Present Research at the REC Net National Conference to Professionals, Educators, and Industry Leaders!
Accepted presenters will share their work in the Research Symposium on Sunday, November 15; their paper will be included in the published conference proceedings.
About the Research Symposium
The REC Net Research Symposium is an annual opportunity for educators and graduate students to present current research related to recreation, tourism, hospitality, event planning, and experience design. The symposium will take place on Sunday, November 15, 2026, as part of the REC Net National Conference at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, IL. Presentations are delivered in person, with at least one author required to attend.
We especially welcome applied research that connects directly to professional practice. Submissions undergo a peer-reviewed acceptance process. Papers from all accepted presentations will be published in the Proceedings of the Recreation Experience Community Network Research Symposium.
How to Submit a Proposal
Submissions should include a 1–2 page abstract, along with the title of the presentation, author name(s) and institutional affiliation(s), contact information for the primary presenter, and 3–5 keywords describing the topic. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and are peer-reviewed upon receipt.
The Research Symposium requires both an abstract and a completed paper. Authors of accepted submissions will be required to submit a final/accepted paper – no later than November 1, 2026 – in order to maintain their timeslot in the Research Symposium Presentation schedule.
Submit your proposal via email to A. Scott Rood, Research Symposium coordinator at roodsc@gvsu.edu.
Key Dates
- August 1, 2026 – Abstract submission deadline
- November 1, 2026 – Final paper deadline (for accepted presentations)
Topic Areas
While the REC Net National Conference focuses heavily on recreation, hospitality, tourism, event planning, and experience design, the Research Symposium welcomes submissions from a broad range of related disciplines. Topics may include park and recreation management, administration, and finance; outdoor recreation, natural resources, and conservation; youth and family programs, community recreation, and inclusive programming; sport programming and events (e.g., races, tournaments), as well as leisure behavior; and program evaluation, assessment, or evidence-informed practice.
The symposium highlights applied research that informs and enhances professional practice, while also welcoming theoretical, conceptual, and exploratory studies that advance understanding in the field.
Conference Registration
REC Net Membership Required
All conference registrants must be active REC Net members at the time of registration.
New to REC Net?
Faculty who have not previously been REC Net or RCRA members are eligible for a complementary one-year REC Net membership when registering for the conference. This offer is only available through April 30.
All symposium presenters must register for the REC Net National Conference. Presenters may choose to attend the full conference or register for the Research Symposium day only.
A special one-day Symposium Rate of $249 is available for Sunday, November 15, and includes the keynote speaker and lunch.
Published Proceedings & Research Recognition
Accepted research is published in the Proceedings of the Recreation Experience Community Network Research Symposium, providing authors with a permanent, citable record of their work and broader visibility within the field.
The symposium also recognizes outstanding contributions through annual awards, including the Excellence in Research Award, presented at the REC Net National Conference.
Student Participation in the Research Symposium
Undergraduate students are welcome to participate in the Research Symposium, including presenting alongside faculty or graduate students. Many students are actively involved in research as assistants and collaborators, and we encourage their inclusion in submissions.
Beyond the symposium, the REC Net National Conference offers valuable opportunities for students to engage with professionals in the field, attend educational sessions, and build connections that support their career development. Reduced student registration rates are available, reflecting REC Net’s commitment to supporting students and emerging professionals.
Questions? Ready to Submit Your Proposal?
