More than 250 new researchers in the field of hospitality will present their findings at the 11th Annual Graduate Education & Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism this Friday and Saturday (Jan. 6-7) at the Grand Hyatt Seattle. Washington State University’s School of Hospitality Business Management will sponsor the conference.
“We are very excited to welcome the next generation of hospitality professors to the Pacific Northwest and to hear the topics that they are investigating,” said WSU HBM Director W. Terry Umbreit. “There will be presenters from universities all around the world, and the topics in this year’s papers range from gaming to food biosecurity to lodging taxes. WSU is very honored to sponsor this year’s forum to exchange ideas and information and to network.”
WSU Provost Robert Bates is scheduled to address the opening general session at 6 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 5) with a speech titled “How will higher education respond to the challenges of the 21st century?”
At 7:45 a.m. Friday, Don Welch, president of the Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau, will kick off the first day of poster and stand-up presentations with a welcome to Seattle. At 12:15 p.m., Don Dillman, deputy director for research and development in the WSU Social and Economic Sciences Research Center and an internationally-recognized contributor to the development of modern mail, telephone and Internet survey methods, will speak to the graduate students on survey research.
More than 240 papers were submitted for presentation at the conference. Two “best paper” awards, sponsored by Sage Publications and Haworth Press, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday. More than 200 students and professors from around the world are expected to attend the event. Conference tracks on hospitality management, marketing, tourism and travel, finance and economics, human resources, lodging, education, information technology and food service are scheduled.
For more information, visit the conference Web site at https://www.distance.wsu.edu/hospitality/.
Next Story
WSU Global Campus student ambassador shines during #CougsGive Day
Aunjelique Andersen, a fully online student pursuing her degree in Media Innovation, ranked first on the #CougsGive Ambassador Leaderboard, inspiring 54 gifts through her outreach.
Recent News
WSU SURCA undergraduate researchers earn 65 awards
Seventy‑three students who participated in the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities 2026 were awarded prizes totaling $14,000.
Inside WSU’s student-run hackathons
Hackathons have become a defining space for student innovation, with two taking center stage this year.
Undergrad researchers drive discovery in the College of Veterinary Medicine
Hands‑on research opportunities in the college are enabling students to contribute directly to major discoveries, including a recent Nature study.
New WSU raspberry breeder to continue career goal of helping farmers
Germán Sandoya-Miranda aims to develop improved varieties and work closely with growers to help Washington farmers boost yields and adapt to evolving challenges.
WSU Regent, longtime civic leader Sam Hunt dies following battle with leukemia
Hunt, a 1967 WSU graduate, devoted more than five decades to public service, education, and civic leadership across Washington.
WSU recognized for support of first-generation students
The university’s elevation to FirstGen Forward Network Champion reflects growing enrollment, improved retention, and expanded support programs helping first-generation students succeed.