Conference

Aim of the conference:

  • Presentation of the most recent scientific achievements and case studies to the broad professional audience
  • Exchange of professional experiences of all tourism and hospitality profiles,
  • Develop meaningful dialogue between educators, students and the industry
  • Co-creation of educational curricula that will help develop the talent need to fill the increasing demand for knowledgeable and skilled future industry leaders.

This conference will raise awareness of the issues that face academics, students, graduates and the industry today.

Character of the conference:

  • International 

Partners: 

  • University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department for geography, tourism and hotel management
  • University of Belgrade, Faculty of Economics
  • Faculty for business in services, Sremska Kamenica
  • Singidunum University, Belgrade, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Economics
  • Novi Sad Fair, Congress Center MASTER
  • National Tourism Organization of Serbia, Serbian Convention Bureau

Official language:

  • English 

Key Note Speakers:

  • Professor Rob Davidson, University of Westminster, London, UK
  • Rok Klancnik, Slovenia Tourist Office Brussels, Belgium, Director

Official conference topics:   

  • Business tourism and meetings industry
  • Destination management
  • Executive hotel management
  • Public private partnership
  • Other topics 

Model of the conference:

EIAT2008 is being organized as two day event targeting professors at business schools and universities, industry specialists in companies operating in the tourism and hotel industry and senior students of tourism and hospitality studies.
This conference is being held September 26th  to 27th 2008, in conjunction with the National Tourism Organization of Serbia.  
EIAT will give participants a unique opportunity to have their voice heard with regards to preparing the next generation of students for their successful launch into the industry and to share their experiences about tourism and hospitality. Professors will have an opportunity to brainstorm with future employers and to get a better understanding of what is needed to prepare students for successful careers in the industry. Industry recruiters and businesses will have an opportunity to speak with lecturers from business schools and universities from which they will recruit their future colleagues and to discuss any gaps in knowledge they notice when these students come to work for their organizations.  
Integral part of EIAT is The Balkan Student Community – an event that will enable best senior students to collaborate with their colleagues from other Universities. As a participant in the EIAT, you will be able to share your personal 'wish list' of what you would like universities and industry businesses to understand about the challenges of educating or recruiting young people in the industry. 

During the Opening Ceremony participants will have the opportunity to attend an interactive and thought-provoking presentation by Professor Rob Davidson, course leader in business tourism at the University of Westminster London, UK and Mr Rok Klancnik, Director, Slovenia Tourist Office in Brussels, Belgium who will raise the question of whether the time is right to develop the tourism and hospitality profession to embrace the future of the industry – and the way it should be adapted to the learning, networking and motivational needs of the Balkan Student.
The Opening Ceremony will start at 17:30 followed by networking reception for all delegates.
Association of the Hoteliers of Serbia (HORES) will hold their meeting during EIAT2008, and the Serbian Convention Bureau will host their partnership and annual meeting of the Serbian Meetings Community.  
Day two is planed as Education and Industry day. The most recent scientific papers and/or case studies will be presented.

During the day there will be a panel discussion with professors and course leaders on the role of the Bologna process in higher education that relates to tourism and hospitality. There will also be a forum of Serbian professors and lecturers where future activities and project bids will be discussed and synchronized. Saturday is also reserved for the business and corporate sector, their best case studies and corporate analysis. In addition - topics will be launched such as professional development, networking and skill enhancement through work process etc. This day will conclude with networking evening for all EIAT delegates.

Date:

  • 26th - 27th September 2008.  

Place of the conference:

Place of the conference:
Congress Center MASTER, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia

Registration fees:

  • 110 euro
  • 25 euro for students
    (proof of student ID need when collecting EIAT conference materials)