THAT’S A WRAP!
The 9th Annual SECSACHRIE Conference, hosted by the College of Hospitality, Retail & Sport Management at the University of South Carolina (USC), under the theme Where history, culture and southern hospitality meet, was a resounding success. During the two days, we networked with, participated in, and listened to 63 presentations from 27 universities and companies, alongside 97 conference attendees and participants. We saw a record number of pedagogy presentations as the SECSA community continues to celebrate research and content in this area.
We extend our profound gratitude to Mr. Troy Flanagan of the AHLA for his informative and eye-opening keynote address reviewing issues surrounding staffing, as we embrace our role as educators in providing exceptional employees for our industry. Our industry panel was diverse, covering the legal, lodging, beverage and DMO components of our industry. I quote the industry panel moderator and Director of Research, Dr. Wei Wei:
"I felt genuinely inspired and enlightened by the rich tapestry of perspectives presented by our four panelists. The variety of insights from such distinct corners of the hospitality and tourism sector not only enriched our understanding of the hospitality industry's complexity but also highlighted the interconnectedness and the pivotal role of collaboration across different domains to drive success and innovation."
The Pedagogy Panel provided an interactive session which Dr. Scott Smith, moderator and Associate Professor at USC, described as the ‘hot topic’ of the conference, with knowledgeable panelists and a very enthusiastic and participative audience.
We extend congratulations to our award winners:
1) Best Student-Led Paper, sponsored by the International Hospitality Review, was awarded to the paper titled Turning Shadows into Spotlight: The Transformative Power of Memory Distortion in Shaping Positive Festival Experiences authored by Jae Eun Park (Purdue University), Hhye Won Shin (The University of Alabama), Alei Fan (Purdue University);
2) The Most Innovative/Thought-provoking Research, sponsored by the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, was awarded to the paper titled Non-linear Impacts of Harmful Algae Blooms on the Coastal Tourism Economy authored by Sergio Alvarez (University of Central Florida), Christina Brown (US Department of Agriculture), Marc Garcia-Diaz (University of Central Florida), Heather O'Leary (University of South Florida), Daniel Solis (Florida A&M University).
The SECSACHRIE Board is truly appreciative of our sponsors who made our conference the success it was. Our platinum level sponsor and host institution The School of Hospitality & Tourism Management in the College of Hospitality, Retail & Sport Management at USC; our garnet level sponsor the Chaplin School of Hospitality Management at Florida International University; and our black level sponsors the School of Hospitality, Sport & Tourism Management at Troy University and Peak Drift Brewing Company.
As SECSACHRIE President, I feel so blessed to be a part of this legacy that is SECSACHRIE, serving with a team of stalwarts and go-getters, who are passionate about ensuring we deliver the best to the members of our federation. Our efforts were supported by a great team at USC, and so I send thanks to Drs. Marketa Kubicova, Scott Smith, & George Hendry, Mr. Daron Kirkley, and the student volunteers.
Now it’s on to the 10th Anniversary Conference….we’re going back to where it started….
See you in Auburn!
Andrea White-McNeil, SECSA President
