Acsenda School of Management Student Chosen for 2025 CIO Summit Honor

Zaira Valls, a student from Acsenda School of Management, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 John Cahill Student Seat for the upcoming CIO Summit.

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Hospitality Upgrade have announced that Zaira Valls, a student at Acsenda School of Management in British Columbia, will receive the 2025 John Cahill Student Seat. This recognition is given annually to a student from a hospitality program who excels academically and demonstrates leadership and innovation in hospitality technology.

Valls is enrolled in the Bachelor of Hospitality Management program and has focused her studies on artificial intelligence and automation in front desk operations. She also serves as a mentor for the Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality (WORTH) Association and has maintained a strong academic record. Her achievements have earned her a place at the 2025 CIO Summit, scheduled for September 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. The event is expected to host over 70 chief information officers from the hospitality sector.

The John Cahill Honorary Seat is awarded to a student recommended by their professors as having significant potential in the hotel technology industry. The award was established in memory of John Cahill, an industry leader and former CIO for companies such as ITT Sheraton and InterContinental Hotels. Cahill was actively involved with HFTP, contributing to the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) exam and serving as HFTP Global President.

The selection process for the John Cahill Honorary Seat is competitive, with candidates drawn from top hospitality programs worldwide. Previous recipients include students from institutions such as Penn State School of Hospitality Management, University of Nevada – Las Vegas, and Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston.

The award provides the recipient with an opportunity to attend the CIO Summit, a closed-door, invitation-only event, offering exposure to industry leaders and insights into hospitality technology trends. This initiative aims to honor Cahill’s legacy as a mentor by supporting the next generation of leaders in the hospitality technology field.