Corks & Forks 2026
Celebrating 100 Years of the University of Houston
Secure your ticket for the 5th annual Corks & Forks event, hosted by the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership. Raise a glass to a century of excellence at the University of Houston as we celebrate 100 remarkable years of innovation, leadership and legacy. Enjoy six iconic sparkling wines, from Prosecco in Italy to Crémant in Spain, each with a story worth toasting.
Celebrate the night with a vibrant selection of globally inspired bites that reflect the rich diversity of Houston. Indulge in handcrafted pulled pork sliders, fresh ceviche, charcuterie on a stick, crispy Korean fried chicken and savory veggie dumplings, each thoughtfully paired to complement the sparkling wines. Every sip and bite is a celebration of culture, flavor and a century of hospitality!
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026
Doors open: 5:30 p.m.
Event duration: 6 to 8 p.m.
Venue: Conrad Hilton Grand Ballroom
Proceeds support student scholarships at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership.
Meet the Student Managers
Lilly deGarmeaux - Event Manager 
Hi, my name is Lilly deGarmeaux, and I am a rising senior at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership, specializing in event administration. I am honored to serve as the 2026 event manager for Corks & Forks.
My passion for hospitality began during my senior year of high school after reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. That experience reshaped how I view service and inspired me to pursue a career centered on creating meaningful, unforgettable moments. At the University of Houston’s Hilton College, I’ve been able to develop that passion and push myself toward a higher standard of excellence.
I currently serve as the at-large director for the National Association for Catering and Events student chapter, a Hilton Student Ambassador and a member of the Club Management Association of America. These roles have strengthened both my leadership and industry knowledge.
Through Corks & Forks, I am cultivating a true love of the events industry. From concept development to ballroom design, I’ve gained hands-on experience bringing this event to life while building meaningful connections, an essential part of hospitality.
Allie Segarra - Marketing Manager 
Hello, my name is Allie Segarra, and I am the marketing manager for Corks & Forks. I am a rising senior in the events and meeting management track at the Conrad N. Hilton College.
My passion for hospitality began with family trips to Disney, where exceptional service is everywhere. I still remember cast members who went the extra mile to make our visits special, and that level of care is what I hope to provide for families in my future career. When I toured colleges, I immediately felt that same “Disney magic” here, not just because of the beautiful hotel facility, but because of the people. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, and that sense of community still holds true today.
Currently, I serve as the director of public relations for the Conrad N. Hilton Ambassadors. I am also a member of the National Association for Catering and Events student chapter and the Club Management Association of America. Through these organizations, I have gained valuable hands-on experience, strengthened my professional skills and developed a deeper understanding of the hospitality and events industry.
Looking ahead, I aspire to work in the country club industry as an events manager. Country clubs embody the same personal touch and attention to detail that made such a lasting impression on me at Disney, and I hope to create those same meaningful experiences for others one day.
Alexa Esquivel - Wine and Food Manager 
Hello! My name is Alexa Sofia Esquivel. I am a senior at Hilton College, majoring in hospitality with a focus on foodservice and minoring in beverage management and marketing.
My love for food and hospitality began with childhood summers at my grandfather’s restaurant in Mexico. I fell in love with the kitchen’s organized chaos and the regular customers. My appreciation for service later deepened as a busser at a local country club, where I learned that the little details go a long way at an event. After discovering Hilton College, I found new opportunities in the hospitality atmosphere.
I am actively involved in the CMAA Cougar Chapter. There, I have found both professional growth and a sense of community with fellow students. Last year, I served as vice president. This year, I serve as an office adviser, helping guide the chapter’s direction and supporting its initiatives. I was the 2026 Gourmet Night food and beverage manager. In that role, I trained servers, helped create the beverage menu and led the team to a glamorous dinner.
Now, as the Corks & Forks wine and food manager, I have furthered my skills in banquet and menu planning. I have loved working at my own pace while having a team that supports the same vision. Being part of a centennial celebration has been on my bucket list, and now I am happy to be bringing the UH centennial’s food and beverage to life!