Future Fund Recognizes Best Paper Winners

The CHRIE Future Fund recognizes the Best Paper Winners from the 31^st Annual Graduate Education & Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality & Tourism, held at Auburn University January 8 – 10, 2026. With over 350 attendees competition for the Best Paper was challenging and all the graduate students attending and presenting should be proud of their accomplishment.

There were four Best Paper Winners, and each will receive a complimentary Las Vegas ICHRIE Global Conference registration, a one-year complimentary ICHRIE membership, and a $500 gift card. We hope to see each winner in Las Vegas, possibly presenting another paper or a poster.

 Call for Papers

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research (JHTR)
Special Issue: The Impact of the Political Environment on Tourism and Hospitality

EuroCHRIE 2025 Conference Wrap-Up

The Hague, The Netherlands | 10–13 November 2025
Theme: Hospitality & Tourism Innovation: Exploring Inspiration Across Industry Lines

Signing Off with Gratitude (and a Smile!)

Dear ICHRIE Friends and Colleagues,

After 4½ incredible years, it’s time for me to sign off from ICHRIE with an official announcement my family applauds – retirement! What a journey it has been — full of collaboration, creativity, and a shared passion for advancing hospitality education around the world.

CentralCHRIE 2025: “A Day in the Life” Bridging the Generational Gap

This year’s CentralCHRIE Conference, hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Advanced Event Planning students, brought together hospitality educators, professionals, and students for three days of connection, collaboration, and discovery. The theme, “A Day in the Life: Bridging the Generational Gap,” centered on one important goal: building empathy with educators and industry leaders to better understand how to engage with today’s students in a post-pandemic, technology-driven world.

From October 16-18, attendees gathered at the brand new University of Nebraska Hospitality Space within the Scarlet Hotel for a conference unlike any other. Designed and executed entirely by students, the event provided hands-on opportunities for faculty and professionals to experience what life looks like for students in 2025, in and out of the classroom.

We congratulate all of the participants and the 2025-Q4 winners...

     1st PLACE: Mel Gelnar – Oklahoma State University
     2nd PLACE: Carrie Bailey – Oklahoma State University
     3rd PLACE: Kathy Lau – University of Surrey

Congratulations and thank you to Knowledge Matters for their continued partnership and support of hospitality and tourism education.

We’re delighted to welcome the newly instated ICHRIE Board of Directors for 2025–2026, featuring leadership voices from our six global Federations—APac, Central, Euro, NENA, SECSA, and West CHRIE. Together, these regional Federation Presidents unite excellence across the globe to guide our shared mission in hospitality and tourism education this year.

Highlights from APacCHRIE2025 in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The APacCHRIE2025 Conference brought together a vibrant community of hospitality and tourism educators, researchers, and industry leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. With over 320 delegates representing 27+ countries/regions and 50+ organizations, the event was a powerful display of collaboration, innovation, and global connection.

Racing, Research, & Results: #ICHRIE2025 in Indy Was Unforgettable!

The 2025 ICHRIE Global Conference in Indianapolis, held 18–20 June 2025 and co‑located with HITEC®, brought together hospitality and tourism educators, researchers, and industry leaders for three dynamic days of innovation, connection, and celebration at the JW Marriott IndyPlace.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Winner:

Luana Stepčić, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management (Croatia)

New Points of Honor: Eta Sigma Delta Highlights

It is ICHRIE and the Eta Sigma Delta (ΗΣΔ) Hospitality Honor Society’s honor and pleasure to support this impactful and inspiring organization.

What Goes into an Eta Sigma Delta Induction?

A lot happens behind the scenes before an Eta Sigma Delta induction ceremony! A successful event is built on careful planning, dedication, and a whole lot of heart. Here's a look at what it takes:

ICHRIE GOING FULL THROTTLE

Indianapolis is one of the highest ranked conference cities in the USA, and we can see why!!

Last week, Fran Brasseux (ICHRIE CEO), Kim Williams (ICHRIE President), Page Ksionska (Conference Consultant), and Darla Hancock (ICHRIE Communications & Networking Specialist) visited the JW Marriott Indy Place and the Indiana State Museum - as well as lunched with Jeff Robinson (Managing Director of Marketing at Visit Indy) at the iconic Harry & Izzy’s and spent an evening at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a NBA Indiana Pacers basketball game with Visit Indy and the Indianapolis Convention Center, one of the largest in the Midwest.

COMPETITION SUBMISSION PERIOD CLOSED

Historic Change of name EuroCHRIE to EMEA CHRIE

Dear EuroCHRIE Colleagues and Members of ICHRIE,

In my role as current president of EuroCHRIE, it is with great pleasure that I share an important milestone in the evolution of our federation. With overwhelming support from our members, the board’s proposal to rename EuroCHRIE to EMEA CHRIE has been approved. This decision reflects our commitment to inclusivity and better represents the diverse community we serve across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

COMPETITION SUBMISSION PERIOD CLOSED

UPDATE: We are pleased to announce the 2025 ICHRIE Hotel Challenge by Knowledge Matters competition winners...

ICHRIE Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) ΗΣΔ Undergraduate Research Symposium
20-21 February 2025 

DAY ONE

Opening Keynote