On May 25, 2026, the halls of HOTEL SCHOOL Hotel Management College buzzed with innovation and forward-thinking ideas during our IX International Applied Research and Project Results Dissemination Conference.

Engaging our students in applied research is at the very core of our educational philosophy. It goes far beyond standard coursework—it empowers our future hospitality leaders to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world industry challenges. By actively investigating workplace dynamics, management strategies, and guest experiences, our students cultivate critical thinking and drive meaningful innovation. They aren’t just studying the industry; they are actively working to elevate it.

The inspiring day kicked off with a warm welcome and agenda overview by Jekaterina Korjuhina (Ph.D., Mg. oec., Mg. philol.), Deputy Chair of the Conference. This was followed by an insightful session led by Olga Zvereva (MIB, Mg. paed.), Chair of the Conference Board and Development Director. She shared the exciting progress and impactful outcomes of our dynamic Erasmus+ strategic partnership projects, including InternshipConnect, SAVOR, X-VET, PRE-CULINARY, and Master Chef Simulator.

The spotlight then turned to our brilliant students, who presented their applied research. Rather than just scratching the surface, they tackled the substantive challenges facing modern hospitality management.

Their presentations explored critical industry themes, including:

• Workplace Culture and Employee Retention: Analyzing how organizational environments and internal cultures directly influence staff motivation and long-term engagement.
• Service Quality and Guest Experience: Evaluating the direct correlation between specialized staff training programs and elevated guest satisfaction levels in premium hotels.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Investigating modern staffing initiatives and how inclusive hiring practices are shaping a more dynamic workforce in the international hospitality sector.
• Global Comparative Analyses: Drawing insights from operational strategies by comparing management practices in local European markets against international counterparts abroad.

We are incredibly proud of our students, researchers, and faculty for their dedication to advancing the global hospitality sector. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, presented, and helped make this conference a resounding success!