Jessica Wiitala

Dr. Jessica Wiitala, PhD, MBA, CMM, is an accomplished academic and industry professional serving as Assistant Professor of Event Management at High Point University. She also directs Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships, shaping the next generation of event management professionals. With a strong foundation in hospitality and event management, Jessica brings over a decade of experience in both higher education and the hospitality industry, including leadership roles in corporate and association event planning, group reservations, and hotel operations.

Jessica holds a PhD in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida – Rosen College of Hospitality Management, as well as an MBA, and a CMM certification. Her research focuses on strategic crisis communication, media effects, risk management, and consumer behavior in tourism and events. She has presented at numerous international conferences and published in leading hospitality and event management journals, bridging academic theory with real-world applications to advance industry best practices.

In her current role, Jessica develops and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in event management, experiential marketing, and hospitality leadership. She actively collaborates with industry organizations through advisory committees, internships, and professional development initiatives, ensuring students gain practical, hands-on experience. Passionate about connecting academia with industry, Jessica leverages her expertise to enhance curriculum design, support continuing education, and inspire innovation in event experience design and management.

• Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM)
• Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA)

• University of Central Florida – Rosen College of Hospitality Management
• Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University

• International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
• Hospitality Internships