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INTEREST CATEGORY: SERVICE
POSTING TYPE: Dialog

Posted by: Kristina Heinonen

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Call for Host Proposals

15^th SERVSIG Conference (2028)

Since 1999, the SERVSIG International Research Conference has brought together the global service research community to exchange ideas, build collaborations, and experience memorable academic and cultural events. A core principle from the beginning has been that each conference is hosted by a different university, and that no city is ever repeated. This commitment ensures that every SERVSIG conference provides participants with fresh, enriching service experiences rooted in diverse local cultures.

Over the years, SERVSIG has been welcomed in remarkable locations around the world—including New Orleans (USA), Sydney (Australia), Reims (France), Singapore, Liverpool (UK), Porto (Portugal), Helsinki (Finland), Thessaloniki (Greece), Maastricht (Netherlands), Paris (France), Glasgow (Scotland), and Bordeaux (France). The upcoming 2026 conference will be hosted in Braga, Portugal, by the University of Minho.

We are now inviting proposals to host the 15^th SERVSIG International Research Conference in 2028.

Although SERVSIG conferences traditionally take place in June, alternative months are welcome, depending on the host location’s academic calendar, venue availability, and proximity to other service research conferences. SERVSIG seeks to avoid scheduling conflicts with overlapping conferences.

What We Ask from Prospective Hosts

Proposals should provide information on the following points:

1. Background of the host school and host city.
   Highlight the university’s strengths, relevant departments or research groups, and features of the city that make it welcoming and unique.
2. Conference Organization
   Identify the proposed conference co-chairs and planning team. (Note: The final conference coordinating committee will be formed in consultation with SERVSIG Co-Chairs.
3. Conference Facilities
   Describe both on-campus and off-campus venues for sessions, plenaries, workshops, and poster sessions.
4. Suggested conference dates
   Propose 2–3 possible date options, each with a brief justification. Final dates will be determined collaboratively with SERVSIG Co-Chairs.
5. Accessibility
   Explain how the venue and social events will accommodate attendees with disabilities or special needs.
6. Conference Social Events
   Outline ideas for (a) Opening reception, (b) Conference dinner, and (c) One additional evening event (e.g., cultural activity, local experience, excursion).
7. Hotel options 
   Provide potential primary and secondary hotels, with estimated room prices and walking/public transport distance to the venue.
8. Travel Arrangements
   List nearby international airports, train stations, and typical travel routes to the host city.
9. Projected Attendee Prices 
   Include cost estimates for registration fees, accommodation, local transport, social (if separately priced), etc.
10. Sightseeing & Cultural Opportunities
    Describe the city, region, and unique attractions. Emphasize what makes your location an exciting and compelling place for the SERVSIG community.
11. Sustainability Plan
    Comment on sustainable practices—green venues, low-waste catering, walkable logistics, etc.
12. Support from Host University
    A statement about financial commitments (if any), administrative or event staff support endorsement from a dean or rector.

Why Host the SERVSIG Conference?

Hosting the SERVSIG International Research Conference offers universities a unique opportunity to showcase their academic strengths, increase global visibility, and deepen connections within the international service research community. By welcoming leading scholars and emerging researchers to campus, host institutions can strengthen research collaborations, attract new partnerships, and highlight their city and region to an influential global audience. The conference also creates long-lasting academic impact through new networks, enhanced reputation, and heightened engagement with industry and local stakeholders—all while giving the university the chance to shape a memorable, culturally rich event that reflects its identity and strengths.

Proposal Submission & Inquiries

Please submit proposals or inquiries to the SERVSIG Co-Chairs Kristina Heinonen (Kristina.Heinonen@hanken.fi) and Harrison B. Pugh (hpugh@business.fsu.edu).

The deadline for submitting host proposals is March 31, 2026.