We look forward to welcoming you to Atlanta!
October 1 - 3, 2026 - NSMH Fall Conference & Career Fair, Hilton Atlanta
From industry tours and educational sessions to the Hospitality Challenge, Career Fair, and networking events, here's an updated day-by-day overview of what's planned for our time together.
Thursday | October 1
Kick off the conference with industry tours, networking opportunities, and a warm welcome at the Opening Reception.
1:00 to 5:00 PM
Industry Tours
2:00 to 8:00 PM
Conference Registration
7:30 to 9:30 PM
Lite Bites, Meet & Mingle
Friday | October 2
The conference's signature day featuring professional development, our hospitality competition, and industry engagement.
7:00 to 8:45 AM
Start your morning with good food, great conversations, and the energy you need to make the most of the conference. Doors open at 7:00 AM.
9:00 to 10:00 AM
NSMH Live! A Conversation with Davonne Reaves, Founder and Chief Hospitality Strategist of The Vonne Group, for an inspiring conversation about transforming a passion for hospitality into a pathway to hotel ownership and generational wealth. Davonne will share lessons from her journey, from starting as a front desk agent to becoming a hotel owner, consultant, speaker, and advocate for greater access to commercial real estate.
10:30 to 12:00 PM
Professional Development Breakout Sessions
1:30 to 3:15 PM
NSMH Hospitality Challenge Competition: Watch student teams showcase their creativity and teamwork this signature conference event.
3:30 to 5:30 PM
Career Fair & Interviews: Meet employers, explore internships and career opportunities, and interview with participating companies.
4:30 to 5:30 PM
Research at NSMH: A Hospitality and Tourism Research Showcase. Click here for details.
Saturday | October 3
One final day to learn, connect, interview, and celebrate the accomplishments of your fellow NSMH members.
8:00 to 12:00 PM
Interviews (By Appointment Only)
9:00 to 9:45 AM
Start the day with bold energy and an inspiring keynote from Dr. Stacia Harvey-Randall who will challenge you to think bigger, speak up, and pursue opportunities with audacity. Plus, we’ll be giving away exciting prizes during the session, and you must be present to win. Bring your energy, bring your ambition, and don’t miss our day 2 kickoff!
10:00 to 11:00 AM
NSMH Live! A Conversation with George Brown, founder of Alexis George Wines, and Donae Burston, founder and CEO of La Fête Wine Company, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, mentorship, and building purpose-driven brands. Drawing from their journeys in the wine and hospitality industries, they will share insights on taking risks, creating opportunities, overcoming challenges, and reaching back to support the next generation of leaders.
11:00 to 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
12:00 to 1:30 PM
Hospitality Challenge Awards Luncheon & Closing Remarks
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