DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University will bring leading business etiquette expert Ann Marie Sabath to campus for its annual Etiquette Program in October. Sabath will host “Putting Your Best Fork Forward” for the eighth time at WCSU. A national speaker recognized by the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and CNBC, Sabath presents information in a fun and interactive manner, which has made the program a popular annual event at the university.

Organized by the WCSU Career Development Center, the program provides WestConn students with the tools required to have a successful dinner meeting, showcase themselves and their skills, and have the confidence to network whenever there’s an opportunity. Maureen Casey Gernert, director of the Career Development Center and organizer of the program, said the program gives students the empowerment needed to excel in today’s challenging job market.

“Students will learn how to communicate effectively and how to represent themselves in the best possible manner through the job search process as well as in their careers,” Gernert said.

The program will focus on “Key Ways for Enhancing Your Professional Style” and “Dining Etiquette.” The dinner will cover a variety of aspects involved in a business dinner ranging from knowing the table setting, different styles of eating, to tackling difficult-to-eat foods. Also highlighted will be strategies for effectively interacting and engaging during a business meal.

In addition to learning how to navigate a business meal, students will gain other vital skills needed to land a job post-graduation, including networking tactics and how to communicate across different cultures, a critical ability in our global society. Students must understand the value of networking and connection building because a single encounter coupled with a lasting impression can lead to new opportunity.

“So many opportunities are developed through networking and personal communication,” Gernert explained.

Sabath is president of At Ease Inc., a 24-year old international firm specializing in domestic and international business etiquette programs. She is author of numerous works on concepts such as international business etiquette and how to accelerate business relationships. Sabath and her staff have trained more than 90,000 individuals representing the business, industry, government and educational sectors on how to gain the competitive edge. Her clients have included L’Oreal, the Hilton Corporation, Columbia University, Merrill Lynch, Ernst & Young and American Express Bank.

Students will attend the program from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012, in the Westside Campus Center Ballroom. WestConn students still interested in attending can pre-register with the Career Development Center by Oct. 3. The cost is $8 payable by cash or check and professional attire is required.

For more information, call (203) 837-8266.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.