ICA Member, Bill Hansen Unveils Innovative Catering Laboratory at 80th Birthday Bash
September 2, 2025 by CFE News
Miami caterer Bill Hansen—CEO of Hansen Group and Bill Hansen Catering—celebrated his 80th birthday on Aug. 16 with 300 guests at the Kovens Conference Center at Florida International University (FIU) in North Miami.
The event also marked the unveiling of the Bill Hansen Catering & Events Laboratory at FIU. The lab will provide students in FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management with hands-on training in event management.
Equipped with industry-leading technology and guided by mentorship from top professionals, the lab serves as a transformative hub for aspiring hospitality leaders focused on mega and large-scale events. Starting this academic year, a range of courses will utilize the lab.
“When I first started here at FIU as a student, I couldn’t have imagined this amazing future I’ve created for myself in this wonderful industry,” said Hansen, who graduated from the Chaplin School in 1980 with his master’s degree and teaches catering management at Chaplin as an adjunct professor. “Now I’m excited to pass on my knowledge to the future leaders of hospitality in this creative and innovative way.”
