NENA 2026 Conference

Engage 360: Adventure, Innovation, and Immersive Impact

A dynamic journey through touchpoints, transformation, and technology in hospitality, tourism, and event education.

Set against the backdrop of the immersive and adventure-rich Kalahari Resorts in the Pocono Mountains, the 2026 NENA Conference invites you to explore engagement from all angles—where high-tech meets hands-on, and where academic excellence converges with real-world impact.

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.

Conference Schedule - Please note this schedule is subject to change.

Friday, March 27

11:00 am Registration Open

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Opening Session

We’re kicking off the 2026 NENA Conference not with a lecture—but with a leap into exploration. Set within the immersive backdrop of Kalahari Resorts in the Pocono Mountains, our opening session invites you to Pick Your Adventure and begin your journey with purpose, curiosity, and connection.

3:00 - 4:30 pm

Tracked Sessions: Chart Your Course to Impact

To guide your learning journey and support intentional engagement, the 2026 NENA Conference offers curated session tracks designed to meet attendees where they are—and take them where they want to go. Whether you’re a faculty member, industry professional, or student, these tracks provide focused pathways aligned with your interests, expertise, and aspirations.

Research Track

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.

Professional, Program, and Curriculum Development Track

For those designing the future of learning. This track explores the evolution of academic programs, course design, assessment strategies, and institutional collaborations. Discover how forward-thinking educators and administrators are aligning curriculum with workforce needs, DEI priorities, and global competencies.

Experiential Pedagogy Track

Where learning comes alive. This track is dedicated to hands-on, high-impact teaching practices—internships, simulations, service learning, live labs, and more. Explore how experiential education enhances student engagement, fosters critical thinking, and bridges the classroom-to-career gap.

Student Track

Designed for the next generation of leaders, this track empowers students to grow their professional toolkit, expand networks, and explore career paths. Sessions focus on leadership, career readiness, mentorship, and real-world skill-building—equipping students to confidently navigate their educational and industry journey.

4:45 - 6:00 pm

Service-Learning Project

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Opening Reception

Saturday, March 28

8 am – 9:00 am

Morning Session

Breakfast

Rapid Poster Presentations

Legacy Lecture

9:15 am – 10:00 am

Connection Activity

10:10

NENA Photo

10:15 am – 11:45 am

Interactive - AI Session

11:45 am – 12:30 pm

Lunch Session

Rapid Poster Presentations

Dining and connection

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Tracked Sessions: Chart Your Course to Impact

To guide your learning journey and support intentional engagement, the 2026 NENA Conference offers curated session tracks designed to meet attendees where they are—and take them where they want to go. Whether you’re a faculty member, industry professional, or student, these tracks provide focused pathways aligned with your interests, expertise, and aspirations.

Research Track

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.

Professional, Program, and Curriculum Development Track

For those designing the future of learning. This track explores the evolution of academic programs, course design, assessment strategies, and institutional collaborations. Discover how forward-thinking educators and administrators are aligning curriculum with workforce needs, DEI priorities, and global competencies.

Experiential Pedagogy Track

Where learning comes alive. This track is dedicated to hands-on, high-impact teaching practices—internships, simulations, service learning, live labs, and more. Explore how experiential education enhances student engagement, fosters critical thinking, and bridges the classroom-to-career gap.

Student Track

Designed for the next generation of leaders, this track empowers students to grow their professional toolkit, expand networks, and explore career paths. Sessions focus on leadership, career readiness, mentorship, and real-world skill-building—equipping students to confidently navigate their educational and industry journey.

3:00 pm – 3:45 pm

Keynote

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Interactive Simulation

5:15

Evening Remarks

5:30

Evening Adventure On Your Own

Sunday March 29

8:30 am - 10:00 am

Morning Session

Breakfast

Rapid Poster Presentations

Best Paper Presentation

Student Panel

10:15 am NENA Business Meeting

10:45 am Awards and Closing Remarks

Visit: https://nenachrie.com/2026-spring-conference

Lodging/Accommodations

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Pocono Mountains, PA📍 250 Kalahari Blvd, Pocono Manor, PA 18349🔗 www.kalahariresorts.com📞 (570) 580-6000

Hotel Reservations

● Group Rate: $199.00/night (plus tax)

● Resort Fee: Waived ($44.99 value per night)

● Tax: Currently 9% on room rate

Room Block Dates:

● Thursday, March 26

● Friday, March 27

● Saturday, March 28

Booking Deadline: March 5, 2026 Please book early to secure the group rate.

Reservation Link: https://book.passkey.com/e/51094694

Deposit Policy: One night + tax at time of bookingCancellation Policy:

● Cancel ≥72 hours before arrival: Refund minus $30 processing fee

● Cancel <72 hours before arrival: Full deposit forfeited

Attendee 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)

Travel & Transportation

Nearest Airports:

o Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) – ~45 mins

o Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP) – ~1 hour

o Philadelphia International (PHL) – ~2 hours

o Newark Liberty (EWR) – ~2 hours

Driving & Parking:

o Free self-parking at Kalahari

o Use 250 Kalahari Blvd, Pocono Manor, PA 18349 for GPS

Recommended AttireCasual business attire is appropriate for most sessions. Comfortable shoes are encouraged for immersive and adventure-based activities.

We are committed to hosting an inclusive and accessible event. If you have specific accommodation needs, please contact us in advance.

Questions?Contact: Christine Cleaver📩 c.cleaver@nyu.edu