PODs (Programming on Demand) are one credit, intensive courses generally offered for 15 hours either over a weekend or online. Three one-credit PODS equal one three-credit elective. PODs offer students hands-on experience in the hospitality and tourism industry and have provided a vehicle to teach soft skills and cutting-edge ideas. Earn credits faster by enrolling in a POD now!
If you need assistance registering for the course please contact your advisor. You may also visit the Advising office located HM 106 or call 305-919-4521.
Fall 2025 PODS
2019–2025 PODS
- Fall 2022
Authentic Ecotourism
Be part of THE first Authentic Ecotourism class ever offered in the world! One of the planet’s leading Ecotourism authorities- Prof. Hitesh Mehta FASLA FRIBA FAAK, will conduct a one-of-a-kind, longweekend theory class and fieldtrip. Theory and information-gathering classes will be combined with a field trip to the Seminole Big Cypress Reservation (1.5 hr drive) to attend the Native American Arts Celebration where students will observe and research Ecotourism activities. This POD will involve out-ofclass assignments and in-class team-building exercises.
Professor: Hitesh Mehta
Dates:
November 4 FIU BBC | 5PM - 7PM
November 5 Seminole Reservation | 9AM - overnight
November 6 Seminole Reservation / FIU BBC | 9AM - 6PM
VAN TRANSPORTATION TO RESERVATION PROVIDEDAdditional Costs:
TOTAL: $45 - $60
( Accommodation: $35 -$50
Museum and Arts Celebration : $10 )Luxury and Lifestyle Brand
This course will examine the various facets of luxury and the fundamental values and mindsets that create a demand for it; the ways in which luxury has changed; what global luxury travelers/ consumers are ultimately seeking; and how hotels and other hospitality related organizations are responding in order to lead and succeed in this highly competitive vertical.
The POD is an intimate journey through with hands-on executive experience using economics, operations to executive committee decision making and re-defining luxury in hospitality.
Professor: Gabriela Yidi
Dates:
September 10* FIU BBC | 9AM - 5PM
October 8* FIU BBC | 10AM - 7PM
*Mandatory in-person attendance*
Transportation will be provided from BBC to Miami Beach and Brickell hotels
LUNCH provided by hotelsCertification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA)
The Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) is the leading certification for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professors, in Hospitality and Tourism programs. This recognition provides evidence of a thorough knowledge of the foundational metrics, definitions, formulas and methodologies that are used by the hotel industry.
Note: students in the fully online program can get reimbursed by FIU Online, up to $250, for successfully completing the cert and CEG 5000.
Professor: Mohammad Qureshi
Dates: October 15th & 16thWedding Planner Certification
This POD covers every aspect of a career in wedding planning, whether you want to work as an independent wedding/event planner or are seeking employment at a hotel, resort, country club, or private venue that hosts weddings. Participants will learn key skills in running a successful wedding planning business and how to make connections in the hospitality industry.
All participants receive lifetime certification, membership, and support!
The Bridal Society's fee is as follows (these are in addition to the FIU Course Fee):
Regular Rate: $540 — FIU Student Rate: $395 + Receive One Credit
THIS IS A SAVINGS OF $145 | USE DISCOUNT CODE: FIU2022
IMEX Experience
Each year FIU students participate in the IMEX America conference, including learning at Meeting Professionals' International workshops and visiting a sprawling trade show floor.On our last day in Las Vegas we also have exclusive tours of the MGM Special Events Facility, the GES Warehouse (where two Titanics could be docked), and the experiential activities area of Area 15.
Trip costs to anticipate are the flight to Las Vegas, discounted hotel rooms (usually under $50 per night for a room shared with one other), and food costs.Note that you may also opt to participate in this trip without needing to register for the one-credit POD.
- Summer 2022
Me Too - I Know What To Do (And Not To Do!)
Professor: Asiya Centurion
Dates : May 21, 22In this interactive class, students, in collaboration with the professor, will develop a step-by-step action guide addressing sexual harassment helpful to both the managers and the employees. The students will visit one of our incredibly popular, high-end restaurants, Bulla Gastrobar, for a day of educational games and Q&A with our talented team.
For more information, contact Sanjay Dhawan at dhawans@fiu.edu.Wedding Planner Certification
This POD covers every aspect of a career in wedding planning, whether you want to work as an independent wedding/event planner or are seeking employment at a hotel, resort, country club, or private venue that hosts weddings. Participants will learn key skills in running a successful wedding planning business and how to make connections in the hospitality industry.
All participants receive lifetime certification, membership, and support!
The Bridal Society's fee is as follows (these are in addition to the FIU Course Fee):
Regular Rate: $540 — FIU Student Rate: $395 + Receive One Credit
THIS IS A SAVINGS OF $145 | USE DISCOUNT CODE: FIUCREDIT
Building A Hospitality Concept
Building a successful restaurant goes beyond menu and ambiance. For NYC-based restaurateur, NicolePonseca, the development of a strong concept is a crucial first step. This POD is an introduction toconcept development for aspiring restaurateurs or entrepreneurs. You will learn 6 Core Advantages to consider when building your concept to utilize in future development of business plans, creative briefs,business models and in conversations with investors or business partners.
- Spring 2022
Outstanding Spaces Cultural Institutions, Hospitality and Events
Professor: Hollie Altman
Dates: February 12-13th
Section: R6ADescription: This POD will examine how non-traditional venues like cultural institutions (museums, theaters, historical sites, parks, etc.) find their place in the competitive national event marketplace, incorporate hospitality into their daily operations, and fulfill their mission to serve their communities. Students will learn though case studies and experiential exercises how an organization’s charitable mission can successfully co-exist with a competitive events business model. Students will also be able to plan their own fundraising or community awareness event using the same principles that guide local and national non-profit organizations.
Barrel to Back Bar
Professor: Steven Von Oehsen
Dates: March 18th & 25th, April 1st & 7th
Section: R6BDescription: This dynamic, interactive POD will bring students together with executives at Miami’s own, world’s largest wine and spirits wholesaler, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. This POD is an intimate journey through the entire wholesaler value chain from strategy to sales and marketing to order-to-cash to pick-pack-and-ship.
CBD POD
Professor: Imran Ahmad
Dates: TBA
Section: R6CDescription: Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive, health-oriented compound extracted from hemp and cannabis, has been touted as one of the top healthy ingredient trends in the food and beverage industry for 2022-23. This course will provide an introduction to the fast-growing market for CBD as a signature ingredient in mainstream U.S. food and beverage product development.
This POD examines the growing public interest in CBD and CBD-derived products and how this shift affects the food and beverage industry. This POD aims to educate consumers and prospective producers of the cannabis industry on current research, regulatory status, and market trends of various forms of CBD-infused products.
Wedding Planning
Professor: Sanjay Dhawan
Dates: TBA
Section: RVCThis POD covers every aspect of wedding planning and is designed for students who are interested in a career as an independent wedding/event planner or for students who will be seeking employment at a hotel, resort, country club or another venue that hosts weddings.
Participants will learn key skills in running a successful wedding planning business, making connections in the hospitality industry, keeping their couples organized, running smooth wedding rehearsals, sustained business success, and much more. All participants receive lifetime certification, lifetime membership, and lifetime support from The Bridal Society.
Join the nation's largest group of Certified Wedding Planners and Wedding Venue Professionals.
The Bridal Society's fees are as follows (these are in addition to the FIU Course Fee):
Regular Rate: $690 — FIU Student Rate: $395.
This is a savings Of $295.AFWC Wine
Professor: Nathan Dodge
Dates: TBA
Section: R6DAFWC Catering
Professor: John Masi
Dates: TBA
Section: R6EHospitality Leadership in Washington, DC
Professor: Sanjay DhawanSpend 3 nights in Washington, DC and explore hospitality with several behind the scenes opportunities. Meet with management from Hilton Worldwide Corporate Offices, staff at FIU in DC offices, and other hospitality related companies. Students will also have an opportunity to meet with staff at our FIU office in Washington, D.C. Course has an additional $150 fee. The fee includes the following: 3 nights’ accommodation, and limited transportation to Hilton Corporate Offices.
For more information, contact Sanjay Dhawan at dhawans@fiu.edu.Hospitality Leadership in Hershey, PA
Professor: Samjay DhawanSpend 3 nights in Hershey, PA and explore hospitality with several behind the scenes opportunities. Meet with management from Hershey Park, and other hospitality related companies. Course has an additional $150 fee. The fee includes the following: 3 nights’ accommodation, and limited transportation to Hershey Park.
For more information, contact Sanjay Dhawan at dhawans@fiu.edu.
Hospitality Leadership in Orlando, FL
Professor: Sanjay Dhawan
Spend 3 nights in Orlando and explore theme parks and leadership development at some of the most well-known amusement parks in the world. Attend a leadership development seminar at Universal Studios along with various behind-the-scenes opportunities. The course has an additional $100 fee and students must attend a zoom informational session to qualify to attend.
For more information, contact Sanjay Dhawan at dhawans@fiu.edu.MeToo – I know what to do (and not to do!)
Dates : May 21, 22
Time: 9-5pmIn this interactive class, students, in collaboration with the professor, will develop a step-by-step action guide addressing sexual harassment helpful to both the managers and the employees. The students will visit one of our incredibly popular, high-end restaurants, Bulla Gastrobar or Pisco y Nazca, for a day of educational games and Q&A with our talented team.
For more information, contact Sanjay Dhawan at dhawans@fiu.edu.Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA)
The Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) is the leading certification for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professors, in Hospitality and Tourism programs. This recognition provides evidence of a thorough knowledge of the foundational metrics, definitions, formulas and methodologies that are used by the hotel industry.
Note: students in the fully online program can get reimbursed by FIU Online, up to $250, for successfully completing the cert and CEG 5000.