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Engage 360: Adventure, Innovation, and Immersive Impact offers a panoramic experience that reflects the evolving terrain of hospitality, tourism, and event education. Drawing inspiration from the resort’s spirit of exploration, this year’s theme embraces both cutting-edge technologies and timeless touchpoints that fuel connection, creativity, and career readiness.
From classroom breakthroughs and virtual tools to experiential learning and community-centered design, this conference empowers educators, scholars, and industry professionals to navigate the future with curiosity, purpose, and adventure. Join us for a journey that blends strategy with storytelling, research with relevance, and tradition with transformation—all within a setting built for exploration.
2026 SPRING CONFERENCE March 27-29, 2026
Conference Registration
Conference Registration
Join us at the 2026 NENA CHRIE Conference at Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos– where innovation meets adventure in hospitality, tourism, and event education.
Program Agenda - note agenda is not finalized yet
REGISTRATION FEES
Register before February 27, 2026 for Early Bird pricing!
General Registration
$125 (early bird rate)
$150 (regular rate)
Student Registration
$75 (early bird rate)
$75 (regular rate)
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- Access to all sessions and tracks
- Opening Reception
- Daily breakfast and lunch
- Networking opportunities
Conference Location
Conference Registration
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Pocono Mountains, PA
📍 250 Kalahari Blvd, Pocono Manor, PA 18349
🔗 www.kalahariresorts.com
📞 (570) 580-6000
HOTEL RESERATIONS INFORMATION
Group Rate: $199.00/night (plus 9% tax, resort fee waived)
Room Block Dates
Thursday, March 26
Friday, March 27
Saturday, March 28
Booking Deadline: March 5, 2026
Book early to secure the group rate.
Reservation Link
https://book.passkey.com/e/51094694
IMPORTANT POLICIES
Deposit Policy - One night + tax at time of booking
Cancellation Policy
- Cancel ≥72 hours before arrival: Refund minus $30 processing fee
- Cancel <72 hours before arrival: Full deposit forfeited
DID WE MENTION THESE GREAT PERKS!
- ✅ Complimentary WiFi in guest rooms & meeting spaces
- ✅ Complimentary self-parking
- ✅ 15% discount on spa services (during event dates)
- ✅ No resort fees
- ✅ Access to indoor waterpark (included with resort stay)
The Student Adventure
NEW THIS YEAR! Room Sharing Program
Your Journey Starts Here
Step out of the classroom and into the action. The Student Adventure at NENA 2026 gives you the opportunity to learn, lead, and create — all while connecting with professionals and peers in one of the most immersive learning environments in hospitality and tourism.
This is your chance to build your résumé, expand your network, and make a real impact through hands-on experience.
Rapid Poster Presentations
Showcase your research or project in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Student Leadership Panel
Learn from peers and alumni leading innovation in hospitality, tourism, and events.
Mentorship Meet-Up
Connect one-on-one with faculty and industry professionals.
Career Readiness Workshops
Gain tools for success — resumes, interviews, and networking confidence.
Service-Learning Project
Make a difference through hands-on community engagement.
Student Social & Networking
Connect with fellow attendees and celebrate your journey.
Learn more by contacting Christine Cleaver – Director of Conferences & Events, c.cleaver@nyu.edu
NEW THIS YEAR! Room Sharing Program
NEW THIS YEAR! Room Sharing Program
NEW THIS YEAR! Room Sharing Program
Cut lodging costs and meet a fellow attendee—our Roommate Sharing Program is a free, opt-in way to connect with others who’d like to split a standard hotel room during the conference.
How it works:
Join the list: Complete a short form with your dates, hotel, and preferences.
Join the Roommate List: https://forms.gle/NF2Tn5vPwJLZem9i8
Connect: Browse the participant list and reach out directly to potential matches.
Confirm & update: Once you’ve found a roommate, email Christine Cleaver at c.cleaver@nyu.edu so we can remove you from the list.
This program runs on a rolling basis while rooms are available in the block.
How to Get There
NEW THIS YEAR! Room Sharing Program
Research Submissions
Nearest Airports:
- Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) – ~45 mins
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP) – ~1 hour
- Philadelphia International (PHL) – ~2 hours
- Newark Liberty (EWR) – ~2 hours
Driving & Parking:
- 250 Kalahari Blvd, Pocono Manor, PA 18349
- Free self-parking at Kalahari
Research Submissions
NEW THIS YEAR! Room Sharing Program
Research Submissions
CLICK HERE FOR SUBMISSION DETAILS!
Start planning for one of these exciting research opportunities.
Research Track – Call for Papers
Delve into the latest studies, methodologies, and scholarly insights shaping hospitality, tourism, and event education. This track spotlights rigorous academic inquiry and applied research, offering opportunities to engage with data-driven findings, emerging trends, and collaborative investigations that drive innovation and inform best practices.
Poster Track – Call for Rapid Poster Presentations
We welcome submissions to one of three distinct tracks:
- Undergraduate Student Track
- Highlight innovative class projects, case studies, or research conducted during your undergraduate studies.
- Great opportunity for first-time conference presenters.
- Master’s/Graduate Student Track
- Showcase thesis projects, capstone work, or applied research advancing theory or practice in the field.
- Faculty Track
- Present original research, pedagogical studies, or industry-focused investigations with implications for teaching, learning, and practice.