3-Minute
Research Pitch
Call for Graduate Student Presenters
One slide. Three minutes. Can you make your research matter to everyone in the room?
November 20, 2026
8:00 PM EST
Big Ideas. One Slide. Three Minutes.
The KAHTEA 3-Minute Research Pitch invites graduate students to communicate their research in a clear, compelling, and accessible way.
Whether your research is at the proposal stage or already completed, this is an opportunity to share why your work matters with an audience beyond your own specialization.
One Slide
Use one static research slide to support your presentation. Focus on a strong visual and minimal text.
Three Minutes
Present your research live on Zoom in three minutes or less. Communicate your main idea without technical jargon.
Make an Impact
Explain the importance of your research and help a non-specialist audience understand its contribution.
Who Can Participate?
We welcome graduate student researchers from hospitality, tourism, leisure, recreation, and related fields.
Eligibility
- Master’s and doctoral students are eligible to participate.
- Research may be at any stage, from proposal to completed study.
- Research topics should relate to hospitality, tourism, leisure, recreation, or related fields.
Presentation Rules
- Maximum presentation time: 3 minutes.
- One static research slide, plus a separate name and title slide for the introduction.
- No animations, transitions, video, audio, or embedded links.
- Present live on Zoom with your camera on.
- Presentations must be spoken, without reading from a script.
- Submitted slides cannot be changed after the deadline.
Mark Your Calendar
Please pay attention to the application, registration and slide submission deadlines.
Application Deadline
Submit your application to participate in the competition.
Registration & Slides Due
Complete registration and submit your PowerPoint slides using the provided template.
Live Competition
Present your research live on Zoom at 8:00 PM EST.
Download the Slide Template
All presenters should prepare their slides using the official PowerPoint template provided for the competition.
3-Minute Research Pitch Template
The template includes instructions, a name and title slide, and a research slide. Delete the instruction slide before submitting.
Your final file should contain exactly two slides: a name and title slide, followed by one static research slide. Keep the 16:9 format and submit your file as a .pptx.
Required filename: LastName_FirstName_KATHEA3MP.pptx
Judging Criteria
Presentations are evaluated equally on research content and communication effectiveness, with an emphasis on accessibility to a non-specialist audience.
A. Comprehension & Content
- Motivation and Significance: Clearly explain the research question and why it matters.
- Research Approach and Findings: Describe the research design and findings, or expected results for ongoing studies.
- Impact: Explain the implications for hospitality, tourism, and broader society.
B. Engagement & Communication
- Clarity: Use language that audiences outside your field can understand.
- Slide Quality: Use a readable and effective visual that enhances the presentation.
- Enthusiasm and Connection: Engage the audience and communicate your passion for the research.
Each of the six criteria is scored from 1 to 5 points, for a maximum of 30 points. Criteria are adapted from the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) judging criteria developed by The University of Queensland. This is an independent event and is not affiliated with 3MT®.
Awards & Recognition
Outstanding presenters will be recognized for their research communication and audience engagement.
1st Place
Awarded to the highest-scoring presenter based on judges’ evaluations.
Runner-Up
Recognizing an outstanding research presentation.
People’s Choice
Selected through a Zoom poll of attendees after the pitches.
Prizes will be awarded to winners, and all finalists will receive certificates of recognition.
Ready to Share Your Research?
Make your research understandable, memorable, and meaningful in just three minutes. Apply to participate in the November Research Pitch.
Apply / Register Now ?soyoungpark@fau.edu