2026 UGA Georgia Hospitality & Travel Summit

IPC Global is proud to sponsor the 5th Annual UGA Georgia Hospitality & Travel Summit, hosted by the University of Georgia's nationally ranked Hospitality and Food Industry Management program. Our sponsorship reflects our commitment to the industries that rely on data, analytics, and technology to deliver exceptional guest experiences at scale.

This year's theme, "The Science of Service: Orchestrating Strategy, Scale, and Story," aligns closely with what we do every day at IPC Global — turning data into precision, and precision into performance.

What to Expect at the Summit

The event brings together some of the most influential executives in hospitality, tourism, and food & beverage for a full day of masterclass panels, peer networking, and strategic insight across four key sessions:

• The Physics of Profit — market intelligence, asset strategy, and investment dynamics with panelists from CoStar Group, JW Marriott/Ritz-Carlton, the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association, and more.

• The Mechanics of Mobilization — large-scale venue logistics, culinary operations, and event ecosystems, featuring leaders from Gas South District, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, and Proof of the Pudding.

• The Chemistry of Community — how luxury resorts and private clubs like Augusta National Golf Club and Alys Beach build long-term retention through culture, service, and amenity design.

• The Biology of Brand — scaling hospitality brands from fast-casual franchising to fine dining, with perspectives from Surcheros Fresh Mex, The Lodge at Sea Island, and the Georgia Restaurant Association.

Keynote Highlight: Alton Brown

The day concludes with an exclusive fireside conversation with UGA alumnus and Peabody & James Beard Award-winning creator Alton Brown (Good Eats). His keynote, "The Art & Science of Storytelling," challenges attendees to master their craft and translate technical excellence into stories that genuinely connect with guests — a message that resonates deeply with IPC Global's own approach to data storytelling.