Simply Elegant is a Hospitality Group. But what does it mean to you, our customer? Here we explain what hospitality services are and why Simply Elegant is a believer in the essence of hospitality.

What is hospitality?

The Essence of Hospitality: Creating Memorable Experiences

Hospitality is not just about providing accommodation and services; it is about creating memorable experiences and leaving a lasting impact on guests.

At its core, hospitality is the art of making people feel welcome, comfortable, and valued. It goes beyond the physical aspects of a hotel, restaurant, or any other establishment; it revolves around the intangible elements that make guests feel special. It is the genuine smile of a front desk clerk, the personalized recommendations of a concierge, or the attentive service of a waiter that sets hospitality apart.

Hospitality professionals understand the power of anticipation and strive to exceed expectations. They pay attention to the smallest details, recognizing that a well-placed flower arrangement or a thoughtful welcome note can make all the difference. By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, they transform a mere place of stay into a home away from home.

Moreover, hospitality is about embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity. It is the ability to make every guest, regardless of their background or preferences, feel comfortable and respected. Whether it’s accommodating dietary restrictions, offering accessible facilities, or embracing cultural celebrations, hospitality professionals go above and beyond to ensure that everyone feels valued and included.

In a world where technology often replaces human interaction, the importance of genuine hospitality remains unwavering. It reminds us of our shared humanity and the power of connection. So, let’s celebrate the art of hospitality and strive to create exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impression on all those we serve. Because in the end, it is not just about providing a service; it is about creating cherished memories that guests will carry with them long after they leave our doors.

What is the history of event planning in the hospitality industry?

In terms of event planning, the history of this sector can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where gatherings and celebrations were an essential part of social and cultural life. For example, the ancient Greeks organized festivals to honor their gods, while the Romans held games and public spectacles to entertain the masses.

In the Middle Ages, events such as banquets, fairs, and tournaments were held by the nobility, with elaborate preparations and entertainment provided for the guests. In the Renaissance era, grand celebrations and festivals became more widespread, with a focus on art, music, and theater.

During the 19th century, with the rise of the middle class, private social events such as weddings and receptions became more common. The emergence of event planning as a profession can be traced back to the early 20th century, where hotels and resorts began offering event planning services to their guests.

Today, event planning is a significant sector within the hospitality industry, with a focus on creating memorable experiences for guests. The industry has seen many changes and advancements, including the use of technology to streamline event planning processes and the incorporation of sustainable practices to reduce the environmental impact of events.

What comes to mind when you think of hospitality service firms?

Usually, it’s something related to hotels, tourism and travel. These are all part of the hospitality industry too. According to this list from Yahoo Finance, the most prominent companies are indeed in accommodations and travel sub-categories.

However, there are other niches in the hospitality industry. This list from Zoominfo.com has a greater variety of Alberta-based hospitality companies including venues, coffee shops, catering and event management companies.

Let’s visualize a hospitality industry.

A diagram showing the hospitality firm place within the services sector and the hospitality industry (Venn diagram)
A 3-level contained diagram where the biggest layer represents the services sector, the middle is the hospitality industry, and the smallest area represents catering, event management, venue selection, etc.

Simply Elegant started as a Calgary catering company in 1996. Over the years, we grew into a full-service hospitality firm offering our clients a one-stop-shop experience in planning and managing events in Calgary.

The way we see it, the foundation of a hospitality firm is in

creating memorable leisurely experiences for its customers.

A successful hospitality firm does this by providing the customer with all of their needs, wants, and desires. This includes everything from the food and drink to the ambiance and décor.

Why is this important to you?

As a hospitality firm, we provide one-stop-shop for all the services associated to hosting an event. Your time is valuable and likely better spent focusing on core activities. Our team does this every day, we are very good at it. Let our team take care of the details, so we can reduce your workload, stress and save you money.

Frequently asked questions

What is the hospitality industry?

The hospitality industry belongs to the Services sector of the economy. It hosts such sub-industries as accommodations, food and beverages, including catering, event management. A hospitality firm falls into the event planning and event management category.

What is hospitality experience?

The true hospitality experience is aimed at fulfilling customer’s needs, wants, and desires.

Does SAIT offer hospitality management?

The South Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary offers a hospitality and tourism management program. It’s a new 2-year diploma program accepting applications from both domestic and international students. Learn more about this https://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/diplomas/hospitality-and-tourism-management