UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Food Decisions Research Laboratory in the Penn State School of Hospitality Management is hosting its 10th annual Online Interdisciplinary Research Symposium. This year’s virtual symposium will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, via Zoom. This online event is free and open to the public.
The symposium will feature two roundtable discussions detailing sustainable pathways and tech-driven transformation in foodservice, highlighting changes taking place and future issues that may affect the industry.
“Food prepared away from home represents more than 50% of food expenditure, and presenting scholars at the symposium are investigating a variety of issues that would impact the consumer,” said Amit Sharma, Edward Friedman and Stuart Mann Professor of Hospitality Management and director of the Food Decisions Research Laboratory. “Attendees will learn about research in consumer-related topics, such as what types of consumer preferences impact our food decisions, and business-related perspectives, such as the issues owners grapple with in providing products and services to consumers.”
During the symposium, international scholars will present on various topics, including how businesses are responding to sustainability challenges, consumer attitudes and preferences toward sustainability and technology, and how researchers view food choices and preferences of a wide range of consumers, such as individuals with critical health conditions who rely on special diets.
The symposium will also feature a presentation on micro badges — micro credentials students can use to showcase their research skills in their online profiles — and an update regarding the international Free Food Access Map, which is part of the Free Food Map launched by the Food Decisions Research Laboratory.
Attending the symposium is free, but registration is required. Zoom access links will be sent to those who register.
About the School of Hospitality Management
Established in 1937, the Penn State School of Hospitality Management is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected schools of hospitality management. Its top-ranked undergraduate and doctoral programs prepare global leaders with a rigorous, diverse curriculum focused, since its inception, on engaged scholarship, featuring partnerships with Penn State's Hospitality Services, Housing and Food Services, and top global hospitality brands. It is also home to the oldest Penn State alumni program group, the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society. New to the school’s portfolio is an innovative and focused Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management graduate degree program.