Researchers, academics, industry professionals and postgraduate students are invited to participate in the 34th Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME) Annual Conference, which will take place at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, from 9–12 June 2026. The event is one of the leading international gatherings for hospitality, tourism and events education and research.
Organized by the Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME), the conference will be held under the theme “Advancing Excellence in Hospitality.” The event aims to provide a platform for scholars, industry leaders, policymakers and educators to exchange ideas, present research findings and discuss the future of hospitality management, tourism and events studies.
According to the organizers, CHME 2026 will address the rapidly changing nature of the hospitality sector, with particular attention to workforce development, technological innovation, sustainability and industry partnerships. The conference seeks to encourage dialogue on how hospitality education and research can contribute to the long-term growth and resilience of the sector.
The scientific program will be organized around three main tracks:
Hospitality Management
Critical and Cultural Studies of Hospitality
Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Hospitality Management Education
Topics of interest include the future of work in hospitality, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, sustainability and regenerative practices, diversity and inclusion, crisis and disaster management, hospitality marketing, revenue management, smart hospitality environments, innovative teaching methods, industry partnerships and student employability.
The conference will feature keynote speeches, plenary sessions, academic paper presentations, poster sessions and networking activities. Organizers emphasize that the event provides opportunities not only for established scholars but also for doctoral students and early-career researchers through dedicated work-in-progress and doctoral sessions.
Selected papers may be considered for fast-track review in leading journals, including Tourism & Hospitality Research and Hospitality & Society, further enhancing the conference’s academic impact.
CHME, founded in 1979, represents universities and higher education institutions involved in hospitality education across the United Kingdom and internationally. Its annual conference has become a key forum for sharing best practices in research, teaching and industry engagement.
Looking ahead, CHME has also announced that the 2027 Annual Conference will be hosted by Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAS) in Breda, the Netherlands, from 25–28 May 2027, reflecting the organization’s growing international reach.
Conference at a Glance
Event: 34th CHME Annual Conference
Theme:Advancing Excellence in Hospitality
Dates: 9–12 June 2026
Venue: University of Surrey
Location: Guildford, United Kingdom
Organizer: Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME)
Submission Deadline: 16 January 2026
Final Paper Deadline: 27 March 2026
Main Areas: Hospitality Management, Tourism, Events, Hospitality Education and Sustainability
