2024 SECSA CHRIE CONFERENCE
March 8-9, 2024
Columbia, South Carolina
Conference Team
Andrea White-McNeil - Ph.D
Conference Chair
Bethune-Cookman University
Marketa Kubickova - Ph.D
Conference Co-Chair
University of South Carolina
Scott Smith - Ph.D.
Conference Co-Chair
University of South Carolina
George Hendry - Ed.D.
Conference Co-Chair
University of South Carolina
Daron Kirkley
Conference Co-Chair
University of South Carolina
W E L C O M E M E S S A G E
F R O M T H E D E A N
Michael Sagas
Dean and Professor
College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management
University of South Carolina
Dear SECSA-CHRIE Delegates and Guests,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you on behalf of the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina to the 9th Annual SECSA-CHRIE Conference. As we gather here in the vibrant city of Columbia, this event, organized by our School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, is evidence to the dedication and passion that drives our faculty, staff, and students.
I wish to extend my gratitude to Dr. Marketa Kubickova, our local conference committee, and the SECSA-CHRIE President and conference chair, Dr. Andrea White-McNeil, for their efforts in bringing this conference to our college. Their commitment ensures that our gathering will be not only intellectually stimulating but also an excellent opportunity to establish friendships and ongoing collaborations.
Columbia, with its warm Southern hospitality, offers a backdrop of charm and culture that I hope you will take the time to experience. From the beauty of the Horseshoe on the USC campus, the Congaree Riverwalk, and the culinary and beverage choices awaiting in the Vista or the Main Street District, our city is a pleasure to explore.
I encourage the attendees of this year’s conference to not only be dedicated to advancing excellence and greater understanding of our fields through our presentations and discussions, but to also be intentional about how to continue to innovate and evolve our disciplines. My hope is that the SECSA-CHRIE Conference will serve as a catalyst for how to improve hospitality practice globally, but to also ensure that the breadth of work that happens in the SECSA geographical area continues to develop and thrive into a future. While the future of our disciplines is evolving, they are also full of tremendous opportunities for innovation and advances in research, education, and hospitality practice.
Once again, welcome to the University of South Carolina. May your time here be both enjoyable and enriching.
Warmest regards,
Michael Sagas
Dean and Professor
College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management