Long before Arielle Barlage was named an emerging leader in the global business events industry, she was putting in the hard work at Ferris State University.

“The professors, the student clubs, the events I took part in during my time at Ferris all really helped me develop into who I am as a professional and establish my career,” said Barlage, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management in 2020.

Barlage will be honored this month as one of the “20 in Their Twenties” class of 2024, presented by the Professional Convention Management Association. PCMA is the world’s largest group of business events strategists, with more than 7,000 members in 59 countries.

The 24-year-old is the first Ferris State graduate to earn the honor.

“We are thrilled to recognize the class of 2024 as they have collectively demonstrated success, enthusiasm and professionalism, setting a solid path forward for a promising future within the global business events industry,” said Meredith Rollins, PCMA chief community officer.

Barlage will be honored at PCMA’s Convening Leaders conference in San Diego.

“This is a highly competitive program,” said Amy Dorey, an associate professor and Hospitality Management program director. “The caliber of Arielle’s work and her success in her role in our industry is nearly unheard of for someone so young.” 

Barlage did everything right in her years at Ferris State, Dorey said.

She actively engaged in her coursework, served as PCMA student chapter president, brought innovative ideas to the Hospitality program, and followed through in designing and hosting valuable events on campus, Dorey said.

For the last five years, she’s also volunteered at PCMA conferences and events across the country.

“It was so great to get that experience through PCMA, meeting all kinds of people and building my professional network,” said Barlage, now the conference services manager at Rosewood Miramar Beach resort in Montecito, Calif.

Born and raised in St. Johns, Michigan, Barlage had an early glimpse at the world of hospitality from her mom, who worked as an incentive trip planner. 

“The opportunity to travel and be part of creating these events that bring everyone together from all these different locations really sparked my interest,” she said. “Once I got to Ferris and got to dig into the work, I knew that hospitality and events was the career I wanted.”

But that hard work didn’t end at graduation.

The dedicated alumna has also served as a virtual speaker at Bulldogs to Business conferences, providing insight and mentorship to current hospitality students.

In 2023, Barlage earned the Certified Meeting Professional credential from the Events Industry Council. The CMP designation is recognized globally as the badge of excellence in the events industry.

“I love what I’m doing and getting the opportunity to bring people together, especially after the COVID pandemic when it wasn’t an option,” she said.

She’s forever grateful to the Ferris professors who guided her in building her career.

“I’d tell any Bulldogs out there to make those connections with people and lay the groundwork … you never know what opportunities lie ahead,” Barlage said.