As the summer comes to an end, college students are cherishing the last days of no homework, home-cooked meals and never-ending sunshine. When looking back on those fun summer nights, eight students in particular have an extraordinary experience to reminisce about. In June, eight top of their class Margaritaville University college ambassadors escaped to the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida for the annual Margaritaville University Roundtable. Here’s what they had to say.

“From the moment I arrived at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort I was blown away — the resort is absolutely gorgeous. Only a few hours after arriving, all of the ambassadors and the Margaritaville University team felt like lifelong friends.  During the weekend, we discussed ways to improve the college ambassador program, as well as the future of the Margaritaville brand.  We were also given time to have fun at the resort.  We paddle boarded, played in the pool, swam in the ocean, and surfed on the Flo-Rider!  We also ate our way through the resort, enjoying all of the delicious restaurant options.  I’m so lucky to have met the CEO and CMO of Margaritaville as well as the most incredible team that helps make Margaritaville University one of the greatest college ambassador programs out there.  I’m happy to say that I left with memories and friends that I’ll have for a lifetime (My Fins Fam)!”
~ Danielle Blitzer, Penn State

“The 2018 Roundtable was an experience like non-other. From the greeting as I stepped out of the taxi to the fine dining at JWB Prime Steak & Seafood, we were treated like royalty the entire visit. I was somehow lucky enough to get bumped to a Jr. Suite with scenic views of the harbor, Miami skyline, and of the ocean. I have never in my life been in a more beautiful place than Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. The resort inspires community, relaxation, and laughter, with the indoor pergolas that fill the lobby, the margarita glass chandelier that hangs from the ceiling, and the blown-out flip flop sculpture that keynotes the lobby.  The discussions during the round table were invigorating and stimulating, not a moment of dullness passed. With the surprise guest of Margaritaville’s CEO, the room exploded in excitement. The road to the 2019 Roundtable starts now, and there’s no way I won’t work my fins off to join in again.”
~ Christian Wityk, Rutgers University

“When I joined the MargU Student Ambassador Program back in September 2017, I would have never thought I would have the honor to participate in the Roundtable. It was an IN-CRE-DI-BLE experience where I was able to meet the amazing people behind the program and other like-minded ambassadors who inspired me with their unique perspectives and input on their experience with the program so far. Prior to the Roundtable, I was a little nervous as I didn’t know what to expect of the weekend. But understandably, as I was flying all the way from Canada to spend four days with 8+ complete strangers. However, by the time I arrived at the Hollywood Beach Resort and was graciously greeted by the team, I already felt like I was home. By the last day, I felt like we all experienced a year’s worth of friendship compacted into four days, with a whole lot of Margaritaville on top. All in all, I encourage all students (parrothead or soon-to-be parrothead) to check out this phenomenal program, as it not only helps you and others find your Margaritaville state of mind, but opens up opportunities for you to professionally grow as an individual and be a part of a remarkable company that is deeply rooted in their core values of escapism and fostering a community.”
~ Tiffany Chan, Queen’s University

 “While the roundtable has come and gone, looking back at the experience, I find myself transfixed into a Margaritaville state of mind.  Arriving at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida I was immediately transformed into a living manifestation of the brand and philosophy that already lives in my mind every time I slip on my flip-flops or pour a drink from my frozen concoction maker. Meeting my fellow ambassadors and Margaritaville executives, we became fast friends as we all shared a love for the brand and lifestyle. The weather at Hollywood Beach was a great transformation from the weather in my hometown of Toronto, Canada.  The sun shined bright by the pool, on the beach, and at 5 o’ Clock Somewhere Bar on the intercostal. We participated in great activities including paddle boarding, surfing the Flo Rider, and a photo challenge for the Fins Up Cup Trophy, affectionately called the “Finny” by the ambassadors. We also had plenty of dining options to explore; most notably our dinner at JWB Prime Steak & Seafood. But it wasn’t all sun, food and relaxation, as we engaged in roundtable discussions with Margaritaville executives including both the CEO and CMO.  We were able to pitch our ideas to improve the brand as well as the Margaritaville University program.  This was a great experience as we were able to flex our educational backgrounds, experiences as ambassadors and creative thoughts to improve a brand and program we love so much. The Roundtable was a paramount experience to top off my past semester at Margaritaville University. At the Roundtable, friendships and memories were made, and these memories continue to transport me to my Margaritaville, even from Toronto.”
~ Alex Hughes, York University

“During my four days at the roundtable, I met some unforgettable people and had some awe-inspiring adventures.  As the youngest ambassador present, the only one who was only halfway through their undergrad, and the only one who went to school in New England, I arrived focusing on the differences between myself and the other ambassadors, anxious to see how this strange chemistry in our group would play out.  However, right when everyone else started arriving, I felt that we had formed a type of family and began eating, playing, discussing, and lounging as a single unit.  I never thought I would spend a vacation having impromptu photo shoots with complete strangers on the beach right before having a face-to- face meeting with both the company’s CMO and CEO, but I did alongside other college/university students who were all in the same boat.  The last sign that our group of ambassadors had built years of friendship in a few days occurred when we were saying goodbye on Sunday morning.  I expected cheery goodbyes, but instead I saw people actually tearing up when it was time to depart.  As amazing and fun as the resort was, people do not get emotional because they are going to miss the cabanas, clear water, paddle boards, conference rooms, or boat drinks, because anyone can at least attempt to recreate/enjoy these at home.  Instead, they become upset knowing they are going to miss the people who they enjoyed these things with.  In short, I had no way of knowing that I would become a part of such a “Fins Family” at the start of my roundtable experience, but there is no way this great memory will ever leave my mind. Fins Up!”
~ Adam Sorrentino, Providence College

“Being able to attend the 2^nd annual Margaritaville University Roundtable was a once in a lifetime experience! From riding the flo-rider, to meeting Margaritaville’s CEO, the weekend was unforgettable. I loved having the chance to meet the other ambassadors and talk about how Margaritaville is on each of our campuses. We all instantly became such good friends. As a marketing major, the hands-on marketing experience I gained from this weekend is so valuable. I can’t wait to be back on campus in the fall representing MargU again! Fins Up!”
~ Isabelle Repinski, Ole Miss

If you’re a current student and like workin’ n’ playin’ (and playing a little more), visit us online at MargaritavilleUniversity.com to learn more or apply for the Spring 2019 semester.