in 2005. Back in Turkey, he worked at Changa and Müzedechanga restaurants in the capacity of the Head Chef between 2006 and 2012. He also held the food column of the local newspaper Hürriyet-Pazar, from 2009 to 2012. He is still working as the restaurateur and the Head Chef of Yeni Lokanta Istanbul and Yeni London that he opened consecutively. Mr. Civan Er is going to make a presentation about “Opening and Running a Restaurant Abroad” in the Seminar course. |
15 April 2021 
Mr. Björn Olthof | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2021 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Sr. Manager Graduate Recruitment EMEA of Hilton, Mr. Björn Olthof as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 15 April 2021
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Mr. Björn Olthof graduated from Stenden Hogeschool Leeuwarden, Hotel Management in 2000. After his graduation, he worked as the Assistant Personnel and Training Manager in Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. He worked as the Training Manager in the Intercontinental Hotel Group. Mr. Björn Olthof, who later joined Hilton, worked in various positions in the field of cluster learning and graduate recruitment. As a Hiltonier, he has had the opportunity to work in both Talent and Leadership Development Team and Talent Acquisition Team. Furthermore, he was in charge of the various Hotel School (Vocational, Bachelor and University Degree) programs including Deltion Hilton Class and NHTV Hilton Class. In September 2014, after 8 years within the Talent and Leadership Development Team, he was offered a unique opportunity to set up the Graduate Recruitment section within the EMEA Talent Acquisition Team, and continue his career as the Manager, Graduate Recruitment for Europe, Middle East and Africa, supporting the various Graduate Development activities (i.e. Elevator, Finesse Finance Graduate Program, MDP-Management Development Programs etc.) throughout these regions. Mr. Björn Olthof is going to make a presentation about “Career opportunities within Hilton” in the Seminar course. |
8 April 2021 
Mr. Ahmet Antepli | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2021 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of The Address Hotel and Residences İstanbul, Mr. Ahmet Antepli as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 8 April 2021
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Mr. Ahmet Antepli was born in Doha, Qatar. Since he was born in Qatar, he grew up in a multicultural environment. He received his MBA degree in General Management for Service Industry from the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland. He is also the Glion Alumni Turkey’s Ambassador. Mr. Ahmet Antepli worked as the Room Division Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul, the first pre-opening project of his career in 2002. Early in his career, he worked as a Receptionist and a Night Auditor at Swissotel The Bosphorus, Istanbul. Later, he worked in pre-opening and transformation projects as the General Manager at Kempinski and Dusit Hotels in Qatar, Doubletree by Hilton and Rocco Forte Hotels in Saudi Arabia and in the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Ahmet Antepli is currently working as the General Manager of the new, luxurious and five-star hotel on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, which will be opened as The Address Hotel and Residences. Mr. Ahmet Antepli has more than 23 years of experience in the hotel industry. He has held senior management positions in many different luxury hotel chains in the Middle East over the past 18 years. Mr. Ahmet Antepli speaks Arabic, English and Turkish fluently. Mr. Ahmet Antepli is going to make a presentation titled " Pre and Post-Opening of a Hotel’ " in the Seminar course. |
25 March 2021 
Mr. Koray Adıgüzel | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2021 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Director of Human Resources of Lujo Hotel Bodrum, Mr. Koray Adıgüzel as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 25 March 2021
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Mr. Koray Adıgüzel was born in 1971 in Ankara. He graduated from Bilkent University, Tourism and Hotel Management Department in 1995. He started his career as the Human Resources Office Coordinator in 1997 at Hilton İzmir. Later on, he assumed the position of the Human Resources Manager at Hilton Konya in 2002 in which he was assigned to the opening process and the management of the Human Resources. He moved to Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum as the Director of Human Resources in 2005. He continued his career at Mövenpick Hotel İzmir as the Director of Human Resources and Quality at the end of 2006 and became the Human Resources Manager at Hapimag Resort Sea Garden Bodrum in 2013. Mr. Koray Adıgüzel continues his career at Lujo Hotel Bodrum as the Director of Human Resources as of 2021. He performs some duties such as directing and managing human resources services, policies, and programs for the entire hotel. Mr. Koray Adıgüzel is going to make a presentation about “Career Planning and Interview Techniques” in the Seminar course. |
4 March 2021 
Mr. İlhan Akpınar | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2021 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Owner Representative of Hotel Investments of Ant Yapı Industry and Trade JSC, Mr. İlhan Akpınar as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 24 December 2020
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Mr. İlhan Akpınar, who was born in Erzincan, graduated from Bilkent University, School of Tourism and Hotel Management in 2003 after his education in İzmir Atatürk High School. In the same year, He started his first assignment in Hilton Istanbul and took part in different units and positions within the Finance department. After working as the Senior Financial Analyst and Assistant Accounting Manager until 2008, he became the Project Manager under Hilton International's Head Office in Vienna and actively supported the setup of the OnQ PMS system in Turkey. Mr. İlhan Akpınar, who was transferred to Dedemen Tourism Group at the beginning of 2009, took the position of the Director of Finance in Hotel openings and operations of Dedeman Hotels and International in Syria. He continued his career as the Finance Director at Dedeman Istanbul Hotel in 2011. Then he joined Radisson Hotel Group as the Financial Controller of Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Asia in Ataşehir. He was also the Responsible Business Coordinator of Turkey for 4 years within the same group. Mr. İlhan Akpınar continues his career as the Owner Representative of Hotel Investments in Ant Yapı Industry and Trade JSC which carries tourism facilities as well. He fulfills some duties such as ensuring the continuous growth of the company's hotel investments, increasing efficiency, providing coordination between hotels, and making analysis. Mr. İlhan Akpınar is going to make a presentation about " Hotel Operating Business Models " in the Seminar course. |
24 December 2020 
Mr. Göksenin Kürkcü | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2021 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Director of Hotels and Residences of Koç Holding Hotels Group, Mr. Göksenin Kürkcü as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 24 December 2020
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Mr. Göksenin Kürkcü received his master's degree from New York City Technical College, Hospitality Management Department after graduating from Istanbul University, Tourism Department. He started his career as the Guest Service Agent of Crowne Plaza Hotel Istanbul, then he moved to US to get international experience. He continued his career at Hilton Hotel New York and Wyndham Milford Plaza New York at different positions in the Food and Beverage and Front Office Departments. After his return to Turkey, he worked for Renaissance Polat Istanbul as the Sales and Marketing Manager, Assistant Front Office Manager and Duty Manager. He was appointed to the Deputy General Manager of WOW Istanbul Hotels and Convention Center. He joined The Marmara Collection as the Opening General Manager of The Marmara Şişli and continued as the Regional General Manager. He was responsible for the Revenue Management Department of The Marmara Antalya Hotels. He worked as the General Manager of The Marmara Pera. Mr. Göksenin Kürkcü was also experienced in healthcare industry as the Director of Hospitality at Memorial Healthcare Group. He is currently working as the Director of Hotels and Residences at Divan Group within Koç Holding Hotels Group. Mr. Göksenin Kürkcü is going to make an online presentation in the Seminar course titled as “Upcoming Trends at Hospitality After Covid Pandemic”. |
19 November 2020 
Sn. Sinan Köseoğlu | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2021 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus and Sheraton Istanbul City Center’s Multi-Property General Manager, Mr. Sinan Köseoğlu as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 19 November 2020
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Mr. Sinan Köseoğlu received his master's degree from Cornell University, Hotel Management Department after graduating from Hacettepe University, Tourism Department. He started his career at Ankara Hilton, Food and Beverage Department in Reservation and Purchasing positions in 1991. He continued his career at Elegance International Marmaris as the Beverage Manager and the Food and Beverage Executive Assistant respectively. He later became the Food and Beverage Manager at ISR Plaza Radisson SAS Hotel. He worked as the Food and Beverage Manager and Executive Assistant Manager respectively at Mercure Grand Hotel, Seef-Bahrain. Later, he worked as the Food and Beverage Director, Operations Director and General Manager of hotels in different regions of the world such as Sofitel Plaza Hanoi, Novotel Yekaterinburg Center, Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah, Sofitel Dubai Jbr, Marriott Moscow Grand Hotel, Moscow Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel and Sheraton Ankara Hotel and Convention Center. Mr. Sinan Köseoğlu is currently the Multi-Property General Manager of JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus and Sheraton Istanbul City Center. Mr. Sinan Köseoğlu, who speaks English, Russian and German, is going to make a presentation titled "Hotel Operations During the Pandemic Phase" in the Seminar course. |
22 October 2020 
Mr. Canan Töre Petekçi | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2021 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the ACCOR’S Talent and Culture Manager, Turkey and RIISE and Mobility Leader, New East Europe, Ms. Canan Töre Petekçi as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 22 October 2020
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Ms. Canan Töre Petekçi completed her primary and secondary education in Istanbul. She graduated from Bilkent University, Tourism and Hotel Management Department in 1999. During her high school education, she worked as the Office Assistant in a textile company of German origin during the summer holidays. She did her university internship at Swissotel Istanbul The Bosphorus General Directorate as the ISO Supervisor. At the end of her internship, she completed ISO 9001 Quality Management System and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System trainings and became the Internal Auditor and ISO Expert. After graduation, Ms. Canan Töre Petekçi started to work as the Switch Operator in The Marmara Istanbul, Taksim. She worked in the same company as the Guest Relations Officer-Receptionist and Group Sales Executive, respectively. Then she continued to work as the Company Sales Executive for Divan Hotels Head Office. In 2007, she became the Assistant General Manager at Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu after Accor's arrival of Turkey. In 2010, she was commissioned to set the Accor Turkey, Head Office Quality and Training Department. With the increase in the number of hotels, she decided to continue her career in Training Processes under the Human Resources Department. Currently, she holds the position as the Talent and Culture Director of Accor Turkey. At the same time, she is the leader of 'RIISE' and 'Mobility' in the region where Turkey and 12 countries found. Ms. Canan Töre Petekçi is going to make a presentation about “Social Responsibility Applications at ACCOR and World RIISE Leadership” in the Seminar course. |
15 October 2020 
Mr. Umut Özkanca | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2021 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the CEO of d.ream, Mr. Umut Özkanca as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 15 October 2020
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Mr. Umut Özkanca, was born in Istanbul in 1977, completed his high school education at The American School in Lugano, Switzerland. Afterward, he continued his undergraduate education at Bentley College, Boston where he studied international economics. After graduating from the Bentley College, he went to the French Culinary Institute for a year and found the opportunity to work with the greatest chefs in the world. He graduated from the institute ranking first. During the summer periods of high school and university, he worked at the service and kitchen of the Borsa Restaurants, which earned him the first experiences about restaurant management. While he was abroad, having in mind that he will continue his career in this domain, he closely observed the restaurants’ management and operating systems as well as menus. And at the age of 23, he opened his first restaurant, Loft, in Istanbul. Mr. Umut Özkanca, who speaks English, Spanish and Italian, takes place in the management board of the Sele Istanbul Group, which embodies brands such Boğaziçi Borsa, Kandilli Borsa, Masa, Parle, Sele, and La Viña. Lastly, he founded the Rüya Restaurant, which represents traditional Turkish and Anatolian cuisine with a modern twist in Dubai and London. Mr. Umut Özkanca is now the CEO of d.ream (Doğuş Restaurant Entertainment and Management); one of the major international players in the F&B sector with the support of the Doğuş Group. Mr. Umut Özkanca is going to make an online presentation in the seminar course. |
14 May 2020 
Demet GÜZEY, Ph.D. | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2020 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Food Writer, Demet GÜZEY, Ph.D. as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 14 May 2020
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Demet GÜZEY, Ph.D. is a food writer based in Verona, Italy. She studied Food Engineering in Turkey (MSc., Istanbul Technical University) and Food Science in the US (PhD., University of Massachusetts). After a decade of management roles in the food industry in the Netherlands and France, she moved to Italy. Demet GÜZEY, Ph.D. started her own business on food and wine education, culinary tours, and workshops. She is a WSET Level 3 wine expert and holds a degree in Gastronomy (Diplôme Universitaire du Goût, de la Gastronomie et des Arts de la Table, University of Reims). She teaches Food and Culture, Italian Food and Wine Business, and Event Management courses at the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) in Verona. She also gives lectures on Food Writing at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris. Demet GÜZEY, Ph.D. published numerous articles online and in print, as well as two books: Food on Foot: A History of Eating on Trails and in the Wild (2017) and Mustard: A Global History (2019, winner of Gourmand World Cookbooks Award). Further information can be found about Demet GÜZEY, Ph.D. at demetguzey.com. Demet GÜZEY, Ph.D. is going to make an online presentation titled “The Art and Craft of Food Writing” in the seminar course. |
7 May 2020 
Ms. Yasemin Pirinçcioğlu | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2020 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the CEO of VIP Tourism / VIP Event, Ms. Yasemin Pirinçcioğlu as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 7 May 2020
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : Web Seminar
Ms. Yasemin Pirinçcioğlu was born in New York City in 1953. She started travelling the world at an early age being born into a family of tourism pioneers. She completed Bachelor’s degree at the Sorbonne XIII University of Economics in Paris and extended degree at IMT (Institute for Tourism Marketing) the only school in Europe offering a Tourism degree at the time. As a student she spent her summers working at VIP TOURISM /VIP Event one of the first Travel and event management companies founded by her parents as early as 1968, which resulted in a remarkable career spanning decades. As an entrepreneur in the field she worked in all areas of the industry such as; from inbound and outbound travel to hotel management and from incentives to international congresses and conferences. She finally found her voice in creating innovative corporate events and elegant festivities. She has been called “The Chef in the Kitchen” due to her hands-on approach in the countless events she orchestrated for high profile clients. Be it a celebration or a corporate meeting, what drives her is a passion to create awareness locally and internationally on Turkey’s abundant cultural heritage. Ms. Yasemin Pirinçcioğlu is going to make a presentation about “Reflections on Tourism in Turkey and Beyond Post Corona” in the online Seminar course. |
24 April 2020 
Mr. Orhon Atameriç | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2020 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Secretary of the National Committee of Skal International Turkey, Mr. Orhon Atameriç as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Friday, 24 April 2020
Time : 12:40-14:00
Place : Web Seminar
Mr. Orhon Atameriç was born in Istanbul. He graduated from Austrian High School. He took his undergraduate degree from Istanbul Yıldız Technical University, Mechanical Engineering Department. He is the partnership and Chairman of the Board of Active Turizm. He is also a professional tourist guide. Mr. Orhon Atameriç is currently the General Secretary of the National Committee of Skal International Turkey. Mr. Orhon Atameriç, who speaks German and English, is interested in tennis. Mr. Orhon Atameriç is going to make an online presentation titled “Y SKAL” in the seminar course. |
5 March 2020 
Ms. Hazal Candan Güngör 
Mr. Yunus Emre Ürgün | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2020 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Commercial Credit Underwriting Director of Yapı ve Kredi Bank, Ms. Hazal Candan Güngör and Commercial Credit Underwriting Manager, Mr. Yunus Emre Ürgün as the guest speakers of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 5 March 2020
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Hazal Candan Güngör was born in Bursa, 1982. She graduated from Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Economics, and also has master degree in Political Economics from Istanbul University. She started her professional career in 2005 in Corporate and Commercial Credit Department at Yapı Kredi and worked as the Commercial Credit Underwriting Specialist until 2013. Between 2013-2018, Ms. Hazal Candan Güngör worked as the Commercial Credit Underwriting Manager in the same department. As of October 2019, she has been working at Yapı Kredi as the Commercial Credit Underwriting Vice President. Mr. Yunus Emre Ürgün was born in Bursa, 1989. He graduated from İstanbul Technical University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Department of Mathematical Engineering. Mr. Yunus Emre Ürgün started his professional career in Corporate and Commercial Credit Department at Yapı Kredi as the Commercial Credit Underwriting Specialist in 2013. As of March 2019, Mr. Yunus Emre Ürgün has been working at Yapı Kredi as the Commercial Credit Underwriting Manager. Ms. Hazal Candan Güngör and Mr. Yunus Emre Ürgün are going to make a presentation about “Hotel Investment Loans in Tourism Sector and Cash Flow” in the Seminar course. |
27 February 2020 
Sn. Lebriz Dedeoğlu | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2020 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Assistant Director of Talent and Culture of Swissôtel Istanbul, The Bosphorus, Ms. Lebriz Dedeoğlu as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 27 February 2020
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Lebriz Dedeoğlu graduated from Şişli Terakki High School, Istanbul, Turkey and took her bachelor's degree from Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics. She had worked as the Department Trainer, Training Coordinator and Assistant Training Manager in various departments of hotels for 8 years. She had continued her career in Swissôtel Istanbul, The Bosphorus as the Training Manager, Integrated Management System Representative until January 2018. Ms. Lebriz Dedeoğlu is currently working as the Assistant Director of Talent and Culture in Swissôtel Istanbul, The Bosphorus. She got Speed of Trust Training, Gallup Strengths Finder Coach Certificate and ISO 9001 & ISO 22000 & ISO 14000 & OHSAS Quality Management System Certificate. Ms. Lebriz Dedeoğlu, who speaks English and German, is going to make a presentation about “Acting for Positive Hospitality” in the Seminar course. |
19 December 2019 
Ms. Funda Eratıcı | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2020 – 7. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Regional Director of Sales Operations Turkey and Sales Operations Lead Focused Service EMEA of Hilton, Ms. Funda Eratıcı as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 19 December 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
A graduate of TED Ankara College and Bilkent University School of Tourism & Hotel Management, Ms. Funda Eratıcı started to work in the hospitality industry in 1991. Ms. Funda Eratıcı has joined Hilton Worldwide, at Hilton Ankara in 1994 where she took various roles in the hotel until 2004. Ms. Funda Eratıcı was appointed as the Cluster Director of Sales for Conrad Istanbul, Hilton Istanbul and Hilton ParkSa in 2007, prior to her assignment at Hilton Warsaw, Poland as the Director of Business Development between 2007-2009. Then she worked as the Regional Director of Sales Eastern Europe, Russia, Israel and Turkey of Hilton Worldwide. Ms. Funda Eratıcı has been working as the Regional Director of Sales Operations Turkey and Sales Operations Lead Focused Service EMEA of Hilton currently. Ms. Funda Eratıcı is a Sales Professional with 24 years of experience in the development and implementation of strategic and tactical sales direction for operating hotels as well as for hotels in the pipeline with proven ability to lead efficiently in multi-cultural working environments whilst continuously focusing on mentoring, coaching and developing local sales talent. Ms. Funda Eratıcı is going to make a presentation about “Hotel Brand of the Future” in the Seminar course. |
12 December 2019 
Mr. Ali Ronay | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2020 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Executive Chef of Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul, Mr. Ali Ronay as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 12 December 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Ali Ronay has over 18 years of culinary experience in luxury hospitality and has represented many of prestigious 5-star hotel brands and restaurants in various countries including Hilton Ankara, The Sofa Hotel Nişantaşı, Excelsior Hotel Baku, Sultan Inn Baku, The Ritz Carlton Istanbul, Hotel Arts Barcelona, The Ritz Carlton Autostad Wolfsburg, Kempinski Barbaros Bay Bodrum, Raffles Istanbul and Zorlu Center. His and his team’s priority is to enjoy prime access to the finest produce available in Turkey and offer endless menu recommendations including extensive innovative and healthy dining options. Together with a rich selection of menu options reflecting Turkish renowned culinary heritage, he is delighted to craft customized menus that would best accommodate our guest’s unique needs and expectations. Mr. Ali Ronay has been working as the Executive Chef in Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul as of September, 2018. Mr. Ali Ronay is going to make a presentation about “Modern Gastronomy and Chefs” in the Seminar course. |
28 November 2019 
Ms. Yonca Erdoğ | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2020 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Revenue Management Regional Director of Çırağan Palace Kempinski Turkey and Southern Europe, Ms. Yonca Erdoğ as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 28 November 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Yonca Erdoğ graduated from Friedrich Ebert Gymnasium in Hamburg and Department of Eastern Languages and Literature at Istanbul University. Ms. Yonca Erdoğ has been working for Kempinski Group for 17 years. She took part in the opening team of Swissotel the Bosphorus and served as the leader in Sales and Marketing, Revenue and Reservation departments both here and in the Kempinski Group. Ms. Yonca Erdoğ continues her career currently as the Regional Director of Revenue Management, responsible for Southern Europe and Turkey Kempinski Hotels. She also mentors students and colleagues in the Tourism and Hospitality industry. Ms. Yonca Erdoğ is going to make a presentation about ”Revenue Management, Digital Strategy and Distribution” in the Seminer course. |
14 November 2019 
Ms. Ufuk Tarhan | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2020 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Founder of Futurist, Economist, Author, Head of Software Company, Ms. Ufuk Tarhan as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 14 November 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Futurist, Economist, Author Ms. Ufuk Tarhan graduated from the Middle East Technical University (METU), Department of Economics. Between 1982-2005, she worked as the Top Executive, General Manager and Board Member in various companies and industries mainly in IT and telecommunication sectors. She founded M-GEN Future Planning Center in 2006 and M-GEN Software and Digital Communication Services Ltd. in 2011. In 2002, she was awarded as “The Most Successful Businesswoman in the IT Industry”. She is ranked among Futurist Influencers, “All Futurists” Google Search, top 100 female futurists in the world lists and known as the Business Designer and Avatar. Ms. Ufuk Tarhan is giving conferences and lectures like “Be a T-Human”, “Get Prepared for Digital, AI, Robotic, Energy Revolutions”, “Future” etc. She is the Former President of the Futurists Society (TFD) in Turkey and still the only woman futurist keynote speaker, moderator and facilitator in Turkey. She is one of the well-known bloggers and shown in lists among 30 social influencers and writes articles at various online and published business magazines. She is giving lectures about “Future Studies” in METU and various universities. Ms. Ufuk Tarhan took the master degree on “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” at Bahçeşehir University. She took active roles as the Member of World Future Society and Association of Professional Futurists. She was the Board Member of Kagider. She wrote the preface for the Futurist Dr. Verne Wheelwright’s book “O Senin Geleceğin – It’s your Future” and contributed to the translation into Turkish. She is the author of two books titled as “Your Dream Future” about future planning for high school students and Winner of the Most Successful Innovative Business Book Award (2017) “T-Human” about the successful human model of the future for adults and young adults. Ms. Ufuk Tarhan is going to make a presentation about “Future” in the Seminar course. |
7 November 2019 
Ms. Pelin Omuroğlu | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2020 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Founder of OLIVURLA, Ms. Pelin Omuroğlu as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 7 November 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Pelin Omuroğlu graduated from Ege University, Vocational School, Greenhouse Department in 1994. Between 1996 and 1997, she took courses from the Departments of Botany and Horticulture at the Davis Campus (UC Davis), University of California, USA, and completed an internship in the orchid botanical greenhouse. She learned about organic farming by visiting and researching organic farming farms in the university and California region. Between 2000-2001, she studied Pre MBA - PROCADE at İzmir 9 Eylül University. In 1998, with his father, Mr. Erdinç Omuroğlu, she started to build their olive groves in Ayerya Windy Valley Farm in Yağcılar Village, Urla. In 2003, she made certified organic sheep farming, which is Turkey's first attempt, by taking Organic Agriculture Certification. She continues production of organic olive, horticultural plants and orchids. In 2002-2003, she was the president of Alsancak Rotarakt Club. Between 2009-2015, she became an active member of Urla Union - Slow Food group. The products of 10,000 olive trees planted in Ayerya are marketed under the brand name OLIVURLA. In 2013, Omuroğlu Family, who established Turkey's first solar powered Turla Organic Olive and Olive Oil Plant with the support of IZKA, is converting their products to organic olives and olive oils here. Turla Company has Ayerya Organic Products Store and Cafe in Urla. Ms. Pelin Omuroğlu organizes events and tastes of olives and olive oil within the framework of gastronomic tourism. Ms. Pelin Omuroğlu has been working as the Director at TURLA Tarım Gıda Ltd. Şti. since 2008. Ms. Pelin Omuroğlu is going to make a presentation about “Olive Oil and Food Pairing” in the Seminar course. |
24 October 2019 
Ms. Adviye Bergemann | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2020 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Chair of Aida Tours, Ms. Adviye Bergemann as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 24 October 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Adviye Bergemann was born in Kuşadası, Aydın in 1972. Since 1985, she has worked in the tourism sector and held various positions throughout her early career which lead into senior management roles. In 2003, Ms. Adviye Bergemann chose to focus on developing luxury tourism in Turkey and so Aida Tours was established. Working with high end travel companies from all over the globe, Aida Tours has since been promoting Turkey as a luxury destination and strives to increase international investment in our country. After many years of promoting firstly Turkey as a luxury destination, Ms. Adviye Bergemann recognised that by collaborating with the partners in Turkey to focus on destination-orientated marketing as a collective, this would be far more effective. Thus, in 2014, LuxinTurkey (Turkey’s Luxury Tourism Platform) was established and has grown to be one of the most successful marketing platforms for the luxury tourism sector in Turkey. She is also the Founder and President of USTUD (International Association of Sustainable Tourism). Ms. Adviye Bergemann is going to make a presentation about “A New Kind of Luxury” in the Seminar course. |
10 October 2019 
Mr. Sinan Köseoğlu | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2020 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus, Mr. Sinan Köseoğlu as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 10 October 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Sinan Köseoğlu graduated from Hacettepe University Department of Hotel Management and Cornell University Hotel Management Program. Mr. Sinan Köseoğlu started his career in tourism sector at Ankara Hilton Hotel in 1989 and worked as the Operations Director at Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel. In 2014, Mr. Sinan Köseoğlu, who was in the Management Team in the food and beverage division of the Sofitel Hotel chain located in Bahrain, Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, was appointed as the General Manager of the Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel. Mr. Sinan Köseoğlu, who started his career as the General Manager at Moscow Royal Aurora Hotel in 2016, returned to be the General Manager of Turkey Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center and Lugal, A Luxury Collection Hotel Ankara in 2017. He was deemed “the General Manager of the Year” by Marriott International for his outstanding service achievements. He was appointed as the General Manager of Sheraton Istanbul City Center, which opened its doors to the guests in July 2019, and JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus, which is expected to open with enthusiasm at the end of the year. He is fluent in English, German and Russian. Mr. Sinan Köseoğlu is going to make a presentation about “Hotel Development Process” in the Seminar course. |
16 May 2019 
Mr. Cem Çetintürk | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2019 – 7. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Regional Vice President of ‘TravelClick’ – Middle East & Africa, Turkey, Mr. Cem Çetintürk as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 16 May 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Cem Çetintürk has 31 years marketing and sales experience in the leadership roles at life insurance and hospitality companies like AIG, Commercial Union, Swissotel and with TravelClick for the past 19 years. Originally with Mechanical Engineering background (M.Sc.) he also holds Post Graduate in Business Administration. Mr. Cem Çetintürk has developed businesses in many countries and has vast country experiences in a very wide range from Finland, Middle East, Turkey, Russia to South Africa. Since 2006 he resides in Dubai and is responsible from Middle East, Africa and Turkey as the Regional Vice President for TravelClick. As an early adaptor of big data and online marketing, Mr. Cem Çetintürk is a well-known BI consultant to hotels and he is advising on e-distribution and digital marketing in the hospitality. He is a member of SKAL Club Istanbul, Propeller Club of U.S., Istanbul Port, and Les Amis des Vins Turkey chapter. Mr. Cem Çetintürk is going to make a presentation about ‘Selling Hotel Rooms vs Strawberries…’ in the Seminar Course. |
25 April 2019 
Prof. Dr. Nicola Perullo | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2019 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Prof. Dr. Nicola Perullo from University of Gastronomic Sciences, Italy as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 25 April 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Prof. Dr. Nicola Perullo is working as the Professor of Aesthetics in University of Gastronomic Sciences, Italy. He is in charge of various professions such as: Director of the PhD Program in Ecogastronomy, Education and Society, Director of the Master of Gastronomy: Ecology and Education program, Rector’s Delegate to International Academic Relations, Scientific Coordinator of the “Diffuse University” project. Prof. Dr. Nicola Perullo is going to make a presentation about “When food can be an art?” in the Seminar course. |
11 April 2019 
Prof. Dr. Hervé This | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2019 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Prof. Dr. Hervé This, world-renowned academician and the father of ‘Molecular Gastronomy’ as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 11 April 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
As part of Özyeğin University’s 10th anniversary events, the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts at the School of Applied Sciences welcomes Prof. Dr. Hervé This, the world-renowned academician and the father of “Molecular Gastronomy”.
A member of AgroParisTech-INRA, and Academic Director of the Department of "Food Science & Culture" at the French Academy of Sciences, Prof. Dr. Hervé This teaches molecular gastronomy in Collège de France. Renowned for his innovative practices in gastronomy, he has been a source of inspiration for world-famous Michelin-star chefs, from Ferran Adria to Pierre Gagnaire and to Heston Blumenthal. |
04 April 2019 
| Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2019 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome OzUMorfoz, the President of HoT Club, Mr. Doğukan Doğan and the President of OzU Cuisine, Mr. Tunç Aygün as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 4 April 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
In the Seminar course organized by OzUMorfoz, HoT Club and OzU Cuisine; OzUMorfoz, Doğukan Doğan (President of HoT Club) and Tunç Aygün (President of OzU Cuisine) is going to be on the stage to share their experiences from EMCup’19, Safranbolu Event and Swedish co-project with you. |
28 March 2019 
Mr. Ömer Güran | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2019 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Founder and CEO of İcat Medya, Mr. Ömer Güran as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 28 March 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Ömer Güran graduated from Istanbul University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Geophysics. After the university education, he worked in many different positions in the media sector. He worked in Akşam Newspaper, Ströer Kentvizyon and Doğan Online - Adnet as the Advertising Sales Director, Makroo Dijital as the Assistant General Manager, Deskfive Turkey as the Country Manager and Crm Medya as the COO, respectively. He is the Founder and CEO of İcat Medya. Mr. Ömer Güran is currently giving Digital Media and Digital Advertising lectures in Bahçeşehir and Beykoz Universities. Mr. Ömer Güran, who speaks English and German, is going to make a presentation about “Digital Transformation” in the Seminar course. |
07 March 2019 
Mr. Tarek Mourad | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2019 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of Four Seasons Istanbul At The Bosphorus, Mr. Tarek Mourad as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 7 March 2019
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Tarek Mourad was born in Egypt, in 1963. Having moved to Bay Area in 1987, he worked in many capacities at many luxury hotels, for 13 years. In 1999, he joined the Four Seasons Family, working at Four Seasons Hotel Cario, Egypt and Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Mr. Mourad took a role in the opening of Sharm el Sheikh; was the general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Riyad in the years of 2001-2004, just before moving to Damascus, to open his 3. hotel. Then, September 2007 on, he served as GM of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul, Sultanahmet; then at Raffles Istanbul. Currently, he is the well-known and esteemed General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at The Bosphorus. |
28 February 2019 
Mr. Harun Dursun | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2019 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, Mr. Harun Dursun as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date: Thursday, 28 February 2018
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Harun Dursun took an undergraduate diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management from Çukurova University in 1994 and completed his master degree in International Hospitality Management at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland graduating with distinction in 1997. In 1998 he joined the Hyatt Group where he became the first Turkish General Manager of the company in 2010 at Park Hyatt Istanbul. Mr. Harun Dursun was the first official ‘Sommelier’ of Turkey, a founding member of the Turkish Sommelier Association and held the position of Vice President, competing in three European and two World Championships for his country where he became three times a semi-finalist during European competitions. His extensive work experience spans the globe for various task forces of managing four renovations as well as opening hotels in Turkey, UK, Jordan, UAE, and Russia. He joined Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum on 01 May 2018, where he brings 20 years of senior management experience to the group working with Hyatt Hotels in Turkey, UK and Jordan. He was most recently holding the position General Manager at the Grand Hyatt Amman in Jordan between 2013 to 2018. Mr. Harun Dursun, who speaks fluent English and German, is going to make a presentation about “3D” in the Seminar Course. |
27 December 2018 
“Movie Tasting” Event | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2019 – 7. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed about the "Movie Tasting" seminar is going to be organised by ‘GARM 362 Food Events and Organisation’ students and supported by ÖzÜ Cuisine Gourmet Club.
Date: Thursday, 27 December 2018
Time: 14:40-17:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium
The last seminar is organized by GARM 362 Gastronomy Food Events and Organization' students. For 'Movie Tasting', participants of the seminar are going to watch 'The Hundred-Foot Journey' movie and make an analysis of the relationship between gastronomy and fine arts. In addition, participants will be experimenting the cultures and tasting the cuisines of both French and Indian nations. |
20 December 2018 
Mr. Emrullah Akçakaya | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2019 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of Dedeman Hotels and Resorts International, Istanbul, Mr. Emrullah Akçakaya as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 20 December 2018
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Emrullah Akçakaya graduated from Mersin University, Tourism and Hotel Management Department in 1990. He started his career in Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Mersin as the Front Office Manager and continued in Hilton Konya as the Director of Sales. He worked as the General Manager in Dedeman Hotels and Resorts International, Dedeman Konya. After then he was assigned to the General Manager position in Swissotel Hotels and Resorts, Swissotel Gocek and Swissotel Ankara respectively. Mr. Emrullah Akçakaya has been working in Dedeman Hotels and Resorts International, Istanbul as the General Manager until 2014. He attended some projects such as developing Park Dedeman and Dedeman Smart brands, launching Dedeman Central Reservation System and Dedeman Executive Academy to raise hospitality leaders of tomorrow. Mr. Emrullah Akçakaya is going to make a presentation about “ Tourism of Turkey, Trends and Suggestions” in the Seminar course. |
13 December 2018 
Mr. Levent Kömür | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2019 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of Mey / Diageo Turkey, Mr. Levent Kömür as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 13 December 2018
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Levent Kömür was born in Istanbul in 1970. He graduated from the Industrial Engineering Department of Boğaziçi University in 1992 and started his professional life in Procter & Gamble as the Brand Manager Assistant. In 1999, he moved to Brussels as the Regional Brand Manager responsible from Central & Eastern European countries in Procter & Gamble and was promoted to the Marketing Director in 2001. He was appointed to Procter & Gamble Egypt as the Near East (Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq) Marketing Director in 2003. Between 2005 and 2009, he was appointed to Procter & Gamble Turkey as the Marketing Director. In 2009, Mr. Levent Kömür was appointed to Procter & Gamble South and East Africa as the Marketing Director, where he continued his work for almost two years. In December 2010, Mr. Levent Kömür founded and worked as the General Manager of the Istanbul Office of Integer Group, one of the leading shopper marketing agencies in the world. In 2012, Mr. Levent Kömür joined Mey / Diageo as the Marketing Director. In August 2016, he was appointed as the Sales and Distribution Director. As of October 1, 2017, he has been appointed as the General Manager at Mey / Diageo Turkey. Mr. Levent Kömürcü is going to make a presentation about "Reloading Tradition for Generation to Come" in the Seminar, which is organized by ÖzÜ Cuisine Gourmet Club. |
29 November 2018 
Mr. Kenan Döne | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2019 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Front Office Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul, Mr. Kenan Döne as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
Date : Thursday, 29 November 2018
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Kenan Döne was born in 1983. He started his hospitality career when he was in high school. He was intern at the kitchens of Grand Hotel Tarabya and Swissôtel The Bosphorus, which are the most exclusive 5-star hotels in Istanbul. After the University education, he worked in the department of Front Office at The Marmara Istanbul and in the field of Spa and Fitness at Istanbul Intercontinental respectively. For 2 years, he had been the Manager of a 1750-room hotel, which belongs to MGM Group, owner of the biggest Casino-Resort Hotels in USA. After his decision to return to Turkey, he worked as the Night Manager, Manager-on-Duty and Housekeeping Manager respectively in The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul, which is one of the Luxury Hotel Chain. Mr. Kenan Döne continues his career as the Front Office Manager in the same company. Mr. Kenan Döne is going to make a presentation about “WOW EFFECT” in the Seminar course. |
01 November 2018 
Mr. Taner İçten | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2019 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Managing Partner of 'Commaid', Mr. Taner İçten as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Date : Thursday, 01 November 2018
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Taner İçten received his undergraduate degree in Economics and Communication from Anadolu University. Afterwards, he served as the Senior-Executive and Executive Committee Member in Manajans-Thompson, Hürriyet and some media groups. He established his own marketing investment management consulting office, Commaid in 2012. He provided independent consultancy services to many international companies about marketing, brand, media and turnkey projects. In addition to consulting services, he has been developing, realizing and operating cafe and restaurant projects for some investors in the food sector for the last seven years. Some of these are; KasapDöner in Turkey and Dinehall in Georgia. He is an instructor of marketing, advertising and media courses at several universities for the last 18 years. He is currently a lecturer about Industry Dynamics of Communication at Communication Faculty of Maltepe University. He is also doing an M.A., in Journalism at the Faculty of Communication at Istanbul University. He is an Executive Coach and Certified Independent Expert about cultural production, media and communication at Ministry of Justice. He has received number of sectoral awards and certificates of achievement. Mr. Taner İçten is going to make a presentation about “Cash on the table / How to develop, operate, and manage an international café & restaurant brand project” in the Seminar course. |
11 October 2018 
Mr. Kaya Demirer | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2019 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Chairman of the Board of TURYİD, the CEO of Frankie Istanbul, Mr. Kaya Demirer as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Date : Thursday, 11 October 2018
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Kaya Demirer was born in Ankara. He graduated from Ankara College. He studied Hotel and Catering Management at University at Surrey University, England between 1988-1991. After a successful five-year period in restaurant management, he continued his investment and management life with the brands such as Karaf Restaurant Ankara, Havana Beach-Karaf Bodrum Gölköy, Niş Istanbul, Reina Nish and Reina G by Karaf. In 2007, he introduced Topaz to Istanbul's eating and drinking world. He opened Frankie Istanbul Restaurant on Sofa Hotel in 2012. Mr. Kaya Demirer has been the Chairman of the Board of TURYİD since 2011. At the same time, he is the Board Member of TAMPF (Turkey Shopping Centers and Retailers Association), TİK (Tourism Consultation Board) and TUGEV (Tourism Development Foundation). |
27 September 2018 
Ms. Melike Karaman | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2019 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Ms. Melike Karaman as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Date : Thursday, 27 September 2018
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium Ms. Melike Karaman completed her education at Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics. Ms. Melike Karaman’s, who started her business life in 1992, area of expertises are hotel and restaurant automation systems; installation, implamentation, training, consultancy and support processes of these systems and increasing the operational and financial efficiency of the companies through these systems. She has spent a very large portion of her career presenting the product family as we know before MICROS-FIDELIO and at present ORACLE Hospitality Solutions. Besides this, she has held management and sectoral consulting at various hotels during her career. She worked as the CEO at PROTEL A.Ş. which presents the Oracle Hospitality Solutions to the markets of Turkey and KKTC and left the job in 2018. Ms. Melike Karaman continues her consultancy operations currently. |
03 May 2018 
Mr. Levent Veziroğlu | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2018 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the CEO of D-ream, Mr. Levent Veziroğlu as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Date : Thursday, 03 May 2018
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Levent Veziroğlu, who was born in 1967, graduated from Ankara University, Faculty of Political Sciences in 1989. He took his master’s degree in the field of Economy from The American University, Washington DC. Mr. Levent Veziroğlu worked in various jobs such as the Auditor at Turkish Court of Accounts, Head of Department at Under-secretariat of Treasury, IMF Relations and Balance of Payments and the Senior Consultant, IMF Board of Executive Directors. He had worked at the Presidency Office of Doğuş Holding between 2008-2012. He has been carrying out the post of CEO in D-ream which is operating in the entertainment industry within the Doğuş Group. Mr. Levent Veziroğlu is going to make a presentation about “Gastroeconomy and Entrepreneurship” in the Seminar Course. |
26 April 2018 
Mr. Teoman Alemdar 
Ms. Asuman Tarıman 
Mr. Mert Okan | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2018 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Director of the School of Applied Sciences (SAS), Mr. Teoman Alemdar, the Councillor of SKAL International , Ms. Asuman Tarıman and the President of Marmara SKAL Club, Mr. Mert Okan as the guest speakers of the seminar series.
Date: Thursday, 26 April 2018
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Asuman Tarıman graduated from Gazi University, Institute of Foreign Languages, Department of English Teaching in 1973. She took Professional Tourist Guide Education from Ministry of Tourism, Ankara in 1988. She has been the owner of Asuta Tourism Limited Company since 1985. Currently, Ms. Asuman Tarıman is the Councillor of SKAL International.
Mr. Mert Okan was born in 1968 in İstanbul. After the vocational high school of Hotel Management and Tourism, he took his associate degree from Sakarya Faculty of İ.T.U. He graduated from Business Administration Department of Anadolu University. He started to work in the hospitality industry while he was a student during summer period in resort hotels. He had important management experiences for hotel opening in international chain hotels like The Marmara Hotel Taksim, Çırağan Palace Hotel Kempinski Istanbul, Polat Renaissance Hotel Istanbul and the other hotels in Istanbul and Marmaris. As the Skal International Marmara Club President, Mert Okan is also founding member of TUROYD (Tourism Hotel Managers Assocation), and Member and Hotel Controls Committee Member of TÜROB (Hotel Assocation of Turkey).
Ms. Asuman Tarıman and Mr. Mert Okan are going to make speech as the panelists in commemoration of ‘World SKAL Day’ in the Seminar course. The moderation of the panel is going to be made by the Director of the School of Applied Sciences, Mr. Teoman Alemdar. This event was organized jointly by SKAL International Marmara Club and the International Hotel & Tourism Club (HoT-Club). |
12 April 2018 
Mr. Jorge Costa 
Mr. Marc Matar | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2018 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of The Bodrum EDITION, Mr. Marc Matar and the Executive Chef, Mr. Jorge Costa as the guest speakers of the seminar series.
Date: Thursday, 12 April 2018
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Chef Jorge Costa is part of a new generation of contemporary Portuguese Chefs working overseas. With a great focus on preserving the authenticity of the flavors, Chef Jorge Costa’s kitchen is based on traditional cooking methods, with great respect for the products and the local environment, combined with elegant presentations. Chef Jorge Costa’s journey on the culinary scene started at EBA, at the student city of Coimbra, where he graduated as a Chef. Led by a constant desire to explore local heritages and discover new products and food preparation approaches, he had his first international experience at the mythic Schweizerhof Bern in Switzerland. Subsequently, he moved to Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa Hotel, in Lisbon, where he was part of the debut team of the Catalan Chef Sergi Arola’s first restaurant in Portugal. His journey then continued in Dubai, where he played an instrumental role in the opening of the Armani Hotel, the very first hotel of the world-famous stylist Giorgio Armani. He took his first Chef de Cuisine role and led the opening of the world’s tallest restaurant awarded by the Guinness Book of World records, Atmosphere Burj Khalifa. His interest for and expertise in openings continued to grow, so Chef Jorge Costa travelled to Asia to open the Conrad Hotel at the cosmopolitan city of Seoul. Chef Jorge Costa returned to Europe to join the Swissôtel the Bosphorus, in Istanbul. He is working as the Executive Chef in The Bodrum EDITION, Bodrum, Turkey, currently. Chef Jorge Costa, who speaks English, Portuguese, French and Spanish, is going to make a presentation about “New Generation of Food and Beverage Strategy and Partnerships” in the Seminar course. |
22 March 2018 
Ms. Simge Şen 
Mr. Lionel Valla | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2018 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of Six Senses Resort & Spa, Kaplankaya, Mr. Lionel Valla and the Training Manager, Ms. Simge Şen as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Date: Thursday, 22 March 2018
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Lionel Valla and Ms. Simge Şen are going to make presentations about ‘Wellness and Sustainability Hospitality – The Difference’ and Six Senses Resort & Spa, Kaplankaya in the Seminar course, respectively. |
8 March 2018 
Mr. Altan Sekmen | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2018 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of ‘g2m’, Mr. Altan Sekmen as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Date: Thursday, 8 March 2018
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Hukuk Oditoryumu Mr. Altan Sekmen was born in Germany in 1968. After the education of primary school in Germany and middle school in İzmit, Turkey, he graduated from Bursa Işıklar Military High School. His university life began in Boğaziçi University, Physics Department. During six years in Boğaziçi University, he was interested in sport and club activities, intensionally. He was the Member and Chairman of the University Sports Board. He graduated from Tourism Management Department in 1995. He worked as the Guest Relations and Public Relations Supervisor and Deputy Manager in Hillside Beach Club Holiday Village affiliated with Alarko Tourism Group. He continued his Professional life as the Operation Manager in DiaSa / Carrefour Supermarkets and as the General Manager in Havi Logistics. Mr. Altan Sekmen was assigned to Teközel Company affiliated to Yıldız Holding as the General Manager in 2014. Since August 2017, he has been working as the General Manager in a leading company of ‘Out of home consuption’ industry, ‘g2m’ which was the association of Yıldız Holding. Mr. Altan Sekmen, who speaks English, German and Spanish, is going to make a presentation about out of home consuption industry, product and service concept, supply planning and logistics and new technologies in the Seminar course. |
15 February 2018 
Ms.Zeynep Naz Çelik | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2018 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Human Resources Manager of ‘D Maris Bay’, Datça Peninsula, Ms. Zeynep Naz Çelik as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Date: Thursday, 15 February 2018
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Hukuk Oditoryumu Ms. Zeynep Naz Çelik was born in 1979 in Ankara. She graduated from Bilkent University, English Language and Literature program in 2002. Also, she completed pedagogy education at the end of her university period in Başkent University. Ms. Zeynep Naz Çelik started her career at tourism sector in Antalya. She worked, in the order of, Asteria Group, Kempinski Hotels and Hilton Hotels as Human Resources Manager. Ms. Zeynep Naz Çelik has been working as the Human Resources Manager in ‘D Maris Bay’ based in Datça Peninsula, belonging to Doğuş Group since May, 2017. She possesses trainer and coaching competencies. She is dealing with transformation coaching freelance. Ms. Zeynep Naz Çelik, who speaks English, is going to make a presentation about general information about Doğuş Tourism Group and ‘D Maris Bay’, personal awareness, importance of dreaming, to do list to wake up, EQ and MT Program at ‘D Maris Bay’ in the Seminar course. |
21 December 2017 
Mr. Uğur Talayhan | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2018 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul, Mr. Uğur Talayhan as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Date: Thursday, 21 December 2017
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium With 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry, as a veteran hotelier, holding British citizenship, Mr. Uğur Talayhan has started his career as a Chef at the age of 17. Then he moved to London where he was appointed as an Executive Chef at the age of 27, then as Food and Beverage Manager and respectively moving from London to Portugal, Dubai, China where he had various management roles and finally returned back to Istanbul after 21 years later in the mid of 2017, where his journey has started. He became a pioneer in Turkey with his worldwide achievements and initiatives in the field of hotel management. He returned back to home with a worldwide hospitality experience to be utilized at his recent appointment within the Accor Hotels, being the Regional Vice President of Luxury Brands, Accor Hotels, Turkey and as the General Manager of Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul. Mr. Uğur Talayhan is going to make a presentation about “How to Provide Individualized Services to Meet the Needs of Different Market Segments” in the Seminar Course. |
30 November 2017 
Mr. Levent Baktır | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2018 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Managing Director / Founder of Xone Superyacht Management Company, Mr. Levent Baktır as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Date: Thursday, 30 November 2017
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Levent Baktır is a highly qualified Master Mariner and Director, having a brilliant experience both in professional Trade and Superyacht Industry. After his graduation from ITU Maritime Faculty in 1988, he made his respected bright career starting as an Oceangoing Master on the large ships and superyachts. Afterwards, he continued his career as the Fleet Superintendent for the largest Shipping Company of Turkey. He acted as the Ambarlı Commercial Port Manager in Istanbul, Project Manager on various Superyacht refit projects and Managing Director at time of major renovation project of one of the luxuriest and most exclusive Superyacht Marinas in the World, Palmarina Bodrum. Simultaneously, at the time of marina management process, he took the role of General Manager position for Palmali Superyacht Fleet. Currently, Mr. Levent Baktır is the founder of Xone Superyacht Management Co., and Xone Superyacht and Sailing Academy, one and only LRQA and MCA approved Superyacht training center in Eastern Med. Mr. Levent Baktır is going to make a presentation about “Be a dreamer, be a wind bender, be yourself, be a master! A Journey to the Mysterious Secrets of Superyacht Industry” in the Seminar Course. |
23 November 2017 
Mr. Sadettin Bülbül | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2018 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Former Chairman / CEO of Merkez Deniz Acenteliği A.Ş., Mr. Sadettin Bülbül as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Date: Thursday, 23 November 2017
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Sadettin Bülbül was born in Pendik, Istanbul, in 1948. He graduated from Kadıköy Maarif College and took his undergraduate degree from Istanbul University’s School of Business. He started his career path in the tourism industry in Izmir Abdullah Tourism and Travel Agency, in 1972. Then, he worked for Merkez Deniz Acenteliği ve Ticaret A.Ş., which is one of the Keytours Company’s Partner, as the General Manager, and in ICT Turizm ve Ticaret A.Ş., as the Founding Partner. Until 2008, he had been working as the CEO of Merkez Deniz Acenteliği ve Ticaret A.Ş., being one of the two great partners. Mr. Sadettin Bülbül has left professional life in 2017. Mr. Sadettin Bülbül is going to make a presentation about “Overview of Cruise Industry” in the Seminar Course. |
9 November 2017 
Mr. Kaan Sakarya | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2018 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Founder of BASTA, Mr. Kaan Sakarya as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Date: Thursday, 9 November 2017
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Kaan Sakarya went to Galatasaray High School then took his undergraduate degree from Galatasaray University’s Faculty of Communication. After university education, he went to Ecole Ferrandi Cuisine School in Paris, France. He worked at Restaurant Maison Blanche Paris, Chef at Home TR and Gastroloft, L’Ami Jean and Nicole Restaurant Istanbul in various positions during his career. Currently, Mr. Kaan Sakarya is working as the Founder of BASTA Restaurant in Istanbul. He is going to make a presentation about “International Kitchen Experiences and Gastronomy and Cuisine Trends” in the Seminar Course. |
26 October 2017 
Ms. Ebru Ertek | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2018 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Marketing Associate of Barut Hotels Grup, Akra Hotels, Ms. Ebru Ertek as the guest speaker of the seminar series. The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 26 October 2017 Time: 14:40-16:30 Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Ms. Ebru Ertek was born in Antalya. She graduated from Antalya Karatay High School and then she completed her undergraduate education in Yeditepe University’s Faculty of Communication. Thereafter she took her master’s degree from the Social Sciences Institute of the same University in the Marketing field. She attended the projects such as EU Commission Socrates Comenius Programme, EU Commission Youth Exchange Programme and European Association of Communications Agencies Summer School during her education life. She worked as the intern in Falezler Reklam Antalya, Turks.net / GlobalPiyasa.com and Vivense.com in various positions. After working in Sephora Kozmetik as the Marketing Associate, currently she works for Barut Hotels Grup, Akra Hotels. Ms. Ebru Ertek speaks English, German, Italian and Russian. |
12 October 2017 
Mr. Yakup Dinler | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2018 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the President of KAPTİD, Mr. Yakup Dinler as the guest speaker of the seminar series. The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 12 October 2017
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr.Yakup Dinler was born in 1980, Stockholm, Sweden as the 1st grandson of Mehmet Dinler who was one of the first Turks to immigrate to Sweden in mid-1960’s. His life and education was always a zig zag between Sweden and Turkey until 1997 when he moved back permanently to his hometown in Cappadocia: Ürgüp. After two years of education in a High School in Cappadocia he moved to Ankara to start his University studies at Bilkent University / Tourism and Hotel Management Program. Mr.Yakup Dinler graduated in 2003. After completing his military service he started to work within the family company together with his (now deceased) father Mr. Mustafa Dinler at Dinler Hotels as the General Manager of the property at that time 4* Hotel (now 5*): Dinler Hotels - Ürgüp. Mr.Yakup Dinler is now acting as the Vice President of the Dinler Group which owns and manages six hotels, a hot-air balloon company and other investments mainly in Cappadocia, Ürgüp. Mr. Yakup Dinler is also the President of KAPTİD (Cappadocia Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association) and a Board Member of TÜROFED (Turkish Hoteliers Federation). Mr. Yakup Dinler, who is fluent in English and Swedish, is married and father of 3 sons. He is also the Candidate Honorary Consul of Lithuania for Nevşehir and Kayseri. Mr. Yakup Dinler is going to make a presentation about “The ‘First and Only’ Boutique Hotel in World Heritage Site of Cappadocia: Kayakapı Premium Caves - Cappadocia.” in the Seminar. |
10 May 2017 
Mr. Oral Konag | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2017 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Asst. General Manager of Crowne Plaza Istanbul Asia, Mr. Oral Konag as the guest speaker of the seminar series. The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Wednesday, 10 May 2017
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Oral Konag took his undergraduate degree from Eastern Mediterranean University. He started his career path in Club Hotel Sera Antalya at the Front Office. Thereafter he worked at various positions in The Marmara Hotels Group, Altes Tourism & Travel Agency, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Swissotel Hotels and Resorts and Hilton Hotels and Resorts, respectively. Mr. Oral Konag is currently working in Crowne Plaza Istanbul Asia (Intercontinental Hotels Group) as the Asst. General Manager. |
03 May 2017 
Ms. Aylin Yazıcıoğlu | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2017 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Executive Chef of Nicole Restaurant İstanbul, Ms. Aylin Yazıcıoğlu as the guest speaker of the seminar series. The medium of instruction will be in English.
Date : Wednesday, 03 May 2017
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Ms. Aylin Yazıcıoğlu graduated from Galatasaray High School. She was qualified to study for Sociology Doctorate in Cambridge University, after taking undergraduate academic degree from Boğaziçi University, Sociology Department. She had left her Doctorate education to take education from Le Cordon Bleu Paris and then decided to continue her career in the gastronomy world. Ms. Aylin Yazıcıoğlu worked in Chocolaterie Jean-Charles Rochoux Paris, Gastroloft Istanbul, Hispania Restaurant Barcelona, Restaurant Alain Senderens Paris, Patisserie Stéphane Glacier Paris and Couvert Couvert Leuven, respectively. She opened Nicole Restaurant in Istanbul with Kaan Sakarya after returning to Turkey in 2013. Ms. Aylin Yazıcıoğlu is working as the Executive Chef of Nicole Restaurant, currently. |
19 April 2017 
Dr. Erkan Yağcı | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2017 – 4. Seminer | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome AKTOB President, Dr. Erkan Yağcı as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English.
Date : Wednesday, 19 April 2017
Time : 14:40-16:30
Place : AB-3 / Law Auditorium
Mr. Erkan Yağcı is the president of AKTOB (Mediterranean Hoteliers Association) and Executive Member of Board of Concorde de luxe Resort. Mr. Erkan Yağci was born in 1979 and he graduated from Tourism & Hotel Management program from Bilkent University in Turkey. After several successful experiences in various fields of tourism management during his career, Dr. Erkan Yağcı’s passion, to have a global view and understanding of the sector, lead him to the USA where he completed his MBA degree from Northeastern University. Additionally, he holds Ph.D. degree in Tourism & Hotel Management from Akdeniz University. During this time, he had the chance to bring his management skills into perfection while being responsible for various projects including business strategies, performance and benchmark analyses. During the course of his career Dr. Erkan Yağcı became a member of various International and National Tourism Organizations. He brings excellent management and analytical skills as well as great insight into the operational and quality standards aspects of the business. Dr. Erkan Yağcı has also been merited several awards from national as well as international tourism entities. |
15 March 2017 
Mr. Ziya Ertekin | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2017 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Entrepreneur of FSL Restaurant Chain / Soslu Tava Restaurant, Mr. Ziya Ertekin as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Wednesday, 15 March 2017
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Ziya Ertekin graduated from Bosphorus University, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Department of Hotel Management in 1999 and Anatolia University, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Department of Tourism and Hotel Management in 2007. Mr. Ziya Ertekin started his career pathway working at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Hotel, Istanbul in various positions such as the Banquet Server, Banquet Storekeeper, Audio-Visual Service Agent and IT Assistant. He continued his working life with The Ritz Carlton, Istanbul and Bahrain, Manama as the Storekeeper, Senior Store Supervisor and Asst. Purchasing Manager in Purchasing Department, respectively. Thereafter Mr. Ziya Ertekin worked at Aydeniz Construction Co. and Divan Hotel Erbil as the Purchasing Manager. Currently, Mr. Ziya Ertekin is the Entrepreneur of FSL Restaurant Chain / Soslu Tava Restaurant. Mr. Ziya Ertekin, who speaks English and Russian, is going to make a presentation about “Entrepreneurship and Experiences about Service Sector” in the seminar. |
08 March 2017 
Ms. Yasemin Ataman | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2017 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Executive Chef responsible from Turkey, Middle East and Iran at Unilever, Ms. Yasemin Ataman as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Wednesday, 08 March 2017
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Ms. Yasemin Ataman graduated from Bilkent University, Tourism and Hotel Management
Department in 2005 with first rank and then she took her master degree from Cornell University at the same branch. After working at Çırağan Palace in Turkey and Michelin Starred Restaurants abroad until 2001, she worked as the Executive Chef at Marriott and İstanbul Doors groups. Ms. Yasemin Ataman continues her career as the Executive Chef responsible from Turkey, Middle East and Iran at Unilever to accelerate the search and development until 2012. She is going to make a presentation about world food and nutrition trends and how businesses need to keep pace with these trends. |
22 February 2017 
Mr. Tolga Kilit | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2017 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Board Member of Kilit Group (Crystal Hotels), Mr. Tolga Kilit as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Wednesday, 22 February 2017
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Tolga Kilit, who’s the second and last child of his family, was born in Antalya in 1992. His family business always related with tourism because they started with selling hotel equipment to the hotels in 1955. Afterwards they entered directly the world of hospitality to become an hotelier in 2005. So on, the passion and enthusiasm of Mr. Tolga Kilit has grown up for the hotel sector. Because of his desire, he chose to attend the Hotel Management Program at Özyeğin University graduating in 2014. After two years of experience in İstanbul, Mr. Tolga Kilit considered to join Kilit Hospitality Group and started to move up . Currently, Mr. Tolga Kilit is responsible of Sales & Marketing of Kilit Hospitality Group (KHG). Kilit Hospitality Group owns and operates three different brands which are Crystal Hotels, Amara World Hotels and Nirvana Lagoon Villas Suits & Spa. Mr. Tolga Kilit speech will be about the “Digital Marketing” for the new generation and in the near future. |
1 December 2016 
Mr. Kaya Demirer | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2017 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome President of TURYID, Mr. Kaya Demirer as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 1 December 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium We will be welcoming Mr. Kaya Demirer, President of TURYID, CEO of Jamie's Italian Istanbul and Frankie Istanbul; as an esteemed guest of OzU Cuisine Gourmet Club. He will be making a presentation in English on " Restaurant Managament and Franchising in Turkey along with Crisis and Efficiency Management" |
24 November 2016 
Mr. Salih Çene | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2017 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Former World President of SKAL International, Mr. Salih Çene as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 24 November 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Salih Çene is born in İstanbul in 1950. After completing his high-school education in İstanbul, he moved to England for his higher education. He has a Higher National Diploma in “Hotel and Catering Administration” from Westminister Technical College-London. Mr. Salih Çene is in Travel & Tourism industry since 1969. As a “hotelier” he spent 40 years of this period at top management or partner/CEO positions of various firms, hotels and chains. Currently, he is serving the sector as a Free-lance Consultant by giving assistance on Operational Management, Project Development, System Analysis, Pre-opening, Organization & Re-organization. Mr. Salih Çene is a Skål member since 1980 and has taken office in every level of Skål International. In October 2014, he was elected the WORLD PRESIDENT OF SKÅL INTERNATIONAL - at the Skål AGM in Mexico City and delivered his Chain of office in October 2015 at the Skål AGM in Torremolinos- Spain. Also, Mr. Salih Çene hold office at various organisations such as “Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD)”, “International Hotels & Restaurants Association (IHRA)”. |
03 November 2016 
Ms. Selin İstanbullu Özçağlı | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2017 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences, You are kindly informed to welcome Assistant Director of Human Resources of Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul, Bosphorus, Ms. Selin İstanbullu Özçağlı as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 03 November 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Ms. Selin İstanbullu Özçağlı was born and raised in Ankara. She graduated from Gazi Anadolu Lisesi, followed by Bilkent University, Tourism and Hotel Management Department, and then, lastly the Culinary Institute of America. Ms. Selin İstanbullu Özçağlı started her career pathway with the inspiration to be a “Great Chef”, moved into and through the ranks of F&B service/operation. She used her vast operational background in the Learning and Development function, and found her true calling in HR. Ms. Selin İstanbullu Özçağlı consider herself as a true hotelier who has worked in best hotels in her career. Currently, Ms. Selin İstanbullu Özçağlı has been working at Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul, Bosphorus as the Assistant Director of Human Resources. |
20 October 2016 
Mr. Mehmet Ergül | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2017 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Associate Professor Mr. Mehmet Ergül from San Francisco State University as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 20 October 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Dr. Mehmet Ergul got his BSc degree from Tourism and Hotel Management from Bilkent University and studied MBA at Baskent University. He studied MSc in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management and Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration College of Human Sciences in Texas Tech University. Dr. Mehmet Ergul, Associate Professor joined San Francisco State University, College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Management Department in 2006. He is currently teaching Restaurant and Catering Management, Introduction to Hospitality Management, Historical and Contemporary Aspects of Food, Beverage and Culture in America and The Business of International Tourism. He also serves as a senator in the academic senate and sitting on several committees in campus. Dr. Mehmet Ergul is currently conducting research in several areas including: food and gastronomy tourism, children’s and elderly’s eating habits and its impact to hospitality industry, new food products development and sensory evaluation, social entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry. |
13 October 2016 
Mr. Erkan Kaya | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2017 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Vice-President of Marketing and Business Development of Hotel Linkage, Mr. Erkan Kaya as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 13 October 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Erkan Kaya got his Bachelor’s degree from Gazi University, Faculty of Commerce and Tourism Management and Master of Science degree from İstanbul University, Yield Management and Online Marketing. He also attended Online Certificate Programs in Stanford University (Technology Entrepreneurship) and Harvard University (CS 50 - Introduction to Computer Science). Mr. Erkan Kaya had started his career pathway as the Front Office, Food and Beverage & Housekeeping Management Trainee at Days Inn in 2003 and continued with IHG - InterContinental Hotels Group as the Group Sales Coordinator. He had been Lecturer at İstanbul University for about five years. He had worked with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts as the Group Sales Supervisor, W Hotels as the Sales Manager, Expedia as the Associate Market Manager and Hotel Linkage as the Director of Marketing and Business Development respectively. Currently Mr. Erkan Kaya, who speaks English and German, has been working at Hotel Linkage as the Vice-President of Marketing and Business Development since August 2016. |
6 October 2016
 Mr. Soner Metin | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2017 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences, You are kindly informed to welcome General Manager of Sheraton Grand Atasehir, Mr. Soner Metin as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 6 October 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Soner Metin graduated from Hacettepe University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences. He had started his career pathway as the Tourist Guide at Flama Travel Agency Bodrum & Small World Tourism Agency in 1986. He had worked at Sheraton Hotel & Convention Center, Ankara in various positions such as Night Auditor, Night Manager, Guest Service Manager and Rooms Division / Front Office Manager. Mr. Soner Metin had prior experiences at Klassis Resort Hotel, İstanbul as the General Manager and The House Hotel Collection, The House Apart as the Chief Operations Officer. Currently, Mr Soner Metin, who speaks English and French, works at Sheraton Grand Ataşehir as the General Manager since March 2015. |
5 May 2016 
Ms. Melike Karaman | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2016 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Ms. Melike Karaman, the Asst. General Manager at PROTEL A.Ş., responsible for the Hotel Systems, as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 5 May 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Ms. Melike Karaman completed her education at İstanbul University, Faculty of Economics. Ms. Melike Karaman started her business life in 1992. Her areas of expertise are hotel and restaurant automation systems; installation, training, project and consultancy processes of these systems and increasing the operational and financial efficiency of the companies through these systems. She has spent a considerable portion of her career and currently with the ORACLE Hospitality Solutions as we recalled before MICROS-FIDELIO. Besides, she has held management and consultancy works with various hotels during her career. Currently, Ms. Melike Karaman works as the Asst. General Manager at PROTEL A.Ş., responsible for the Hotel Systems. |
14 April 2016 
Mr. Enis Güner | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2016 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the Board Member of Sevilen Winery, Mr. Enis Güner as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 14 April 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium Mr. Enis Güner representes the third generation of Güner Family who has been running the Sevilen Vineyards & Winery since 1942. Mr. Enis Güner graduated from Bilkent University, Tourism & Hotel Management in 1991. He has continued his academic career in US. He graduated from University of California Davis’ Enology & Viticulture Department. Mr. Enis Güner started his business career in Sevilen Winery in 1995, as the Assistant Winemaker. Currently, Mr. Enis Güner continues his business life as the Board Member of the company. |
7 April 2016
 Mr. Adnan Yücel | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2016 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome the General Manager of Swissôtel Resort Bodrum Beach, Mr. Adnan Yücel as the guest speaker of the seminar series. Mr. Adnan Yücel’s speech theme will be concentrated on “Hotel Management in China.”
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 7 April 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Adnan Yücel graduated from the University of Istanbul, French Language and Literature Department. Mr. Adnan Yücel brings over twenty years of leadership experience within the hospitality industry, which started in 1992 at Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul. It is in this property that he held his first managerial position as Night Manager four years later. Since 1998 he developed his career in various properties, such as the Çirağan Palace Hotel Kempinski in Istanbul where he has been Reservation Manager until 2000. Mr. Adnan Yücel then returned to Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, as the Revenue Manager at Swissôtel Dalian in China. From there Mr. Adnan Yücel was offered the position of Front Office and Security Manager at Swissôtel Boston, Massachusetts. A year later, he returned to Europe and took on the Director of Rooms Division role at Swissôtel The Çelik Palas Bursa and Çelik Palas Bursa Hotel in Turkey. As of 2003 Mr. Adnan Yücel pursued his career with Hilton Adana and Hilton Mersin as the Cluster Director of Business Development and came back in 2007 as the General Manager of Swissôtel Göçek Marina & Resort, followed by Swissôtel Ankara, Swissôtel Makkah and finally Swissôtel Foshan in 2010. Since 2011, he worked in China for Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Wanda Hotels & Resorts and Intercontinental Hotel Group as the General Manager. Mr. Adnan Yücel is currently working as the General Manager of Swissôtel Resort Bodrum Beach. |
31 March 2016 
Mr. Ali Beklen | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2016 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome CTO & Founder of HotelRunner website, Mr. Ali Beklen as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 31 March 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium Mr. Ali Beklen completed his master’s degree in Economics at Computer Engineering Department and still continues to doctoral education in the same field. He worked in Engineering, Business Development, Consultancy, Management and Sales fields in IBM and YapıKredi Bank. Mr. Ali Beklen wrote a book and articles to academic journals. Mr. Ali Beklen works in HotelRunner website as CTO & Founder, currently. |
3 May 2016
 Mr. Alican Melen | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2016 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Flying Chef of Do&Co, The Gourmet Entertainment Company, İstanbul, Mr. Alican Melen as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 3 May 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-2 / Law Auditorium Mr. Alican Melen was born in Bolu in 1981. He took his high school education in Düzce and his undergraduate education from Yeditepe University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department. He had worked as the apprentice and intern at Levon Patisserie, Hyatt Regency Hotel İstanbul, Yu TA Ka Japanese Restaurant, Okko Gourme Patisseire and Çırağan Palace Kempinski during his student life. He had started his professional career pathway at Levon Patisseire as the Turkish and International Cuisines, A la Carte Chef in 2009. Mr. Alican Melen worked at Caretta Restaurant as the Sous Chef and Mahal Restaurant as the Cuisine Supervisor. Since December 2010, Mr. Alican Melen, who speaks English and French, works at Do&Co, The Gourmet Entertainment Company, İstanbul as the Flying Chef. |
18 February 2016 
Mr. Michael Thorp | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Spring 2016 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences, You are kindly informed to welcome Medical Director of the Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort, Kaplankaya, Mr. Michael Thorp as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 18 February 2016
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-3 / Law Auditorium (ScOLa 150) Dr. Thorp’s formal education began as a medical doctor and later with a specialization in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from the University of Oslo in Norway. With experience at some of the world’s most renowned medical institutions, he has been trained as a sports doctor, and has been head doctor for a national team in Kickboxing. Dr. Thorp has been an advisor for healthy lifestyles and diets and has been treating patients suffering from obesity. He is a member of the Norwegian Red Cross ERU team and has experience from emergency work in Bam, Iran and Tana River Valey, Kenya. Dr. Thorp has previously worked at as a Senior Consultant and R&D Director/CTO at OxySolutions AS, at several weight loss clinics, and was serving as a doctor at the Ullevaal Hospitality in Scandinavia. Dr. Thorp is currently working at the Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort, Kaplankaya as the Medical Director. |
10 December 2015 
Ms. Meltem Karamenderes | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2015 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Quality & Training Manager of InterContinental Istanbul Hotel, Ms. Meltem Karamenderes as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 10 December 2015
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium Ms. Meltem Karamenderes was born in Kırıkkale in 1972. She took her primary, secondary and high school education in Kırıkkale and her undergraduate education from METU, Department of Food Engineering. She had started her career pathway at YKB as the Management Trainee in Quality & Performance Development Department in 1995. She had worked in Training, HR and Quality functions in managerial positions of various national and multi-national companies which are Akbank, Crowne Plaza Istanbul Hotel, Sheraton Istanbul Maslak Hotel and Pronet Security. Ms. Meltem Karamenderes is currently working at InterContinental Istanbul Hotel as the Quality & Training Manager. |
19 November 2015 
Mr. Erhan Yurtsever | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2015 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Executive Assistant Manager of Rooms of Raffles İstanbul, Mr. Erhan Yurtsever as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 19 November 2015
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium Mr. Erhan Yurtsever, who has working for hotels at Melbourne and Istanbul for 21 years, was born in Melbourne in 1973. He took his primary education from Collingwood Education Center, Melbourne, Australia and got his VCE Certificate from Collingwood College, Melbourne, Australia. He had started his career pathway at Royal Parade Irico Hotel, Parkville, Melbourne as the Night Manager in 1994 and then continued as the Front Office Supervisor at Renaissance Polat Hotel Istanbul. He had worked as the Night Manager, Assistant Front Office Manager, Floor Supervisor, Front Office Manager, Rooms Division Manager, Director of Rooms at Four Seasons Istanbul. Since December 2013, Mr. Erhan Yurtsever works at Raffles İstanbul as the Executive Assistant Manager of Rooms. |
12 November 2015 
Mr. Güçlen Aksu | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2015 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Sales Director of D.ream (Doğuş Restaurant Entertainment and Management), Mr. Güçlen Aksu as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 12 November 2015
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium Mr. Güçlen Aksu took his undergraduate education from Mersin University, Department of Tourism and Hotel Management. He had started his career pathway at HiltonSA, Mersin and then continued working in many units as the Reservation and Conference Services at Swissotel The Bosphorus. He had worked as the Banquet and Conference Manager at The Ritz-Carlton and as the Banquet Director at Çırağan Palace Kempinski. Since September 2014, Mr. Güçlen Aksu works at D.ream (Doğuş Restaurant Entertainment and Management) as the Sales Director. |
22 October 2015 
Mr. Okan Karadağ | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2015 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Pera, Istanbul, Mr. Okan Karadağ as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 22 October 2015
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium Mr. Okan Karadağ took his undergraduate education from Bilkent University, Ankara, Department of Tourism and Hotel Management and graduate education from National University, San Diego, California in the field of Electronic Commerce. He had started his career pathway at Turkish Airlines as the Electronic Commerce Specialist in 2003 and then continued as the Sales Manager at Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (Marriott International) and The Marmara Taksim Hotel. He had worked as the General Manager at Room Mate Hotels (Mia Pera Hotel) and Rixos Pera Istanbul. Since May 2012, Mr. Okan Karadağ, who speaks English, German and Spanish works at Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Pera as the General Manager. |
08 October 2015 
Mr. Melih Demirel | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2015 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Instructor Chef of İzmir Ekonomi University, Mr. Melih Demirel as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 08 October 2015
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium Mr. Melih Demirel took his associate degree from The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York and undergraduate education from Ankara Bilkent University, Department of Industrial Engineering. He had started his career pathway at Westchester Country Club, Westchester, New York as the Line Cook in 2008 and then continued at Michelin stared restaurants, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Westchester, New York and Gramercy Tavern, Manhattan, New York. He opened his own restaurant, Tabla at Istanbul, Tepebasi after he had worked as the Sous Chef and the Chef de Cuisine at various restaurants in Izmir and Istanbul. He worked as the Instructor Chef at USLA, Mecidiyekoy, Istanbul. Since January 2015, Mr. Melih Demirel, who speaks English, French and Spanish, works at İzmir Ekonomi University as the Instructor Chef. |
17 September 2015 
Mr. Emre Erdoğan | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences – Fall 2015 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Revenue Manager of Hyatt Regency Istanbul, Mr. Emre Erdoğan as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Thursday, 17 September 2015
Time: 14:40-16:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium Mr. Emre Erdoğan, who has working for Hotels at Istanbul and Bodrum for 7 years, was born in 1984. He took his undergraduate education from Gazi University, Faculty of Commerce and Tourism Education, Department of Tourism Management Education and graduate education from Istanbul University, Institute of Social Sciences, Graduate Programme of Tourism Management. He had started his career pathway at Novotel Istanbul in the Front Office Department in 2007 and then continued as the Revenue Manager at the same hotel. He had worked as the Revenue Manager at Renaissance Polat Istanbul & Renaissance Istanbul Bosphorus (Marriott International) and Mandarin Oriental Bodrum. Since July 2014, Mr. Emre Erdoğan, who speaks English and German, works at Hyatt Regency Istanbul as the Revenue Manager. |
6 May 2015 
Mr. Selim Ölmez | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences- Spring 2015 – 6. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Marketing Director of St. Regis Istanbul, Mr. Selim Ölmez as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2015
Time: 13:40-15:30
Place: AB-3 / Faculty of Law Auditorium Mr. Selim Ölmez, who has working for Starwood Hotels & Resorts during 17 years, was born in Ankara, in 1978. He graduated from Ankara Gazi University, Akdeniz University and Cornell University. He had started his career pathway at Sheraton Ankara in Finance Department and then continued in Sales and Marketing Department. Prior to his appointment at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi, Mr. Ölmez worked at the opening of W Doha Hotel & Residences – Katar and W St. Petersburg – Russia which are within Starwood as a Marketing Director. Currently Mr Ölmez, who speaks English, German and Russian, has been working at St. Regis Istanbul as a Marketing Director since March 2014. |
6 May 2015
 Ms. Simone Eyer | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences- Spring 2015 – 5. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Recruitment Manager of Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, Ms. Simone Eyer as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2015
Time: 13:40-15:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium Ms. Simone Eyer started her career in the hotel industry with the well-established French tour operator : Club Med. Since 2000, Ms. Simone Eyer was HR Manager and Regional HR Director of Recruitment in France – Europe – Middle East and US – Canada for Club Med. Ms.Simone Eyer joined the Mandarin Oriental Group in February 2015 as Recruitment and Recreational Manager. Ms. Simone Eyer is currently Recruitment Manager at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum. |
22 April 2015 
Ms. Banu Kırmaz | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences- Spring 2015 – 4. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome General Manager of The Istanbul Edition Hotel, Ms. Banu Kırmaz as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Wednesday, 22 April 2015
Time: 13:40-15:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium A graduate of TED Ankara College and Middle East Technical University Depatment of Economics, Ms. Banu Kırmaz started to work at Coopers&Lybrand Turkey Company. Ms. Kırmaz has entered the hospitality industry after her assignments at various banks. She was appointed as Finance Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company prior to her career at The Istanbul Edition Hotel as Finance and Human Resources Manager. Ms. Kırmaz is currently the General Manager of The Istanbul Edition Hotel, Istanbul . |
01 April 2015 
Ms. Funda Eratıcı | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences- Spring 2015 – 3. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Regional Director of Sales, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia & CIS countries, Ms. Funda Eratıcı as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Wednesday, 01 April 2015
Time: 13:40-15:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium A graduate of TED Ankara College and Bilkent University School of Tourism & Hotel Management, Ms. Funda Eratıcı started to work in the hospitality industry in 1991. Ms. Eratıcı has joined Hilton Worldwide, at the Hilton Ankara in 1994 where she took various roles the hotel until 2004. Ms. Eratıcı was appointed as Cluster Director of Sales for Conrad Istanbul, Hilton Istanbul and Hilton ParkSa in 2005, prior to her assignment at Hilton Warsaw, Poland as Director of Business Development between 2007-2009. Ms. Eratıcı was appointed as Director of Sales Turkey, Hilton Worldwide hotels in 2009 until she took her current role in 2012 as Regional Director of Sales, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia & CIS countries. She has completed 20 years of service at the Hilton Worldwide, where she is currently responsible of 13 countries which has 73 operational hotels and 3 Hilton Worldwide Global Sales Offices. |
18 March 2015 Mr. Murat Köni | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences- Spring 2015 – 2. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome General Manager of the Wyndham Old City Istanbul, Mr. Murat Köni as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2015
Time: 13:40-15:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium Mr. Köni received his education at United States and England after graduating from İzmir Özel Türk High School, İzmir, Turkey and Cherry Hill East High School, New Jersey, U.S.A. At 1993, he got bachelor of science degree from Bilkent University, Tourism and Hotel Management. Mr. Köni started his own career at Cınar Hotel İstanbul as a receptionist. He worked at multiple positions at various hotels in İstanbul, Ankara, Bursa and Aydın. Previously he was the General Manager of Elite World Business, İstanbul. Mr. Köni is recently the General Manager of Wyndham Old City, Istanbul. |
11 March 2015 
Mr. Fabio Brambilla | Seminar Series of the School of Applied Sciences- Spring 2015 – 1. Seminar | Dear Students of the School of Applied Sciences,
You are kindly informed to welcome Executive Chef of the Grand Hyatt Istanbul, Mr. Fabio Brambilla as the guest speaker of the seminar series.
The medium of instruction will be in English. Date: Wednesday, 11 March 2015
Time: 13:40-15:30
Place: AB-1 / Reşat Aytaç Auditorium With over 30 years of experience in the culinary, restaurant and hospitality industry, Mr. Fabio Brambilla continues to bring his talent and passion to the culinary world. He has had a true love of food and cooking his entire life. Born nearby Milan in October 1965. His culinary training began at an early age when he started baking bread in a small town bakery. He worked in kitchens throughout high school and college, eventually taking seasonal jobs at restaurants in Switzerland. After graduating from the acclaimed Culinary Institute of Amerigo Vespucci in Milan, Fabio took an offer at an Italian restaurant in the United States and remained there for couple of years beyond his graduation at multiple positions, refining his skills along the way.
Mr. Fabio’s professional culinary travels have taken him to New York, Chicago, Dubai, Moscow, Warsaw, Sao Paolo, Chennai, Tokyo, Santiago - Chile, Buenos Aires, Mendoza and beyond. Chef Fabio is recently the Executive Chef at the Grand Hyatt Istanbul. Previously, he was the Executive Chef at the Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. Other prior experiences include; Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus, Executive Chef at the Grand Hyatt Santiago, Executive Chef at the Park Hyatt Milan which was named One of the world's Best New Restaurants 2005 by Esquire Magazine and has worked in many other international hotel chains all around the world. He has done countless cooking demonstrations at prestigious restaurants throughout Italy as well as writing "Party Food" and participating on writing several books such as "Olio in Cucina" and "I Formaggi Italiani".
Chef Fabio brings with him many years of experience as a highly accomplished culinary professional with passion and creativity. He continues to take pride in sourcing out only the freshest ingredients, turning them into gourmet creations and teaching them to others.
Mr. Fabio looks forward to opening a facility in the near future, continuing his dedication to quality and wholesomeness, and to pursuing the passion of teaching method and preparation to anyone with a passion for great food. |
