Call for Speakers

Elevating Every Experience: People First

The White Lodging–J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Purdue University invites dynamic professionals, thought leaders, educators, and innovators to submit proposals to speak at the 5th Annual Spirit of Hospitality Summit.

Our 2026 theme — “Elevating Every Experience: People First” — represents a mindset more than a moment. It reflects a commitment to continuously raising the standard of how people, businesses, and communities interact. Hospitality, at its core, is not simply about delivering service; it is about intentionally refining the quality, impact, and meaning behind every experience we create.

This immersive two-day summit brings together industry professionals, alumni, faculty, and students from across Purdue’s four signature disciplines:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Selling and Sales Management
• Retail Management
• Financial Counseling and Planning

We are seeking speakers whose insights will challenge thinking, inspire action, and equip attendees to elevate experiences through a people-first lens. best practices, and strategies that highlight the intersection of human connection and business value.

Speaking Opportunities & Session Categories

Submissions are currently being accepted for consideration in the following formats:

1. Keynote Sessions

• 60–75 Minute Keynote Speaker
  A featured session designed to set the tone, inspire bold thinking, and provide visionary insight aligned with the summit theme.
• 30–45 Minute Keynote + Industry Expert Panel
  A keynote presentation followed by a 30–45 minute moderated panel discussion featuring industry experts who connect the topic to real-world scenarios, applications, and current challenges.

2. Breakout Sessions

• One-Hour Breakout Session
  These sessions run concurrently with other breakout options and are designed to deliver focused, practical insights and interactive discussion. Ideal for deep dives into specific topics, tools, or case studies.

3. Professional Development Workshops 3–4 Hour Workshop
Extended, interactive learning experiences that allow participants to build skills, apply concepts, and engage deeply with content designed for professional growth and leadership development.

Suggested Subthemes

To help guide your proposal, consider aligning your content with one or more of the following subthemes:

• Elevating Through Leadership & Culture
  People, influence, accountability, and standards. This subtheme focuses on how leaders build people-first cultures, model excellence, and set expectations that elevate performance and experience at every level.
• Elevating Through Innovation & Adaptability
  New ideas, technology, and thriving in change. This subtheme explores how organizations innovate, adopt emerging tools, and remain agile in an evolving landscape while keeping people at the center.
• Elevating Through Personalization & Connection
  Human-centered experiences and meaningful relationships. This subtheme examines how deeper understanding, empathy, and personalization strengthen trust, loyalty, and human connection.
• Elevating Through Experience Design & Execution
  Intentional strategy behind memorable moments. This subtheme highlights the systems, strategies, and behind-the-scenes decisions that turn service into standout, repeatable experiences.
• Elevating Through Collaboration & Impact
  Partnerships, communities, and shared success. This subtheme focuses on cross-disciplinary collaboration and the broader impact hospitality-driven thinking can have on industries and communities.

Speaker Proposal Submission

Interested speakers should submit the following materials for consideration:

• Full Name
• Company and Job Title
• Email Address & Phone Number
• Social media profile information
• Professional Bio (150–200 words)
• High-resolution Headshot Photo
• Session Title
• Presentation Abstract (up to 400 words) for review by the planning committee
• Description (up to 150 words) for inclusion in event agenda and website

Important Information

The Spirit of Hospitality Summit is a self-funded event. Travel stipends are not available, and speakers are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. Upon acceptance, speakers will receive a discount code for a reduced event registration fee and details for our hotel room block near campus.

Submit Proposals By:

Friday, June 12, 2026
Notifications of acceptance will be sent by July 10, 2026.

Play a direct role in advancing the future of your industry by sharing your expertise, shaping the next generation of Experience Engineers, and helping set the standard for service, innovation, and excellence that defines our community.

Contact Abby Lillpop, Special Projects and Communications Manager, at alillpop@purdue.edu or 765.496.3596 with any questions.

Submit your proposal today!