The president and chief operating officer of one of the largest hotel corporations in the world will be at Iowa State today to lecture and meet with faculty and students from the Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management.

Eric Danziger manages Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, whose operations include Regent International Hotels, Radisson Hotels Worldwide and Country Inns and Suites.

Danziger’s speech is free and open to the public.

It begins at 10 a.m. in Room 102 of Science I.

He was chosen as a key industry leader to interact with the students and faculty of the department, said Mary Gregoire, professor and chairwoman of hotel, restaurant and institutional management.

“He is known worldwide for his expertise,” she said. “We feel very fortunate to have him speak.”

Danziger will speak on trends and future issues in the business.

“He can bring a global perspective to the lodging industry, where it’s at and where it’s going,” Gregoire said.

During his visit, Danziger will also talk to a senior-level hotel, restaurant and institutional management class and meet with faculty in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

“This is a great opportunity for students to hear from someone who is at the top of the industry,” said Mary Jo Glanville, communications specialist for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.