Carl Winston is a globally minded hospitality and event educator, consultant, and industry leader—recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry and listed among BizBash’s Top 500 Event Producers. As Founding Director of SDSU’s Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Carl has helped build a program known worldwide for its innovation, industry relevance and near-perfect graduate placement. Through his consulting firm, Real World Academics, he leads projects ranging from economic impact studies to large-scale asset management. He also chairs Aztec Shops, a nine-figure enterprise that operates SDSU housing, food service and major venues. Formerly the Founding Managing Director of the China Hospitality Education Initiative, Carl is passionate about helping people and programs grow—whether in San Diego, Shanghai, or anywhere in between.