RMIT students uncover the art of aroma in the hospitality experience

Hosted by the RMIT Tourism and Hospitality Club - SGS, Sensory Symphony explores the role of the senses in enhancing customer experiences within hospitality.

The Executive and Management Board of Generation 5 of the TOHO Club is the visionary team that laid the very first foundations of Sensory Symphony

One day, or... Day 1

As the 5th Generation President of the RMIT Tourism and Hospitality Club, Thu Ha had always envisioned hosting an event that would leave a lasting legacy, not only for her club but also for other students studying Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) at RMIT. That dream took a thrilling turn during a visit to a renowned hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, where a moment of inspiration struck.

Guests come to these luxurious hotels and leave feeling deeply relaxed,” she pondered. “But what is it that truly creates that feeling?

In that instant, she discovered the secret: the artful engagement of all five human senses—a subtle yet powerful strategy that keeps guests fully immersed and craving more. Realising that no organisation had yet ventured into this untapped idea, Thu Ha knew she had something extraordinary on her hands. Without hesitation, she brought her bold vision to the club's Board of Executives, ready to turn this concept into a groundbreaking event that would redefine her club's legacy. And with that, the wheels were set in motion for an unforgettable journey.

From dream to execution: challenges and triumphs

With renowned guest speakers in the industry, The Sensory Symphony Ep.1: Aroma Scent offered participants a one-of-a-kind experience that went beyond the expectation of a typical talkshow. Participants were taken on a multi-sensory journey, where they didn’t just learn—they engaged, explored, and discovered.

As participants embarked on their journey through the event, their first encounter was with the Olfactory Exhibition—a captivating narrative that traces the love story of a couple from their first meeting to the twilight of their lives. This couple also happened to be the clients for the entire event, offering a meaningful connection to the exhibition’s narrative. The exhibition not only enchanted the senses but also underscored a deeper message: the art of creating extraordinary experiences begins with truly understanding the people for whom they are created.

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The Olfactory Exhibition at Sensory Symphony

This exhibition was not part of TOHO’s original plan, yet a casual conversation with an enthusiastic olfactory artist sparked the inspiration to include it. The vision was to create an exhibition where scents would serve as storytellers, evoking emotions that words could not express. This new addition challenged the organising committee to push their creative boundaries, as they had to craft a complete narrative for the featured couple—one that seamlessly intertwined with the provided fragrances while connecting to the event’s broader themes.

What followed were numerous brainstorming sessions, countless drafts, and rewrites. Yet, despite the challenges, the TOHO Club remained united and resolute. Together, they bravely embraced the challenge and became the first student club to successfully host an olfactory exhibition, proving that innovation and teamwork can transform even the most ambitious ideas into reality.

The insightful talkshow at Sensory Symphony.

Following the exhibition, participants were invited to an Insightful Talk Show where they explored the influence of scent on guest experience and marketing within the hospitality industry. With contributions from three experts—each representing distinct fields of Guest Experience, Marketing & Communication, and Olfactory Arts—the challenge was to design a seamless flow of conversation among the speakers, ensuring the discussion remained cohesive and accessible to all attendees.

Once again, the organising team rose to the occasion, skillfully orchestrating a talk show that the audience later described as both 'informative' and 'insightful’.

‘TOHO is truly a united organisation,’ remarked "remarked Ms. Thuy Dang, Student Club Activities Officer at RMIT Vietnam". ‘No matter how complex or lengthy the paperwork or procedures may be, you guys never give up. You’re always willing to do whatever it takes to bring the event to life, and you tackle each requirement promptly and efficiently!"

The Olfactory Creator Workshop: a legacy

The most anticipated moment of the event was the Olfactory Creator Workshop—a captivating experience where participants transformed newfound knowledge into artistry. Here, they crafted their own unique bottles of perfume, each an expression of their personal interpretation of ‘love’. With every fragrant note, they wove emotion into scent, and as a lasting memento, they took home a piece of their creation, infused with meaning and memory.

The creative workshop that TOHO has brought to the RMIT community.

The realisation of such an extraordinary event was owed to the unwavering dedication and boundless energy of every TOHO member. United by a shared vision of creating something monumental—an event so remarkable it would leave others in awe—they stood together through every challenge. And together, they made it happen.

“Your Sensory Symphony event is a legacy,” praised Dr. Jackie Lei Tin Ong, Senior Program Manager of Tourism and Hospitality Management at RMIT University, acknowledging the enduring impact of their achievement.

The Final Note – ‘one day’

The journey from day one to this final moment of Sensory Symphony has been nothing short of remarkable. What began as a shared vision among the Executive Board members—built on the dream of creating a memorable experience in sensory engagement—has blossomed into an event that surpassed all expectations.

Throughout this journey, we encountered challenges, engaged in countless late-night discussions, and poured in every ounce of effort. Together, we’ve learned how sensory elements can profoundly impact hospitality, transforming spaces and creating lasting impressions on guests. Organising this event has enhanced not only our practical skills but also deepened our academic understanding of guest experience and sensory appeal within the industry.

RMIT TOHO Club, after the event, with their signature hand sign.

Conclusion

As this chapter of Sensory Symphony concluded, the RMIT Tourism and Hospitality Club looked ahead with excitement. This event set a new standard for immersive learning, sparking inspiration for future initiatives that will continue to explore the dynamic connections between human senses and hospitality. Students interested in joining this journey have many ways to get involved—whether by contributing ideas, volunteering, or participating in upcoming events that push the boundaries of sensory engagement and redefine hospitality at RMIT.

This article is written by Ha Tran, a Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management student at RMIT Vietnam, and Linh Nguyen, a Bachelor of Business student at RMIT Vietnam.

The Sensory Symphony is organised by the RMIT Tourism and Hospitality SGS club. This is an independent initiative by the students and is not officially affiliated with or endorsed by RMIT Vietnam University as an institution.

06 November 2024

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