At the Intersection of K-Culture and Global Tourism
The 2026 Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Conference for Researchers, Educators, Practitioners, and Students, hosted by the Korea America Hospitality and Tourism Educators Association (KAHTEA).
THEREPS 2026
Exploring how Korean cultural exports are redefining hospitality products, services, and guest expectations worldwide.
The Korea America Hospitality and Tourism Educators Association (KAHTEA) cordially invites you to its 14th annual conference, THEREPS 2026. This year’s conference theme is “At the Intersection of K-Culture and Global Tourism: Shaping the Future of Guest Experiences.”
Join us in beautiful Los Angeles to examine how Korean cultural exports are redefining hospitality products, services, and guest expectations worldwide. This event is a premier platform for sharing innovative research that explores this dynamic intersection and its impact on the future of our industry.
Topics of interest
All tourism, hospitality, and event-management topics are welcome, with special encouragement for work related to this year’s theme.
The influence of K-pop, K-dramas, and K-movies on tourist motivations and experiences, including film-induced tourism and fan pilgrimages.
The globalization of K-food and its role in creating unique culinary and dining experiences.
The impact of K-beauty and K-fashion on hospitality, wellness, and retail service design.
Case studies of Korean hospitality brands and their strategies for delivering culturally unique guest experiences globally.
Digital marketing strategies leveraging Hallyu (the Korean Wave) to engage guests and build brand loyalty.
Cross-cultural studies on how the K-culture phenomenon is influencing service expectations and satisfaction in international markets.
Two ways to present
Refereed Research Presentations
Open to faculty, practitioners, and graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.). Submissions should be grounded in theoretical or empirical studies. Both stand-up and poster presentation formats are available.
Undergraduate Student Research Forum
Designed exclusively for undergraduate students to present research proposals, case studies, or completed studies. This forum is available in a stand-up presentation format only. The student’s faculty advisor is required to attend the conference.
Prepare your submission
All submissions will undergo a double-blind review process. The official language of the conference is English.
Extended Abstract — For Review
- Maximum 1,500 words.
- Submit as a Microsoft Word document.
- Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spacing.
- References and tables are not included in the word count.
- Used for review and Best Paper Award consideration only; not published in the proceedings.
One-Page Summary Abstract — For Proceedings
Upon acceptance, authors must submit a one-page, single-spaced summary of their research for inclusion in the official conference proceedings.
Conference timeline
Poster requirements
Setup: Display boards will be provided. Presenters are responsible for mounting and removing their posters at the designated times and must be present at their poster during their assigned session.
- Ensure your poster is self-explanatory and written in clear English.
- Include the title, author names, and affiliations.
- Use visuals and avoid excessive text.
- Highlight key findings, implications, and actionable recommendations.
- Provide your contact information (name, email) for interested attendees.
Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina
300 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, Los Angeles, California, USA
Hotel Special Offer Deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
| Registrant | Early Bird | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty | $425 | $475 |
| Student / Guest | $250 | $300 |
Registration includes access to all sessions, networking events, luncheons, and dinners.
KAHTEA accepts payments via Zelle and PayPal. To help the association avoid transaction fees, payment by Zelle is preferred. Receipts are available for both methods.
