Hanneke Assen, Laura Velten, Marte Rinck de Boer, Macmillion Braz Fernandes, Mandy (Xiaomin) Wen
• Demonstrate how hospitality students in the main phase designed a meaningful event for elderly residents using Design-Based Learning (DBL), focusing on connection, empathy and inclusion. • Showcase the application of DBL in real-world social contexts, specifically elderly care and to highlight hospitality’s potential beyond commercial environments. • Invite critical reflection on the broader societal role of hospitality education, emphasizing civic-action learning.