2023 DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION CONFERENCE

ACADEMIC THINK TANK

Monday October 23rd, 1:00pm to 4:00pm EST

The critically important DEI efforts by the hospitality and tourism industry cannot be solved by any one organization or even the entire industry without much effort, collaboration and systemic changes. The Academic Think Tank will be a forum where industry and academia can learn, discuss and debate better ways forward when it comes to DEI issues. 

Designed for deans, directors, research faculty, and diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioners, the Academic Think Tank will discuss ideas and make recommendations regarding the latest strategies and best practices, accessing a diverse talent pipeline, and producing diverse and inclusive performance metrics, as well as curriculum and staff development. 

Format: The 2023 Academic Think Tank is designed to facilitate discussion around critical diversity, equity, and inclusion issues impacting industry and academia. Each topic will have an introduction presentation to set the tone for the debate, followed by a facilitated discussion around the several discussion questions.

Agenda:

  • Introduction — Dr. Debra Blair and Dr. Carl Winston

  • Welcome Address — Dr. Valerie Harrison

  • Opening Presentation 

  • Think Tank Instructions & Proceed to Session Location

  • Topics & Discussions

  • Call To Action-Debriefing

topics & discussions

  • It is essential to synergize research because it can lead to a greater understanding of complex issues and produce more impactful results. Synergizing research involves bringing together researchers from different disciplines and fields to work collaboratively on a joint research question or problem. Within this session, learn how synergizing research can lead to a greater understanding of complex issues, produce more impactful results, and promote a more equitable and inclusive process.

  • The following steps for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) involve building on progress and addressing ongoing challenges. Outcomes from this session include learning what the next steps for DEI involve by taking a more holistic and comprehensive approach to addressing issues and working towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.

  • Study of underrepresentation of Black individuals within educational institutions' faculty and academic staff, such as universities and colleges. This underrepresentation is a significant issue in many countries and various fields of academia.

  • Collaborating with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is essential for several reasons, as they offer unique opportunities for academic institutions and the broader community. These collaborations enrich educational environments and create a more just and inclusive society.

Academic Leaders

  • Karin M. Aaron

    President/CEO

    The New Green Book for Travel

  • Elizabeth H. Barber

    Professor Emeritus

    Temple University

  • Berkita S. Bradford

    Associate Professor & Chair

    Department of Hospitality Management, Virginia State University

  • Debra Blair

    Associate Professor and Director of Organizational DEI

    Temple University

  • Carl A Boger

    Distinguished Chair

    College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston

  • Dr. Alana Dillette

    Assistant Professor

    L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, San Diego State University

  • Valerie Harrison

    Vice President for DEI

    Temple University

  • Latasha Harling

    Director, Human Resource Operations and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

    Inglis

  • Ashli Johnson

    Executive Director

    Marriott- Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership

  • Daniel Juday

    Speaker, Educator, and Convener

  • Dr. Roderick Lee

    Associate Professor at Penn State Harrisburg

    The PhD Project Advisory Council

  • Dr. Erin Tucker Oluwole

    Department Chair and Associate Professor

    University of Maryland Eastern Shore

  • Larry A. Rice

    Founding Partner and Chief Engagement Officer

    Northern Compass Consulting, LLC

  • Dr. Claire Michèle Rice

    Founding Partner

    Northern Compass Consulting

  • Blane Ruschak

    President

    The PhD Project

  • Annemarie Turpin

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    The Ohio State University

  • Ira Weissman

    President

    Idea Innovations, LLC

  • Carl Winston

    Founding Director

    L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism, San Diego State University

  • Sandra Ponting

    Associate Professor

    L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, San Diego State University

  • Arun Upneja

    Dean and Professor

    Boston University School of Hospitality Administration

Interested in Attending the conference? View the email template to begin crafting your email to your academic institution!

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