International Hospitality Futures Conference 2027
10–12 March 2027
Universidad Nebrija – Campus Princesa. Madrid, Spain
Co-organized by Universidad Nebrija and the University of Naples Federico II
Advancing Knowledge, Connecting Talent and Shaping the Future of Hospitality
Universidad Nebrija and the University of Naples Federico II invite researchers, hospitality scholars and doctoral candidates to participate in the International Hospitality Futures Conference 2027, taking place in Madrid from 10 to 12 March 2027.
The Conference is conceived as an international academic conference focused on the transformation and future development of hospitality. It will provide a forum for presenting and critically discussing original research, examining emerging theoretical and methodological developments, and fostering international research collaboration. Particular attention will be given to the technological, organizational, societal and sustainability-related transformations shaping the hospitality sector.
The Conference also forms the Scholars Track of “Hospitality Futures Week”, a broader international initiative that brings together researchers, university students and hospitality industry leaders through interconnected programmes. This wider setting creates opportunities for scholars to engage with emerging talent and industry professionals, strengthening the connection between academic research, education and practice.
Call for Papers
The Forum welcomes conceptual, theoretical, empirical, methodological and practice-oriented contributions. Interdisciplinary research and studies connecting hospitality with management, tourism, economics, technology, sustainability, sociology, organizational studies, public policy and futures studies are particularly encouraged.
Indicative conference themes include:
- Hospitality futures and long-term transformation
- Artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven hospitality
- Digital platforms and emerging service models
- Sustainability, regeneration and climate adaptation
- Hospitality work, skills, leadership and organizational change
- Guest experience, personalization and service innovation
- Hotel performance, revenue management and new value models
- Entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems
- Luxury, lifestyle and experience transformation
- Hospitality resilience and crisis preparedness
- Destination–hospitality relationships
- Responsible innovation, ethics and governance
- Research methods for emerging hospitality phenomena
- Hospitality education and future professional capabilities
- These themes are indicative rather than restrictive. Papers addressing other significant developments in hospitality and tourism management are welcome where their relevance to the future of the sector is clearly established.
Important Dates
Abstract/Paper Submission Deadline
Full-paper submission deadline
Conference Dates
Abstract/Paper Submission Deadline
Full-paper submission deadline
Conference Dates
Submission Guidelines
We welcome full papers, extended abstracts, and work-in-progress studies. All submissions will undergo double-blind peer review. Accepted papers may be considered for publication in affiliated peer-reviewed journals or the conference proceedings.
Submission Categories
- Full Papers (Max 8000 words)
- Extended Abstracts (Max 3000 words)
- Work-in-Progress Papers (Abstracts: 500–1000 words)
All submissions must be made through the online submission platform. Templates and guidelines are available at this link.
Publication Options
- No Publication — Authors may opt out of publication
- Conference Proceedings — Abstract (1 page) publication option for all submission types
- Journal Publication — Authors of papers selected as Best Papers will be offered the opportunity to fast-track their submissions to a supporting journal.
Formatting Guidelines
Manuscripts should be prepared in accordance with the formatting guidelines. You’ll need to download and use our Word templates for your manuscripts. Please read the guidelines carefully; all formatting specifications are explained in this document so you can prepare your manuscripts accordingly. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in your manuscript not being published.
Submit Your Research Today!
Click on this link for submission, and visit our registration link to register.
Conference
Conference Venue
The International Hospitality Futures Conference 2027 will be hosted by:
Universidad Nebrija
Campus de la Politécnica y Ciencias Sociales – Madrid-Princesa
The campus is located in central Madrid, with convenient access to public transport, accommodation, cultural attractions and the city’s principal transport connections.
Detailed information concerning the conference rooms, accessibility, registration desk and campus facilities will be provided to registered participants.
Participant category
Early registration
Late registration
Full academic or professional participant
€300
€400
Doctoral researcher
€100
€150
Accompanying person
€150
€180
The doctoral rate will require evidence of current enrolment in a doctoral programme.
The early-registration rate will apply until 31 January 2027. Registrations received after that date will be charged at the late rate.
Each registration covers the presentation of one accepted paper. A supplementary fee may apply when the same registered author presents more than one paper.
Cancellation and substitution conditions will be published on the registration website.
Milestone
Proposed date
Call for papers opens
1 October 2026
Extended abstract submission deadline
10 December 2026
Notification of abstract decision
18 December 2026
Full-paper submission deadline
24 January 2027
Full-paper review feedback
12 February 2027
Early-registration deadline
31 January 2027
Revised paper deadline
26 February 2027
Final programme published
3 March 2027
Late-registration deadline
1 February 2027
The Organizing Committee reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the timetable before the opening of submissions.
Programme
The Hospitality Research & Futures Forum 2027 combines a rigorous academic conference programme with carefully designed opportunities to engage with doctoral researchers and senior hospitality professionals.
Wednesday, 10 March 2027
Scholars and Professionals Welcome & Hospitality Futures Project Showcase
Hospitality Futures Project Showcase
The opening afternoon will welcome participating scholars, doctoral researchers and hospitality professionals to the International Hospitality Futures Conference 2027, providing an initial setting for academic exchange, networking and orientation before the main conference programme begins.
Planned activities include:
- registration and conference orientation;
- informal networking activities;
- welcome reception.
As the Conference forms the Scholars Track of Hospitality Futures Week, participants may attend the Hospitality Futures Project Showcase, where international student teams present the projects they have developed around current and emerging hospitality challenges.
This interaction provides an additional opportunity for academic participants to contribute research-based perspectives, engage with emerging talent and connect with other participants across the wider Hospitality Futures Week.
The day will conclude with an official Welcome Dinner, providing an opportunity for scholars, doctoral candidates, industry professionals, organizers and invited guests to establish connections in an informal setting before the main academic sessions begin.
Thursday, 11 March 2027
Main Conference Day
Thursday will constitute the principal academic day of the International Hospitality Futures Conference 2027.
The programme is expected to include:
- official opening and welcome;
- international keynote lecture;
- parallel thematic research sessions;
- networking lunch;
- methodological and theoretical research workshops;
- Doctoral Colloquium;
- evening networking reception.
The academic programme will be followed by a cultural visit in Madrid and the official Conference Dinner.
The evening programme will provide an informal setting for continued discussion and networking among scholars, doctoral researchers, hospitality professionals and invited guests, while also introducing participants to the cultural and hospitality context of the host city.
Friday, 12 March 2027
Academic-Industry Dialogue
Friday will bring together researchers, doctoral candidates and hospitality leaders through a shared programme focused on the exchange between academic knowledge and professional practice.
The day will provide a structured setting in which research findings, conceptual perspectives and sector experience can be discussed in relation to the strategic challenges facing hospitality organizations.
Planned activities include:
- joint welcome and networking coffee with hospitality leaders;
- executive keynote on the future of hospitality leadership;
- strategic panel on the forces reshaping hospitality;
- research insight presentations linking current evidence to managerial implications;
- executive roundtables involving academics and industry leaders;
- discussion of future research, pilot projects and collaborative opportunities;
- closing ceremony and awards.
Particular emphasis will be placed on direct interaction between researchers and industry leaders. Scholars will contribute empirical evidence, theoretical perspectives and critical interpretation, while executives will bring operational experience, sector priorities and implementation challenges.
A light meal will be served during the programme, providing additional opportunities for informal exchange among researchers, doctoral candidates, hospitality leaders and invited participants.
The Conference will conclude with a joint closing ceremony recognising academic contributions and emerging opportunities for future collaboration.
Wednesday, 10 March 2027
Scholars and Professionals Welcome & Hospitality Futures Project Showcase
Hospitality Futures Project Showcase
The opening afternoon will welcome participating scholars, doctoral researchers and hospitality professionals to the International Hospitality Futures Conference 2027, providing an initial setting for academic exchange, networking and orientation before the main conference programme begins.
Planned activities include:
- registration and conference orientation;
- informal networking activities;
- welcome reception.
As the Conference forms the Scholars Track of Hospitality Futures Week, participants may attend the Hospitality Futures Project Showcase, where international student teams present the projects they have developed around current and emerging hospitality challenges.
This interaction provides an additional opportunity for academic participants to contribute research-based perspectives, engage with emerging talent and connect with other participants across the wider Hospitality Futures Week.
The day will conclude with an official Welcome Dinner, providing an opportunity for scholars, doctoral candidates, industry professionals, organizers and invited guests to establish connections in an informal setting before the main academic sessions begin.
Thursday, 11 March 2027
Main Conference Day
Thursday will constitute the principal academic day of the International Hospitality Futures Conference 2027.
The programme is expected to include:
- official opening and welcome;
- international keynote lecture;
- parallel thematic research sessions;
- networking lunch;
- methodological and theoretical research workshops;
- Doctoral Colloquium;
- evening networking reception.
The academic programme will be followed by a cultural visit in Madrid and the official Conference Dinner.
The evening programme will provide an informal setting for continued discussion and networking among scholars, doctoral researchers, hospitality professionals and invited guests, while also introducing participants to the cultural and hospitality context of the host city.
Friday, 12 March 2027
Academic-Industry Dialogue
Friday will bring together researchers, doctoral candidates and hospitality leaders through a shared programme focused on the exchange between academic knowledge and professional practice.
The day will provide a structured setting in which research findings, conceptual perspectives and sector experience can be discussed in relation to the strategic challenges facing hospitality organizations.
Planned activities include:
- joint welcome and networking coffee with hospitality leaders;
- executive keynote on the future of hospitality leadership;
- strategic panel on the forces reshaping hospitality;
- research insight presentations linking current evidence to managerial implications;
- executive roundtables involving academics and industry leaders;
- discussion of future research, pilot projects and collaborative opportunities;
- closing ceremony and awards.
Particular emphasis will be placed on direct interaction between researchers and industry leaders. Scholars will contribute empirical evidence, theoretical perspectives and critical interpretation, while executives will bring operational experience, sector priorities and implementation challenges.
A light meal will be served during the programme, providing additional opportunities for informal exchange among researchers, doctoral candidates, hospitality leaders and invited participants.
The Conference will conclude with a joint closing ceremony recognising academic contributions and emerging opportunities for future collaboration.
Travel Information
Madrid is served by Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, which offers direct connections with major European and international cities.
The Princesa campus can be reached by metro, bus, taxi and suburban rail connections. Public transport provides convenient access from the airport and Madrid’s principal railway stations.
Participants will be responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation. A list of recommended hotels and indicative rates close to the venue will be published on the conference website.
International participants should verify passport and visa requirements sufficiently in advance. Where appropriate, the organizers may issue an official confirmation or invitation letter after acceptance of the paper and completion of registration. Such letters do not imply financial support or guarantee the granting of a visa.
Further information will be provided concerning: recommended accommodation; airport and railway transfers; public transport; accessibility; local weather; dining and visitor information; optional cultural and hospitality-related activities in Madrid.
Taxi
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at the airport and offer a convenient but more expensive option to reach the city center and the Argüelles area.
Metro
L8 / L6
The airport is connected to the city center via Metro Line 8. The line goes as far as Nuevos Ministerios from where you can take line 6 to Argüelles.
Bus
Bus line 200
From Airport to Avenida América.
Airport Express Bus
Exprés Aeropuerto offers a direct connection between the airport and several central locations in Madrid, including Atocha Railway Station, which is well-connected to Argüelles via metro lines.
Taxi
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at the airport and offer a convenient but more expensive option to reach the city center and the Argüelles area.
Metro
L8 / L6
The airport is connected to the city center via Metro Line 8. The line goes as far as Nuevos Ministerios from where you can take line 6 to Argüelles.
Bus
Bus line 200
From Airport to Avenida América.
Airport Express Bus
Exprés Aeropuerto offers a direct connection between the airport and several central locations in Madrid, including Atocha Railway Station, which is well-connected to Argüelles via metro lines.
Organizers and Partners
Co-organizing Universities
The initiative is conceived as a rotating international event jointly developed by the two universities. The inaugural Madrid edition will be followed by a future edition hosted in Naples.
