2024 SECSA CHRIE CONFERENCE
March 8-9, 2024
Columbia, South Carolina
A B O U T
SECSA CHRIE 2024
In academia, the universal magic of hospitality refers to the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students and staff. This includes providing a sense of community, fostering relationships, and prioritizing the needs and well-being of individuals. In the context of research, it can also mean extending a warm welcome to visiting scholars and ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to be successful.
In the industry, the universal magic of hospitality is often associated with the hospitality and tourism sectors, where it refers to the ability to create a positive experience for guests by providing excellent customer service and going above and beyond to exceed their expectations. It also encompasses the ability to adapt to cultural differences and make guests feel comfortable and at home. The universal magic of hospitality is essential to building a loyal customer base and creating a positive reputation for the business. In other industries, such as healthcare, the universal magic of hospitality may also be relevant in terms of creating a warm and welcoming environment for patients and their families.
​
A
M E S S A G E
F R O M O U R
P R E S I D E N T
Dr. Andrea White-McNeil
President, SECSA-CHRIE Federation
Greetings & Salutations to our 2024 SECSA-CHRIE Conference Attendees,
Welcome to the 9th Annual SECSA-CHRIE Conference, hosted by the School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at the Unive
rsity of South Carolina, in this historic city of Columbia, SC! Our theme Where history, culture and southern hospitality meet is certainly fitting of this location, providing us the backdrop to the tourism and hospitality which we embrace.
Our two days together are filled with invigorating research content, energizing pedagogical expertise, stimulating industry insight, and rousing networking opportunities. Incorporating my high school motto, I say to you all CARPE DIEM…Seize the day/opportunity to learn from and with each other, collaborate, establish friendships and partnerships, and let us all leave Columbia better researchers, scholars and educators!
I extend heartfelt gratitude to the team at the University of South Carolina, especially to our Immediate Past President Dr. Marketa Kubickova, Dr. Scott Smith, Dr. George Hendry and Mr. Darron Kirkley, who collectively led the efforts on the ground to execute this year’s conference.
Enjoy the SECSA 2024 Experience! Immerse yourselves in the history, culture and southern hospitality that is Columbia! Be tourists for a weekend!
Sincerely,
Andrea White-McNeil
President, SECSA-CHRIE Federation
Assistant Professor
Bethune-Cookman University