Welcome to the Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism hosted by the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management which will take place on the campus of Auburn University January 8-10, 2026.

Call for Submissions Available: June 1st, 2025 (Sat) CST

Submission Center Opens: June 1st, 2025 (Sat) CST

Submission Deadline: September 15th, 2025 (Sun) CST

Registration Open: September 15th, 2025 (Sun) CST

Notification of Acceptance: October 20th, 2025 (Sun) CST

Final Papers Due: November 11th, 2025 (Mon) CST

When does relaxation equal stimulation? When you explore the history, heritage, and hospitality of one of the most charming communities in the South. With full access to the resources of Auburn University, the nation’s best golf, and a host of exciting attractions, restaurants, and retailers, Auburn offers a diverse array of activities for all conference attendees.

Located approximately 95 miles from Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest, Auburn is easy to get to and easy to love! Ranked by Forbes among the top 10 cities in the US for small businesses, and described by the local convention and visitors bureau as a “the coolest college town in the South”, Auburn has a culturally rich heritage paired with a progressive university culture steeped in tradition – both factors make Auburn a premier destination for local and traveling visitors. With an average winter temperature of 55º and an average summer temperature of 87º, the city offers a feature or attraction to suit every personality and preference.

The city of Auburn, Alabama, otherwise known as “The Loveliest Village on the Plains”, is situated in East Central Alabama approximately 60 miles from Montgomery, AL, and 115 miles from Birmingham, AL.

The heritage and tradition deeply rooted in Auburn and its twin city, Opelika, is the foundation of the philosophy that governs the “can do” business approach of all those involved in the local areas tourism and hospitality sector. All those engaged strive not only to emphasize the wonder and beauty that makes up these breathtaking twin cities, but also to ensure that any visit to the area will rank among the most memorable of travel endeavors.

Work hard, play hard. When it’s time for a break, conference attendees can stroll the streets of the bustling, historic downtowns – not just one, but two! – where they’ll find award-winning restaurants, independent retailers, points of historical interest, and more.

There’s a 600-acre state park for outdoor enthusiasts and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails for those with a taste for adventure.

The area boasts many historic, cultural and activity-based attractions including forest parks, fishing, cycling, running trails and some of the nation’s, if not the world’s, best golf courses. As Robert Trent Jones himself proclaimed, picturesque Auburn and Opelika provide the backdrop to “the single greatest site for a course” he had ever seen. For a full listing of local area attractions and resources please visit The Auburn and Opelika Tourism Bureau website at www.aotourism.com.