Curriculum Vitae: Kristin Malek

EDUCATION

• PhD in Hospitality Administration 
  University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2012-2015 
  Major: Event Management; Minors: Entrepreneurship and Marketing 
  Dissertation: Evaluating Event Effectiveness Across Alternate Platforms 

• Master of Business Administration 
  University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2022-2025 
  Major: Marketing 
  Graduate Certificate: Strategic Marketing 
  Graduate Certificate: Sales Excellence 

• Master of International Hospitality and Tourism Management 
  University of South Carolina, 2009-2012 
  Thesis: Manager Training and its Effect on Employee Turnover Intentions 

• Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design 
  The Art Institute of Charlotte, 2005-2009

EXTENSION / RESEARCH

Publications

Books and Materials

1. Malek, K. (2025). The PATH to Designing Behavior Change. Amazon.

   • Details: Within the first week, released as Amazon #1 bestseller on nine different industry lists including: Applied psychology, medical applied psychology, behavioral psychology, behavioral sciences, behaviorism psychology, business structural adjustment, organizational behavior, organizational change, and popular applied psychology.  

2. Fenich, G. & Malek, K. (2024). Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions: An Introduction to the Industry 7th Edition. Kendall Hunt. 

   • Sold over 6,000 copies in 2024 and 2025.  

3. Malek, K. (2024). Instructor materials. Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions: An Introduction to the Industry.  

   • Details: Developed brand new 184-page instructor manual including activities, case studies, how to incorporate AI into the classroom, outlines, and discussion questions, in addition to a brand-new test bank and PowerPoints.  

4. Fenich, G. & Malek, K. (2021). Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions: An Introduction to the Industry 6th Edition. Kendall Hunt.

   • Details: Sold over 10,000 copies since 2021. 

5. Malek, K. (2021). Instructor manual. Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions: An Introduction to the Industry. 

   • Details: This includes a 400-question test bank and 16 chapter-review PowerPoint presentations.   

Book Chapters

1. Malek, K. (2023). An Introduction to the Meetings Industry. In R. Angelo and M. Cheng (Eds), Hospitality Today: An Introduction, Ninth Edition. AHLEI publisher. 

2. Malek, K. (2021). Meeting, Exhibition, Event, and Convention Organizers and Sponsors. In G. Fenich and K. Malek (Eds.), Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions: An Introduction to the Industry (43-75). Iowa: Kendall Hunt Publishing. 

3. Malek, K. & Fenich, G. (2021). Food and Beverage in the Events Industry. In G. Fenich and K. Malek (Eds.), Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions: An Introduction to the Industry (295-332). Iowa: Kendall Hunt Publishing. 

4. Malek, K. (2018). Meeting, Exhibition, Event, and Convention Organizers and Sponsors. In G. Fenich (Ed.), Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions: An Introduction to the Industry (1-16). Pearson Education.  

5. Malek, K. & Ravichandran, S. (2017). Corporate Meetings: A Case Study in Adult Learning. In D. Breiter and A. Cecil (Eds.), Contemporary Cases in Event Management (1-16). Iowa: Kendall Hunt Publishing.  

6. Malek, K. (2017). Association Meetings: A Case Study in Sense of Community. In D. Breiter and A. Cecil (Eds.), Contemporary Cases in Event Management (119-136). Iowa: Kendall Hunt Publishing. 

Professional/Trade Articles  

1. Malek, K. (2023, October). The purpose of higher education: What is it? The Evolllution. https://evolllution.com/the-purpose-of-higher-education-what-is-it

2. Malek, K. (2021, April). Successful Hybrid Event Brings Key Lessons Learned Takeaways. PCMA Heartland Chapter. https://heartland.pcma.org/chapter-news/successful-hybrid-event-brings-key-lessons-learned-takeaways/   

3. Malek, K. (2020, December). CentralCHRIE fall connections conference review. ICHRIE Monthly Communique. https://www.chrie.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3505 

4. Malek, K. (2020, September). Tips for effectively using Zoom. PCMA Heartland Chapter. https://heartland.pcma.org/chapter-news/tips-for-effectively-using-zoom/  

5. Malek, K. (2020, August). Tips for effective teaching online in an asynchronous environment. ICHRIE Communique. https://www.chrie.org/m/pages.cfm?pageID=3503  

6. Malek, K. (2020, March). Best practices when postponing or cancelling events. NU Extension Disaster Recovery Newsletter. https://disaster.unl.edu/best-practices-when-postponing-or-canceling-events   

7. Malek, K. & Norris, A.* (2019, September). Hackathons – what are they and why should we care? PCMA Monthly Newsletter. https://heartland.pcma.org/chapter-news/hackathons-what-are-they-and-why-you-should-care/

8. Malek, K. (2019, August). Rethinking your syllabus: Specifications grading. UNL Teacher Connect. https://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/teacherconnect/10004/58458  

Refereed Journal Publications  

1. Jung, S., Draper, J., Malek, K., Padron, T., & Olson, E. (2024). Bridging Theory and Practice: An Examination of How Event-Tourism Research Aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Journal of Travel Research. 

2. Tsai, K., Malek, K., Jung, S., Soifer, I., Mendez, J., & Olson, E. (2022). Executing large events during COVID: Attendee perspectives and takeaways. Journal of Convention and Event Tourism, 179-188. 

3. Baloglu, S., Raab, C., & Malek, K. (2020). Organizational motivations for green practices in casual restaurants. International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, 1-20.

4. Kim, W., Malek, K., & Roberts, K. (2019). The effectiveness of green advertising in the convention industry: An application of a dual coding approach and the norm activation model. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 39(1), 185-192.  

5. Malek, K. (2019). APacCHRIE and EuroCHRIE Annual Conference, Hong Kong, Journal of Convention and Event Tourism, 20(4), 287-289. 

6. Olsen, E. & Malek, K. (2019). A recap of the Faculty Engagement Program and the 2019 Convening Leaders Professional Convention Management Association. Journal of Convention and Event Tourism, 20(2), 129-134.  

7. Swift, D., Malek, K., & Swift, A. (2019). The differences between ACF professional chefs and chef educators: Concern for task versus concern for people. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Education, 32(2), 87-98.  

8. Malek, K., Kline, S., & DiPietro, R. (2018). The impact of manager training on employee turnover intentions. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, 1(3), 203-219. 

9. Kim, W.* & Malek, K. (2018). Forecasting casino revenue by incorporating Google Trends. International Journal of Tourism Research, 20(4), 424-432.  

10.  Malek, K., Tanford, S., & Baloglu, S. (2018). Evaluating event effectiveness across alternate platforms. Event Management, 22(2), 135-152. 

11. Kim, W.* & Malek, K. (2018). Social networking sites versus professional networking sites: Perceptions of hospitality students. Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality & Tourism, 17(2), 200-221. 

12. Kim, W.*, Malek, K., Kim, N., & Kim, S. (2018). Destination personality, image, and loyalty of tourists visiting South Korea: The role of gender, age, cultural background, and prior experiences. Sustainability, 10(1), 87.  

13. Kim, W.* & Malek, K. (2017). Understanding the relationship among motivation to attend, satisfaction, and loyalty at medical conventions. Journal of Convention & Event Tourism, 18(4), 282-300. 

14. Kim, W.*, & Malek, K. (2017). Effects of self-congruity and destination image on destination loyalty: The role of cultural differences. Anatolia, 28(1), 1-13. 

15. Malek, K. & Kim, J. (2016). Convention attendance and gaming volume in South Korean casinos. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 7(1), 66-80. 

16. Jung, S.*, Kim, Y., Malek, K., & Lee, W. (2016). Engaging attendees in environmental sustainability at trade shows: Attendees’ perceptions and willingness to participate. Anatolia, 27(4), 540-542. 

17. Kim, J., Ahlgren, M., Byun, J., & Malek, K. (2016). Gambling motivations and superstitious beliefs: A cross-cultural study with casino customers. International Gambling Studies, 16(2), 296-315. 

18. Malek, K., Book, L.*, & Tanford, S. (2015). Influential leadership and media: How a single statement can affect an industry. Journal of Convention & Event Tourism, 16(1), 27-44. 

19. Tanford, S. & Malek, K. (2015). Segmentation of reward program members to increase customer loyalty: The role of attitude towards green hotel practices, Journal of Hospitality and Marketing Management, 24(3), 314-343. 

20. Malek, K. & Tanford, S. (2014). Conventions and gaming in Las Vegas: Friends, enemies, or strangers? Journal of Convention & Event Tourism, 15(3), 198-219.

Presentations

Invited Conference Presentations
Total: 46. Keynotes: 17, Breakouts: 26, Workshops: 3.

1. Malek, K. (2025, November). AI and Water: Opportunities, risks, and realities. Keynote. NeRWA-NSIA Joint Water Conference. Kearney, NE.  

2. Malek, K. (2025, November). Designing events for behavior change. Keynote. MPI Virtual Summit. Virtual. (Note: Over 1,000 attendees for this virtual summit.)

3. Bulencea, P., Tesh, R., Vieras Blanc, F., & Malek, K. (2025, May). Gamify your class, work, and life. Keynote panel. IMEX Frankfurt. Virtual.  

4. Malek, K. (2025, April). Designing events that change behavior. Keynote. MPI Heartland Chapter Education Day. Omaha, NE.  

5. Malek, K. (2025, March). Maximizing impact: Events as a strategic tool for nonprofits and associations. Breakout. Purpose Palooza. Lincoln, NE.  

6. Malek, K. (2025, March). How to design events that inspire action. Breakout. Purpose Palooza. Lincoln, NE.  

7. Malek, K. (2025, February). LinkedIn mastery: Maximizing your impact with pages, groups, and content. Workshop. IDEA Annual Conference. Kansas City, MO.  

8. Malek, K. (2024, November). Using AI to elevate your events, career, and life. Keynote. Central Federation CHRIE Annual Conference. Virtual. 

9. Malek, K. (2024, October). How to use technology to improve your life. Keynote. Farm to School Summit. Kearney, NE.  

10. Malek, K. (2024, October). Neuroscience and you. Keynote. IMEX America. Las Vegas.  

11. Malek, K. (2024, June). Using AI to elevate your events, career, and life. Keynote. MPI New Jersey. Virtual.  

12. Malek, K. (2024, May). AI in the classroom. Breakout. IMEX Frankfurt Faculty Engagement Program. Virtual.  

13. Malek, K. (2024, May). Using AI to improve your work and life. Workshop. 4-H Tech Changemakers Educators Workshop. Lincoln, NE.  

14. Malek, K. (2024, April). Beyond rubber chicken: How to host an engaging event. Breakout. Purpose Palooza. Lincoln, NE. 

15. Malek, K. (2024, March). Artificial intelligence and event design. Keynote. MPI. Philadelphia. Philadelphia, PA.  

16. Malek, K. (2024, February). Defining the purpose of higher education. Keynote. IMPACT2024. Virtual. 

17. Malek, K. (2023, October). Design thinking. Keynote. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV. 

18. Malek, K. (2023, May). Teaching and grading styles of the future. Breakout. IMEX Frankfurt Faculty Engagement Program. Frankfurt, Germany. 

19. Malek, K. (2023, February). Community first impressions. Breakout. Amplify Engagement. Lincoln, NE.  

20. Malek, K. (2022, December). A discussion with industry thought leader Dr. Kristin Malek. Keynote. Expo! Expo! Louisville, KY. 

21. Schoffstall, D. & Malek, K. (2022, August). Designing the future of education. Breakout. ICHRIE Annual Conference. Washington, DC. 

22. Malek, K. (2022, January). Engaging teaching practices within event management education. Breakout. PCMA Convening Leaders. Las Vegas, NV.  

23. Malek, K. (2021, November). Innovative technology usage within event education. Breakout. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV. 

24. Malek, K. (2020, November). Hospitality innovation and recovery during COVID-19. Breakout. Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference. Virtual.   

25. Malek, K. (2020, October). Engagement in an online classroom. Breakout. Central Federation CHRIE. Virtual.  

26. Malek, K. (2020, May). Menu-style syllabus: Specifications grading and mastery paths. Breakout. Nebraska 2020 Innovation in Pedagogy and Technology Symposium. Lincoln, NE.

27. Malek, K. & Albee, B. (2020, March). Current and future trends in event management. Breakout. Plan On It Conference. Lincoln, NE. 

28. Means, T. & Malek, K. (2020, February). Social engagement in learning: Yellowdig as a tool for discussions. Breakout. University of Nebraska Teaching and Learning Symposium. Lincoln, NE.  

29. Malek, K. (2020, January). Teaching skills and technologies that work for millennials and generation z. Breakout. PCMA Convening Leaders. San Francisco, CA. 

30. Malek, K. & Brown, S. (2019, October). 21st Century Syllabi for 21st Century Learners. Breakout. University of Nebraska Teaching and Learning Symposium. Lincoln, NE.  

31. Malek, K. (2019, September). Hot topics in event management education. Breakout. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV.   

32. Malek, K. (2019, September). Utilizing technology in event management programs. Breakout. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV.    

33. Malek, K. (2019, August). Unlearn Yourself. Keynote. Ignite Lincoln. Lincoln, NE.  

34. Malek, K., Cecil, A., & Fenich, G. (2019, March). How to secure alternative funding. Keynote panel. Central Federation CHRIE. Indianapolis, IN.  

35. Malek, K. (2019, January). Four event ROIs that matter. Breakout. PCMA Convening Leaders. Pittsburgh, PA.  

36. Cecil, A. & Malek, K. (2018, June). Teaching events in higher education: New career path for industry professionals. Breakout. World Education Congress. Indianapolis, IN.  

37. Malek, K. (2018, March). Facility rental best practices. Keynote. International Association of Fairs and Expositions Regional Conference. Manhattan, KS.  

38. Malek, K. (2018, March). Special interest groups, motivation, and event effectiveness. Breakout. International Association of Fairs and Expositions Regional Conference. Manhattan, KS.   

39. Cecil, A. & Malek, K. (2018, January). Instructors wanted! How to navigate higher education. Breakout. PCMA Convening Leaders. Nashville, TN.  

40. Malek, K. (2018, January). Emerging global threats to have on your radar. Breakout discussion leader. PCMA Convening Leaders. Nashville, TN. 

41. Malek, K. (2018, January) Solving problems using illusion and the power of perspective. Breakout discussion leader. PCMA Convening Leaders. Nashville, TN.  

42. Malek, K. (2017, November). Planning awesome events. Keynote. Girl Scouts of America Conference. Overland Park, KS.  

43. Malek, K. (2017, October). Launching the EventMobi certificate in an academic setting. Breakout. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV.  

44. Malek, K. (2017 March). Effective design for today’s classrooms. Breakout. Central Federation CHRIE. Stillwater, OK.  

45. Malek, K. (2017, January). Learning from emerging global hospitality educators. Keynote. 22nd Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Houston, TX.  

46. Malek, K. (2016, October). Event design. Breakout. IMEX America Student Engagement Program. Las Vegas, NV.  

Peer-Reviewed Conference Presentations
Total: 55. Stand-up/Paper: 40, Poster: 8, Symposiums: 7.

1. Kruse, S.* & Malek, K. (2025, November). Best practices to utilize athletics for hospitality program recruitment. Symposium. Central Federation CHRIE. Lincoln, NE.  

2. Malek, K. (2025, April). Designing events for mindset and behavior change. Stand-up. World Experience Organization (WXO) Summit. London, UK.  

3. Malek, K. (2025, April). Designing converting sales funnels. Stand-up. World Experience Organization (WXO) Summit. London, UK.  

4. Malek, K. & Quick, M. (2024, July). Tourism strategic planning through first impressions. Paper. International CHRIE. Montreal, Canada. 

5. Malek, K. (2023, December). Choose your own sponsorship adventure. Stand-up. Expo! Expo! Dallas, Texas. 

6. Jung, S., Draper, J., Malek, K., Padron, T., & Olson, E. (2023, July) The state of event tourism research through the lens of the UN sustainable development goals: A systematic review. Paper. Surrey 2023 Conference. Guildford, United Kingdom. 

7. Emery, M., Wilson, K., Shenefelt, B, Malek, K., Nixon, J., Rasmussen, J, & Smith, A. (2023, June). Engaging community to co-create healthy hometowns. Paper. World Community Development Conference. Darwin, Australia.  

8. Malek, K. & Tuller, J. (2023, June). Does your community make a good first impression? Symposium. Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference. Valentine, NE. 

9. Quick, M.* & Malek, K. (2023, February). Tourism planning and strategic placemaking. Paper. West Federation CHRIE. Las Vegas, NV. Best Paper Award. 

10. Malek, K., Bachman, J., Moreo, A., Padron, T., & Mendez, J. (2023, February). Redesigning higher education for inclusivity. Paper. West Federation CHRIE. Las Vegas, NV. 

11. Malek, K. (2022, October). Education as experience: Restructuring your class and assessments to maximize engagement. Paper. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV. 

12. Padron, T. & Malek, K. (2022, October). What’s in a name? Job titles of meeting and event professionals. Paper. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV. 

13. Jung, S., Draper, J., Malek, K., Padron, T., & Olson, E. (2022, October). Aligning sustainable event-tourism research with United Nations sustainable development goals. Poster. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV. 

14. Malek, K. (2022, October). Overhauling assessment for today’s classroom. Paper. European Federation CHRIE. Apeldoorn, Netherlands.  

15. Malek, K. (2022, August). Rethinking assessment to maximize engagement. Paper. International CHRIE. Washington DC. 

16. Malek, K. (2022, April). Branding your destination as a must-visit location. Paper. Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC). Columbus, NE. 

17. Nguyen, L.* & Malek, K. (2022, January). Identifying engagement factors critical to ROI of learning at events. Paper. 27th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Houston, TX. 

18. Malek, K. & Nguyen, L.* (2021, November).  Identifying factors necessary to optimize learning in short-term learning intensive environments. Paper. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV. 

19. Malek, K., Jones, V., Bauer, E., Anania, K, & Kemp, S.  (2021, November). Students as collaborators, co-creators, and partners in learning. Stand-up. NU Teaching and Learning Symposium. Lincoln, NE. 

20. Malek, K. (2021, May). Incorporating tactile elements and empathy into the online environment. Symposium. NU Amplify 2021 - A symposium on digital teaching, technology, and inclusion. Virtual. 

21. Malek, K. (2019, October). Utilizing events to attract and grow your business. Stand-up. Nebraska Entrepreneur Best Practices Summit. York, NE. 

22. Janssen, R. & Malek, K. (2019, September). Event design using #EventCanvas. Paper. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV. 

23. Malek, K. & Musgrave, J. (2019, May). A comparative study of international events management education. Paper. Asia Pacific Federation CHRIE. Hong Kong, China. 

24. Ravichandran, S. & Malek, K. (2019, May). A content analysis of hotel cyberslacking policies. Poster. Asia Pacific Federation CHRIE. Hong Kong, China. 

25. Malek, K. & Bardwell, A. (2019, March). Artificial intelligence in hospitality: Can AI replace human interaction? Stand-up. Central Federation CHRIE. Indianapolis, IN. First Place Industry Challenge Award. 

26. Gamble, T.* & Malek, K. (2018, October). Establishing the disconnect: Event management programs in higher education. Poster. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV. 

27. Malek, K. & Olson, E. (2018, July). The application of team-based learning on convention and meeting attendees: An experimental design field study approach. Paper. Global Events Congress. Warsaw, Poland. 

28. Malek, K. & Sisson, A.* (2018, July). Virtual meeting trends as observed by industry decision makers. Paper. Global Events Congress. Warsaw, Poland. 

29. Kim, W.* & Malek, K. (2018, April). Exploring the effects of green marketing messages in the convention industry. Paper. Central Federation CHRIE. Ames, IA. 

30. Gamble, T.*, Sisson, A.*, & Malek, K. (2018, April). Financial impacts of Hurricane Rita to the Houston Airport System. Paper. Central Federation CHRIE. Ames, IA. 

31. Sisson, A.* & Malek, K. (2018, February). Industry experience requirements for hospitality PhD students. Symposium. West Federation CHRIE. Denver, CO.  

32. Jung, S. & Malek, K. (2018, February). Project-based learning for event management students. Paper. West Federation CHRIE. Denver, CO. 

33. Kim, W.* & Malek, K. (2018, January). A meta-analysis of antecedents and outcomes of loyalty in the hospitality industry. Poster. 22nd Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Fort Worth, TX. 

34. Kline, S., Malek, K., Dolasinski, M., & Mayo, F. (2017, July). Hackathon: Hacking teaching challenges in the hospitality and tourism classroom. Symposium. International CHRIE. Baltimore, MD. Selected as a Master Teaching Series session.  

35. Kim, W.* & Malek, K. (2017, July). A meta-analysis of sustainable behaviors across hospitality venues. Poster. International CHRIE. Baltimore, MD. 

36. Kim, W.* & Malek, K. (2017, June). Big data management in the meeting and events industry: A qualitative study. Paper. Asian Pacific Forum 2017. Daegu, Korea.  

37. Malek, K. (2017, March). Incorporating soft skills in the syllabus. Symposium. Central Federation CHRIE Regional Conference. Stillwater, OK. 

38. Malek, K. & Kim, W.* (2017, March). Medical meetings: Attendee profiles, motivations to attend, and value propositions. Paper. Central Federation CHRIE Regional Conference. Stillwater, OK. 

39. Malek, K. & Kim, W.* (2016, July). Optional attendance required outcomes: Medical meeting attendee motivations. Poster. International CHRIE. Dallas, TX. 

40. Kim, W.* & Malek, K. (2016, June). Performance drivers in the South Korean casino industry. Paper. International Gambling and Risk-Taking Conference. Las Vegas, NV. 

41. Jung, S.*, Kim, Y-S., Malek, K., & Lee. W. (2016, April). Attendees’ attitudes and intentions to participate in environmental sustainability practices in tradeshows. Paper. Korea America Hospitality and Tourism Educators Association Conference. Las Vegas, NV. Best Paper Award. 

42. Kim, W.* & Malek, K. (2016, April). Effects of self-congruity and destination image on destination loyalty: The moderating role of perceived cultural difference. Paper. Central Federation CHRIE. Kansas City, KS. Best Paper Award. 

43. Jung, S.*, Yoon, S.*, & Malek, K. (2016, February). Can mobile event applications lead to a sustainable event? Paper. West Federation CHRIE. Denver, CO. 

44. Kim, W.* & Malek, K. (2016, January). Students perceived benefits of professional networking sites. Paper. 21st Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Philadelphia, PA.  

45. Jung, S.*, Malek, K., & Min, E.* (2016, January). Is big data meaningful to the MICE industry?  Discovering the influence of big data on meeting professionals’ decision making. Poster. 21st Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Philadelphia, PA. 

46. Malek, K. (2015, October). CSR and Twitter: An event perspective. Paper. IMEX America. Las Vegas, NV. 

47. Malek, K. & Kim, J. (2014, July). Casino tourism and MICE in South Korea: Can they work together?  Paper. International CHRIE. San Diego, CA. 

48. Malek, K. (2014, February). Linking theory with practice: Event management capstone courses. Paper. West Federation CHRIE. Long Beach, CA. 

49. Malek, K. & Tanford, S. (2014, January). The effect of various meeting platforms on attendee retention, satisfaction, and revisit intention. Paper. 20th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Tampa, FL. 

50. Malek, K. & Love, C. (2014, January). Exploring virtual events: A pilot study. Paper. 19th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Houston, TX. Best Paper Award. 

51. Malek, K. & Tanford, S. (2014, January). Important events in history: How a simple comment can affect an industry. Paper. 19th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Houston, TX. 

52. Jung, S.*, Malek, K., & Love, C. (2014, January). Sustainability training modules for temporary employees in the meeting and events industry. Poster. 20th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Tampa, FL. 

53. Malek, K. & Tanford, S. (2013, May). Conventions and gaming in Las Vegas: Friends, enemies, or strangers? Paper. 15th International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking. Las Vegas, NV. 

54. Malek, K., Kline, S., DiPietro, R., Meng, F., & Dickson, D. (2013, January). Manager training in the hotel environment and its effect on employee turnover intentions. Paper. 18th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Seattle, WA.

Invited Workshops and Trainings (non-conference affiliated) 
Total: 102. Keynotes: 22, Trainings: 54, Workshops: 26. 

1. Malek, K. (2026, January).  Setting and reaching goals effectively using behavioral science. Workshop. Learning Community of North Omaha. Omaha, NE.

2. Malek, K. & Wilson, K. (2025, November). Event design for impact. Training. EPSCoR Open Forum. Virtual.  

3. Malek, K. (2025, November). Effective marketing for small business. Workshop. Gather and Grow Small Business Series. Lincoln, NE.  

4. Malek, K. (2025, November). LinkedIn series: Amplifying your impact. Training. IDEA: An online higher education alliance. Virtual. 

5. Malek, K. (2025, November). LinkedIn series: How to use images, video, and more to stand out. Training. IDEA: An online higher education alliance. Virtual. 

6. Malek, K. (2025, November).  Navigating difficult conversations. Workshop. Learning Community of North Omaha. Omaha, NE. 

7. Malek, K. (2025, October). LinkedIn series: Messaging that matters – boosting engagement. Training. IDEA: An online higher education alliance. Virtual. 

8. Malek, K. (2025, October). LinkedIn series: From blank page to power post – tools to plan content with ease. Training. IDEA: An online higher education alliance. Virtual. 

9. Malek, K. (2025, October). Aligning personal and work values through brain science. Workshop. Learning Community of North Omaha. Omaha, NE. 

10. Malek, K. (2025, September). LinkedIn series: LinkedIn pages 101 – profiles, showcase pages, groups, and beyond. Training. IDEA: An online higher education alliance. Virtual. 

11. Malek, K. (2025, September). LinkedIn series: Understanding the LinkedIn algorithm. Training. IDEA: An online higher education alliance. Virtual. 

12. Malek, K. (2025, August). Neuroscience and you. Training. Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Omaha, NE.  

13. Malek, K. (2025, August). Effective communication and presentations. Training. Lincoln Electric System (LES). Lincoln, NE.  

14. Malek, K. (2025, May). Mindset matters. Workshop. York County Development Corporation and York Chamber of Commerce. York, NE.  

15. Malek, K. (2025, March). Event design and career prospects. Training. Global Network Hospitality Program. Virtual. 

16. Malek, K. (2025, February). LinkedIn foundations: Building your professional presence. Training. IDEA: An online higher education alliance. Virtual.  

17. Malek, K. (2024, October). Event design and how to think differently. Training. Global Network Hospitality Program. Virtual. 

18. Malek, K. (2024, October). Careers in event management. Training. Weeping Water High School. Lincoln, NE. Kristin Malek, PhD, CMP, CED, DES, CHE  

19. Malek, K. (2024, September). Neuroscience and you. Keynote. Nebraska Extension EZ9. Ashland, NE. 

20. Malek, K. (2024, September). Neuroscience, tourism, and marketing – what can we learn? Keynote. Knox County Leadership. Niobrara, NE. 

21. Malek, K. (2024, August). Strategic event planning: Integrating events in your marketing masterplan. Workshop. American Marketing Association Lincoln Chapter. Lincoln, NE. 

22. Malek, K. (2024, July). Event and marketing trends for 2025. Training. University of Alaska College of Business student services team. Virtual. 

23. Malek, K. (2024, July). Behavior change design and sales funnels. Keynote. Chicken N Pickle regional sale summit. Kansas City, MO. 

24. Malek, K. (2024, June). Behavior change design and sales funnels. Keynote. Chicken N Pickle regional sale summit. Dallas, Texas.  

25. Malek, K. (2024, June). Event design and programming. Workshop. State of Nebraska – Farm to School Committee. Lincoln, NE.  

26. Malek, K. (2024, June). What about me? How to incorporate AI to make your entire life better. Training. Leadership and technology educators’ workshop through 4-H. Lincoln, NE. 

27. Malek, K. (2024, May). Designing behavior changes in events. Training. World Experience Design Association. Virtual. 

28. Malek, K. (2024, April). Designing your programming for your target market. Training. State of Nebraska Department of Education. Lincoln, NE.  

29. Malek, K. (2024, April). Managing rural marketing strategies after the unexpected. Training and community meeting. Bloomfield, NE. 

30. Malek, K. (2024, March). Community partners and funding opportunities. Workshop. NU College of Engineering. Lincoln, NE.  

31. Malek, K. (2024, March). Event design and how to think differently. Training. Global Network Hospitality Program. Virtual. 

32. Malek, K. (2024, March). Maximizing rural tourism using water-based strategies. Training and community meeting. Crofton, NE. 

33. Malek, K. (2024, March). How Indigenous Nations can maximize tourism. Training. Nebraska Indigenous Nations. Ponca, NE. 

34. Malek, K. (2024, March). When you don’t have assets – how you can use events to attract tourists? Training and community meeting. Center, NE. 

35. Malek, K. (2024, March). Rural tourism: When you have everything, but marketing is your issue. Training and community meeting. Niobrara, NE. 

36. Malek, K. (2024, March). Placemaking and marketing. Training and community meeting. Bloomfield, NE. 

37. Malek, K. (2024, March). When your businesses are residential based, how can you attract tourists? Training and community meetings. Creighton, NE. 

38. Malek, K. (2024, March). Community engagement and academia. Workshop. UNL College of Engineering. Lincoln, NE.  

39. Malek, K. (2024, February). Artificial intelligence and rural communities. Keynote. Leadership Knox County. Niobrara, NE.  

40. Malek, K. (2024, February). Artificial intelligence in tourism. Workshop. North Central Nebraska and South-Central South Dakota Leadership. Santee, NE.

41. Malek, K. (2024, February). Event design and advertising/public relations. Workshop. COJMC Experiential Lab. Lincoln, NE. 

42. Malek, K. (2023, December). Behavior change design in events. Keynote. TransformU Masterclass. Virtual. 

43. Malek, K. (2023, November). Effective tourism marketing strategies. Training. North Central Nebraska and South-Central South Dakota Leadership. Santee, NE. 

44. Malek, K. (2023, October). Hospitality career day. Keynote. Benson High School. Omaha, NE. 

45. Malek, K. (2023, October). Tradeshow innovation. Training. MATSO. Virtual. 

46. Malek, K. (2023, September). Young Entrepreneur Panel. Training. UNL College of Business. Lincoln, NE 

47. Malek, K. (2023, April). Different Association models and how their annual conference fits. Training. Northeast North America CHRIE. Virtual. 

48. Malek, K. (2023, April). How to take higher education from surviving to thriving. Keynote. TEDxUSD. Vermillion, SD.  

49. Malek, K. (2023, April). Differentiating impact versus outcome. Workshop. UNL College of Engineering. Omaha, NE. 

50. Malek, K. (2023, March). Event design and how to think differently. Training. Global Network Hospitality Program hosted by Washington State University including Alfred Nobel University in the Ukraine and King Danylo University in the Ukraine. Virtual. 

51. Malek, K. (2022, December). Utilizing YouTube and TikTok for your educational programming. Training. Early Childhood Extension Group. Virtual. 

52. Malek, K. (2022, November). Effective podcast strategy. Training. Early Childhood Extension Group. Virtual. 

53. Malek, K. (2022, September). The event industry and opportunities in the next five years. Training. Global Network Hospitality Program hosted by Washington State University including Alfred Nobel University in the Ukraine and King Danylo University in the Ukraine. Virtual. 

54. Malek, K. (2022, September). Social media strategy for Facebook and Twitter. Training. Early Childhood Extension Group. Virtual. 

55. Malek, K. (2022, August). Community engagement strategic planning session. Workshop. College of Engineering. Lincoln, NE. 

56. Malek, K. (2022, May). Event design and strategy. Keynote. International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). Virtual.  

57. Malek, K. (2022, April). Strategic planning session. Workshop. Elementary Education Extension Issue Team. Lincoln, NE. 

58. Malek, K. (2022, March). Strategic planning session. Workshop. Grand Island Tourism Committee. Grand Island, NE. 

59. Malek, K. (2021, December). How to recruit qualified candidates in today’s landscape. Training. International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (IAFE). Virtual. 

60. Malek, K. (2021, November). Effective social media marketing. Training. District 24 Toastmasters Officers. Virtual. 

61. Malek, K. (2021, September). The event industry and opportunities in the next five years. Training. Global Network Hospitality Program hosted by Washington State University including Alfred Nobel University in the Ukraine and Haxhi Zeka University in Kosovo. Virtual. 

62. Malek, K., Ravichandran, S., Dopson, L., and Cheng, M. (2021, August). How can hospitality schools boost enrollment post-COVID? Training. Central Federation CHRIE. Virtual. 

63. Malek, K. (2021, July). Effective communication practices. Training. Kansas State University’s Nutrition Education and Communication Graduate Course (invited by Linda Yarrow). Virtual. 

64. Malek, K. (2021, June). Marketing for employees. Keynote. Lincoln Lodging Association. Lincoln, NE.  

65. Malek, K. (2021, May). Social media marketing strategy. Training. District 24 Executive Officers Meeting. Virtual.  

66. Malek, K. (2021, March). Learning engagement strategies. Keynote. Global Virtual Professional Development Program (Ukraine-based). Virtual. 

67. Malek, K., Mahin, L., & Penner, M. (2021, January). Rural Tourism Series: Storytelling and Marketing. Training. Heritage Area Partnership. Virtual. 

68. Malek, K. (2020, October). Events during and post-COVID. Training. Washington State University Undergraduate Hospitality Business Students. Virtual. 

69. Malek, K. (2020, September). Creating student engagement. Keynote. Central Federation CHRIE. Virtual. 

70. Malek, K. (2020, August). Zoom Engagement Tips and Tricks. Workshop. Food Nutrition & Health Extension Professionals. Virtual. 

71. Malek, K. (2020, August). Zoom Engagement and Gamification. Keynote. PCMA Heartland Chapter. Virtual. 

72. Malek, K. (2020, July). Zoom Next Level Engagement. Keynote. PCMA Heartland Chapter. Virtual. 

73. Malek, K. (2020, July). Purpose and creativity. Training. UNL Future Husker University. Virtual. 

74. Malek, K. (2020, June). Maintaining mindfulness with endless Zoom meetings. Workshop. District 24 Toastmasters Meeting. Virtual. 

75. Malek, K. (2020, June). Teaching Strategies for Virtual Classrooms. Keynote. Global Virtual Professional Development Program (Ukraine-based). Virtual. 

76. Malek, K., Ammachathram, A., & Fischer, J. (2020, June). Extension in Hospitality. Training. UNL Hospitality Town Hall. Virtual.  

77. Malek, K. (2020, May). Team building in virtual environments. Training. Rural Tourism Series. Virtual.  

78. Malek, K. (2020, April). Life Online: Effectively working from home, experiential design, and successful online meetings. Workshop. EventLNK. Virtual. 

79. Malek, K. (2020, March). How to Effectively Work from Home. Training. UNL Hospitality Town Hall. Virtual. 

80. Malek, K. (2020, March).  How to Manage an Online Meeting. Workshop. EventLNK. Virtual. 

81. Malek, K. (2020, January). Incorporating innovation into your event. Workshop. Nebraska Safety Council. Lincoln, NE.  

82. Malek, K. (2019, November). Successful strategies to increase student enrollment. Training. Central Federation CHRIE. Virtual. 

83. Malek, K. (2019, October). The four ROIs of events. Workshop. EventLNK. Lincoln, NE.  

84. Malek, K. (2019, October). When life gives you lemons, make wine. Keynote. Memorial Health Systems. Seward, NE.  

85. Malek, K. (2019, August). Maximizing your marketing utilizing behavioral science. Training. Grow Nebraska Monthly Educational Series. Virtual. 

86. Malek, K. (2019, July). Developing a travel itinerary. Workshop. UNL Alumni Association Grandparents Day. Lincoln, NE.  

87. Malek, K. (2019, June). Association innovation and marketing. Workshop. Nebraska Society of Association Executives (NSAE). Lincoln, NE.  

88. Malek, K. (2019, April). Event Planning 101. Training. Wisner-Pilger Middle School. Lincoln, NE.    

89. Malek, K. (2019, April). Awareness is the key to transformation. Keynote. District 24 Annual Conference. Omaha, NE.  

90. Malek, K. (2019, April). Event strategy – taking it beyond logistics. Workshop. Girl Scouts of America. Kansas City, KS.  

91. Malek, K. (2019, March). Event management and rural tourism opportunities. Keynote. Lincoln Lodging Association. Lincoln, NE.  

92. Malek, K. (2019, March). Current and future event management trends. Training. EventLNK. Lincoln, NE. 

93. Malek, K. (2019, March). Enhancing your meeting from food to format. Training. PCMA Heartland Chapter. Omaha, NE. 

94. Malek, K. (2018, June).  Event planning 101. Workshop. Girl Scouts of America. Kansas City, KS. 

95. Malek, K. (2018, April). Passion first; Paycheck second. Keynote. Presidential Lecture Series. Maize, KS.  

96. Malek, K. (2018, March). NSF CAREER Nuts and Bolts. Training. NSF Career Panel. Manhattan, KS.  

97. Malek, K. (2018, February). Passion first; Paycheck second. Keynote. Presidential Lecture Series. Wakefield, KS. 

98. Malek, K. (2018, February). Professionalism in the classroom. Training. Kansas State University GTA Professional Development Series. Manhattan, KS 

99. Malek, K. (2017, November). A career day in the life of an event planner. Keynote. Presidential Lecture Series. Frontenac, KS.  

100. Malek, K. (2017, November). Passion first; Paycheck second. Keynote. Presidential Lecture Series. Frontenac, KS.  

101. Malek, K. (2017, September). How to improve academia and industry engagement together. Training. PCMA Board of Directors. New Orleans, LA.  

102. Malek, K. (2017, February). The quest for gold: planning the Olympic games. Workshop. KAWSE. Manhattan, KS.  

In the Press 

Industry, Media, and Extension Coverage 

1. Designing for behavior change. Deeply Human podcast. (Recorded November 2025, to be released February 2026).  https://open.spotify.com/show/0eaCMdZzJKCMqHN62Ljjh3 

2. Changemaker: Kristin Malek. Agency for Change podcast. (December 17, 2025). https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changemaker-kristin-malek-behavior-change-designer/id1530284807?i=1000741644074 

3. Is your event content helping attendees or overwhelming them? with Kristin Malek. (After Show). Event About It podcast. (November 28, 2025). https://eventaboutitpodcast.com/episode/16-after-show-is-your-event-content-helping-attendees-or-overwhelming-them-with-dr-kristin-malek 

4. What if your event was designed for the brain, not the budget? with Kristin Malek. Event About It podcast. (November 21, 2025). https://eventaboutitpodcast.com/video/16-what-if-your-event-was-designed-for-the-brain-not-the-budget-with-dr-kristin-malek 

5. Reaching the subconscious: How behavior actually changes with Kristin Malek. Uncover the Human podcast. (September 3, 2025). https://www.buzzsprout.com/1371622/episodes/17699396-reaching-the-subconscious-how-behavior-actually-changes-with-kristin-malek 

6. New university place event space to host students on Lincoln’s first Friday. Journal Star. (November 18, 2024). https://journalstar.com/news/local/business/new-university-place-event-space-to-host-student-artists-on-lincolns-first-friday/article_98441b8e-a916-11ef-9c45-aff30791283d.html 

7. Transformational live event secrets with Kristin Malek. The Fast-Track Coach podcast. (October 17, 2023). https://www.jiosaavn.com/shows/101-transformational-live-event-secrets-with-kristin-malek/epS1soERANU_ 

8. Designing a future ready university from scratch. Modern Campus. (September 14, 2023). https://moderncampus.com/podcast/episode-onehundredtwenty.html 

9. Secrets to having an amazing concert experience. Live Fix Podcast. (August 6, 2023). https://livefixpodcast.podbean.com/e/lfp-54-what-s-the-secret-to-having-amazing-concert-experiences/ 

10. Dr. Kristin Malek, IAEE Educator of the Year. Exhibitor Now Podcast. (June 2023). https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-exhibitor-now-podcast/id1665287778 

11. 2023’s best places to get married. WalletHub. (January 31, 2023). https://wallethub.com/edu/best-places-to-get-married/18721#expert=Kristin_Malek 

12. Dr. Kristin Malek DESIGN To CHANGE – Year + 1 - Designer Conversation Series. Event Collective Podcast. (December 2022). https://tinyurl.com/designerserieskristinmalek 

13. Students scramble to put on wedding after wildfire destroys venue. Nebraska TV. (October 8, 2022). https://nebraska.tv/newsletter-daily/unl-hospitality-program-gives-away-free-wedding 

14. Wedding moved to Grand Island due to Bovee Fire. KSNB Local 4. (October 8, 2022). https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2022/10/08/wedding-moved-grand-island-due-bovee-fire/ 

15. Students scramble to put on wedding after wildfire destroys venue. Fox Nebraska. (October 8, 2022). https://foxnebraska.com/news/unl-hospitality-program-gives-away-free-wedding 

16. Wedding moved to Grand Island due to Bovee Fire. 1011 Now. (October 7, 2022). https://www.1011now.com/2022/10/08/wedding-moved-grand-island-due-bovee-fire/ 

17. Event Industry Podcasts You Should Listen To. Accelevents. (May 2022). https://www.accelevents.com/blog/event-industry-podcasts-you-should-listen-to 

18. A sneak peak at the new Scarlet Hotel. 1011 news. (May, 2022).  https://www.1011now.com/2022/03/23/sneak-peek-new-scarlet-hotel/ 

19. PCMA Student Competition Winners Present at Convening Leaders. PCMA Daily. (January 12, 2022). Conveningleaders.org  

20. Розпочато унікальну програму віртуальної мобільності здобувачів ‘Globally Networked Learning in Hospitality and Tourism.’ (Context: This is a feature in a Ukrainian news outlet about a lecture I gave.) (November 18, 2021). https://duan.edu.ua/podii/rozpochato-unikalnu-prohramu-virtualnoi-mobilnosti-zdobuvachiv-globally-networked-learning-in-hospitality-and-tourism.html 

21. Dr. Kristin Malek DESIGN To CHANGE - Designer Conversation Series - ONSTAGE. Event Collective Podcast. (September 2021). https://lnkd.in/dK8kRx45 

22. Dr. Kristin Malek DESIGN To CHANGE - Designer Conversation Series - BACKSTAGE. Event Collective Podcast. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6yuIHAnUVorqMt7XIajaeq (September 2021) 

23. Ask the experts: Making the most of Memorial Day. WalletHub. (May 24, 2021). https://wallethub.com/blog/memorial-day-stats/21363#expert=Kristin_Malek 

24. Online education. Higher Education in the Ukraine Podcast. (May 24, 2021). https://soundcloud.com/sumdu_edu_ua/online-education-in-sumdu-the-project-virtual-class?fbclid=IwAR3j48bdd6gXGojqmpk-DDISpumLdSlvr5WJKUfengktA8iL4u9O5xO0a2s 

25. Featured Member: Kristin Malek. PCMA Heartland Chapter Newsletter. (May 19, 2021). https://heartland.pcma.org/chapter-news/focus-on-a-member-series-kristin-malek/

26. Digital Event Strategist Spotlight: Kristin Malek, Event Management Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska – Lincoln. PCMA Headquarters. (May 13, 2021). https://www.pcma.org/digital-event-strategist-spotlight-kristin-malek-event- 

27. Successful Hybrid Event Brings Key Lessons Learned and Takeaways. PCMA Heartland Chapter Feature News Story. (April 14, 2021). https://heartland.pcma.org/chapter-news/successful-hybrid-event-brings-…;

28. Kristin Malek – Dr. K. Small Town Girls Podcast. (March 26, 2021). https://open.spotify.com/episode/7A7dMlS143nqoqgUcb5bIA 

29. Kristin Malek Alumni Updates. 2021 News, Notes, and Awards. (March 2021). https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/hrsm/alumni/news_notes_and_awards…   

30. Career Growth and Education Options in Events with Dr. Kristin Malek. Trade Show University Podcast. (February 11, 2021). https://tradeshowu.biz/episodes/ep-079-career-growth-with-kristin-malek-phd/ 

31. Kristin Malek: Board of Directors Member Interview. PCMA Heartland Chapter Newsletter. (August 8, 2020). https://heartland.pcma.org/chapter-news/meet-dr-kristin-malek/ 

32. Kristin Malek Member Spotlight. PCMA Heartland Chapter Newsletter. (December 12, 2019). https://heartland.pcma.org/chapter-news/member-spotlight-kristin-malek/ 

33. Wedding Bells may become big business for Hartington Native. Cedar County News. (October 23, 2019). Printed edition. 

34. Students in class put together free wedding for Nebraska couple. Sioux City Journal.  (October 17, 2019). https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/students-in-class-put-together-free-wedding-for-nebraska-couple/article_4ccba36e-14aa-59e5-b225-37c4ea680874.html

35. Students in event planning class at UNL put together free wedding for Omaha couple. Lincoln Journal Star. (October 12, 2019). https://journalstar.com/news/local/students-in-event-planning-class-at-unl-put-together-free/article_e583ba99-26d0-5647-98f2-38efce11f676.html

36. UNL students in event operations class plan free wedding for Omaha bride. Daily Nebraskan. (September 17, 2019). http://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/unl-students-in-event-operations-class-plan-free-wedding-for/article_90065782-d8ee-11e9-b31b-9bf8da5fef84.html 

37. Kristin Malek DES Spotlight. ThisWeek Newsletter. (June 5, 2018). 

38. ProfTalks. Radio interview at 91.9 KSDB-FM. (April 6, 2018).  

39. Thanksgiving Travel Tips. Video interview distributed to affiliates by Kansas State Marketing and Communications. (November 20, 2017). 

    • Shown on eleven news reports across ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS affiliates in Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Oregon, and Montana. 

    • Featured on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir.  

    • Total viewership: 126,176.  

40. Event Engagement: How is Technology Supporting Engagement? EventMobi Featured Article. (July 17, 2017). http://metc.eventmobi.com/2017/07/17/engagement/ 

41. Summer savings: Travel expert shares ways to save on vacations. (May-June, 2017).  

    • Video interview shown on seven ABC and NBC affiliates in Kansas, Oregon, and Kentucky. Total video viewership: 66,821.  

    • Audio interview distributed by Sunflower State Radio (http://www.sunflowerstateradio.com/2017/05/31/summer-vacations-planning-saves-money-and-headaches/ ) and WIBW news (https://www.wibwnewsnow.com/summer-vacations-planning-saves-money-headaches/) 

    • Written story originally distributed by Kansas State Marketing and Communications at http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2017-05/summervacations52617.html; story picked up by Texas Forest Country Living Magazine at http://texasforestcountryliving.com/summer-savings-travel-expert-shares-ways-save-vacations/ and Newswise at http://www.newswise.com/articles/summer-savings-travel-expert-shares-ways-to-save-on-vacations.  

42. 2017’s Best Place to Celebrate Easter. WalletHub. (April 11, 2017). https://wallethub.com/edu/best-places-to-celebrate-easter/19774/#kristin-malek  

43. K-State’s Kristin Malek named trailblazer in the meetings industry. Manhattan Mercury Newspaper. (September 13, 2016). http://manhattanmercury.ks.newsmemory.com/publink.php?shareid=454599568 

44. 2016 Meetings Trendsetters: Top 20 industry trailblazers who set a new standard. Meetings Today Magazine. (July 2016). http://www.digital.meetingstoday.com/meetingstoday/july_2016?pg=2#pg2 

45. UNLV study finds conventions don’t boost gambling $$. Reno Gazette-Journal.  (June 6, 2013) http://blogs.rgj.com/renorebirth/2013/06/06/unlv-study-finds-conventions-dont-boost-gambling/ 

46. UNLV studies find conventions don’t boost gambling; casino shows hurt gaming revenue. Vegas Inc. (May 28, 2013). http://www.vegasinc.com/business/gaming/2013/may/28/las-vegas-gambling-conference-opens-stroke-bad-luc/ 

University News and Institutional Mentions 

1. December 2025 commencement: Abby Cantrell, (December 19, 2025). https://cehs.unl.edu/news/december-2025-commencement-abby-cantrell/ (Shoutout from student for positive impact.) 

2. Nebraska business grants degrees to more than 270 students in December. Included on list as I graduated with an MBA and graduate certificate. (December 17, 2025). https://business.unl.edu/news/nebraska-business-grants-degrees-more-270-students-december/ 

3. May 2025 commencement: Katie Charest. Shoutout from student for positive impact. (May 13, 2025). https://cehs.unl.edu/news/may-2025-commencement-meet-bredthauer-thiele-charest-haberyan-smith-and-de-la-cruz-gutierrez/ 

4. Alumni spotlights: Jessica Kruse. Shoutout from student for positive impact. (September 15, 2025). Nebraska Quarterly Fall 2025 Issue.

5. Kristin Malek receives educator of the year award. (February 8, 2023). https://cehs.unl.edu/HRTM/news/kristin-malek-receives-educator-year-award/ 

6. Kristin Malek receives global teaching award. (August 19, 2022). https://cehs.unl.edu/HRTM/news/kristin-malek-receives-global-teaching-award/ 

7. Kristin Malek receives IANR’s Omtvedt Innovation Award. (December 13, 2021). https://cehs.unl.edu/cehs/news/kristin-malek-receives-ianr-omtvedt-innovation-award/ 

8. IANR faculty, staff honored at awards luncheon. (December 6, 2021). https://ianrnews.unl.edu/ianr-faculty-staff-honored-awards-luncheon-3 

9. HRTM students shine in North American business event challenge. (June 7, 2021). https://cehs.unl.edu/HRTM/news/hrtm-students-shine-north-american-business-event-challenge/ 

10. Center for Transformative Teaching awards first grants. (February 13, 2020).  https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/center-for-transformative-teaching-awards-first-grants/

11. Two HRTM professors receive awards at Central CHRIE Conference in Indianapolis. (March 29, 2019). https://cehs.unl.edu/HRTM/news/two-hrtm-professors-receive-awards-central-chrie-conference-indianapolis/

12. Malek wins Emerging Leader Award. (February 27, 2018). https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=39933

13. KAWSE announces ADVANCE Distinguished Lecture Series award recipients. (June 8, 2017). http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=35053

14. Big 12 fellowship, K-state mentoring award recipients recognized. (May 8, 2017). http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=34657

15. Hospitality management faculty and students attend, present, and win at CHRIE conference. (March 20, 2017). http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=33298

16. Students and faculty from hospitality management department present at graduate student conference. (January 20, 2017). http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=31778

17. Kristin Malek studies fair and festival food safety. (January 19, 2017). http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=31754

18. Roberts and Malek elected to international association for hospitality educators. (September 15, 2016). http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=29175

19. Malek named trailblazer in the meetings industry. (September 13, 2016). http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=29056

20. Double winnings: Hospitality Management assistant professor wins best paper honors at two conferences. (May 20, 2016). http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=27715

21. ADVANCE Distinguished Lecture Series 2015-2016 award recipients. (May 6, 2016). http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=27428

22. An unlikely partnership: K-State’s hospitality management and chemical engineering departments collaborate to host conference. (April 11, 2016). http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=26659  

23. National conference selects 14 K-State students for internship. (April 8, 2016). http://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement.php?id=26613 

24. LVCVA presents doctoral student Malek with its prestigious Hospitality Hero award. (May 2015). https://issuu.com/harrahcollege/docs/insideharrah_may 

25. Career services mix it up! (March 6, 2015). https://www.unlv.edu/news-story/career-services-mixes-it

26. Student organizers make mentor reception a success! (April 2015). https://issuu.com/harrahcollege/docs/insideharrah_april 

Academic Journals

Editorial Board

• Editorial Board Member: Journal of Convention and Event Tourism, 2018-Present.   

• Guest Editor for Special Issue: Journal of Convention and Event Tourism, 2023. 

Invited Journal Reviewer  

• Journal of Convention & Event Management, 2014-Present. 

• Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 2018-2025. 

• International Journal of Tourism Research, 2017-2024. 

• International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 2016-2024. 

• Journal of Travel and Tourism Management, 2017-2023. 

• Sustainability, 2017-2023. 

• Administrative Sciences, 2018-2020.  

• Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 2017-2020. 

• Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, 2016-2020. 

• Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure, and Events, 2018. 

• Journal of Foodservice Management & Education, 2017. 

• International Gambling Studies, 2015-2016. 

Grants, fellowships, and funding support
Total funded: $3,531,857 

Teaching Related Activities
Total funded = $1,677,188

1. Malek, K, (2025). Digital Twin for Event Simulations. CEHS Technology Grant. Funded: 5,700.  

2. Ammachathram, A., Malek, K., & Kang, M. (2022). Hospitality Leadership and Innovation Academy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Economic Development Administration in the US Department of Congress. Funded: $1,600,000. 

3. Malek, K. (2021). Identifying factors necessary to optimize learning in short-term learning intensive environments. Center for Transformative Teaching. Funded: $1,000. 

4. Malek, K. (2021). Peer review of teaching program. University of Nebraska. Funded: $1,000. 

5. Malek, K. (2020). Redesigning education with experiential design. Center for Transformative Teaching. Funded: $1,000. 

6. Malek, K. (2020). Integrating DesignTools for Canvas. CEHS Technology Innovation Grant. Funded: $2,500. 

7. Kwon, J., Malek, K., Roberts, K., & Jang, J. (2018). Development of online MS in hospitality administration. Global Campus. Funded: $38,676.  

8. Malek, K. (2017). Peer review of teaching fellowship. Teaching and Learning Center. Funded: $1,000. 

9. Roberts, K. & Malek, K. (2016). Developing a hybrid hospitality management degree completion program. Global Campus. Funded: $23,812.  

10. Malek, K. (2015). Event capstone development. Academic Excellence Grant. Funded: $2,500.

Extension / Research Related
Total funded: $1,831,640

1. 1. Li, Y., Dev, D., Fernandez-Ballester, L., Kim, S., Lu, Y, Wang, B. Yan, C., & Malek, K. (2023). Release of micro- and nano-plastics from plastic food containers characterization, risk assessment, socioeconomic and health impacts. Grand Challenges Catalyst Award. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. $1,330,000. Project timeframe: 09/2023-09/2027. 

2. Hughes, M., Bashford, G., Crawford, L., Dev, D., Ditmars, H., Iverson, N., Malek, K., Nelson, C., Ray, S., Savage, C., Sharif, B., Yan, C. (2023). Improving healthcare access for underserved populations. Grand Challenges Planning Award. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Funded: $149,993. Project timeframe: 09/2023-09/2025. 

3. Malek. K., Rasmussen, J., & Tang, Z. (2022). Destination Knox County: Tourism Planning and Strategic Placemaking. USDA Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge Grant. Funded: $249,546. Project timeframe: 7/2022-6/2024. 

4. Smith, A., Shenefelt, B., Subramanian, R., Malek, K., Emery, M., & Wilson, K. (2022). Re-imaging place: Rural substance use disorder, worldbuilding, and community participatory design. Rural Drug Addiction Research Center. Funded: $50,000. 

5. Malek, K. (2022). Tourism first impressions within Nebraska. 3-2-1 Extension innovation grant.  Funded: $7,500.   

6. Malek, K. (2022). Immersive technology within the tourism industry. Kutcher Innovation Grant. Funded: $4,125. 

7. Malek, K. (2022).  Tourism education within academia. Nebraska Extension Tourism Network. Funded: $2,150.  

8. Malek, K. (2022). Designing education for the next generation. Center for Transformative Teaching. Funded: $2,000. 

9. Malek, K. (2021). First impressions and secret shopping program development. RPN Community Engagement Grant. Funded: $3,850. 

10. Malek, K. (2018). Experimental design field study observations of convention and meeting attendees. Dean Barbara S. Stowe Award. Funded: $3,983. 

11. Malek, K. (2018). Transfer of learning in meeting and events: Applying the learning transfer system inventory scale. Office for the Advancement of Women in Science and Engineering. Funded: $1,200.  

12. Malek, K. (2017). Influential meeting experience variables and their impact on transfer of learning. University Small Research Grant (USRG). Funded: $4,070. 

13. Malek, K. (2017). Mentoring fellowship. All University Award at Kansas State University. Funded: $5,959. 

14. Malek, K. (2017). Understanding motivation to attend, satisfaction, loyalty, and content retention across meeting attendee populations. College of Human Ecology Grant. Funded: $4,995.

15. Malek, K. (2015). Fair and festival food safety. University Small Research Grant (USRG). Funded: $4,259. 

16. Malek, K. (2015). Evaluating event effectiveness across alternate platforms. Harrah Hotel College Dissertation Grant. Funded: $5,000.  

17. Malek, K. (2014). Increasing event effectiveness through alternative programs. Hilton Summer Research Grant. Funded: $3,000.

Professional Development Related 
Total funding = $23,029 

1. Malek, K. (2024). Faculty scholarship. PCMA. Funded: $2,750. 

2. Malek, K. (2023). Membership and travel grant. CEMA. Funded: $2,500 

3. Malek, K. (2023). Professional development grant. Timothy S. Lam Foundation. Funded: $2,000.  

4. Malek, K. (2022). Faculty scholarship. PCMA. Funded: $2,250. 

5. Malek, K. (2021). Omtvedt innovation award. IANR. Funded: $2,500. 

6. Malek, K. (2021). Excellence in extension award. Nebraska Extension. Funded: $1,000. 

7. Malek, K. (2020). University engagement grant. PCMA. Funded: $1,800. 

8. Malek, K. (2020). Faculty engagement award. IAEE. Funded: $750. 

9. Malek, K. (2020). Scholarly enhancement program. College of Education and Human Sciences. Funded: $2,200. 

10. Malek, K. (2019). Faculty scholarship. PCMA. Funded: $1,750. 

11. Malek, K. (2017). Digital event strategy. Meetings + Conventions Calgary. Funded: $1,129. 

12. Malek, K. (2016). Academic career paths for event professors. Office for the Advancement of Women in Science and Engineering. Funded: $1,200.  

13. Malek, K. (2015). Event professors working with industry. Office for the Advancement of Women in Science and Engineering. Funded: $1,200.  

Not funded  

1. Pierobon, M., Barlow, S., Hemmatian, B., Malek, K., & Yu, H. (2025). Community Aligned, Recovery Driven, Emotionally Intelligent AI Assistant for Rural Nebraska. CARE-N, Healthy Nebraska Grant. Requested: $99,974

SERVICE

Accessibility Notes

• All abbreviations will be written out the first time it is used within the section and then the abbreviation alone will be used throughout the rest of the section.  

• IMEX is not an abbreviation, but the name of a company that organizes major trade shows for the meetings and event industry.  

• Service lines without a superscript note represent service completed while employed at University of Nebraska Lincoln. Lines with superscript 1 represents service completed while employed at Kansas State University, superscript 2 at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and superscript 3 at the University of South Carolina.  
   

Undergraduate Courses (listed from highest course number to lowest)

• University Committees

  • University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) Entrepreneurship Fellows Committee, 2023-Present

  • Chancellor’s Commission, 2021-2025

  • UNL Graduate Student Association Event Committee Member, 2025

• College/Extension Committees    

  • College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) Dean’s Faculty Advisory Committee Co-Chair, 2025-Present

  • CEHS Dean’s Faculty Advisory Committee, 2024-Present

  • CEHS Grand Vision Faculty Fellow, 2023-2024

  • CEHS Technology Committee, 2020-2023

  • Extension Fall Conference Committee, 2020-2022

  • Extension Technology Committee, 2020-2022

  • CEHS Marketing and Communications Committee, 2020

  • CEHS Learning Innovation Studio Co-chair, 2018-2019

• Department and Program Committees    

  • Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM) Graduate Program Coordinator, 2020-Present

  • HRTM Nebraska Event Management Association (NEMA) Student Club Advisor, 2019-Present

  • HRTM Mentor Program Coordinator, 2019-2023

  • HRTM Professor of Practice Search Committee Member, 2022

  • Nutrition and Health Sciences (NHS) Remote Learning Committee Co-Chair, 2020-2021

  • NHS Chairs Advisory Council, 2019-2021

• Additional Service    

  • Reflective Practitioner Program, Center for Transformational Teaching (CTT), 2021-2022

  • Instructional Support Partnerships Program, CTT, 2021

  • Delta Sigma Phi Student Mentor, 2020

  • Membership to University of Nebraska Graduate Faculty, 2019

• Previous University Service 

  • Presidential Lecture Series Speaker¹, 2017-2018

  • Academic Affairs/Curriculum Committee Member¹, 2016-2018

  • Professional Event Management Student Group Advisor¹, 2015-2018

  • Director of Events Search Committee Chair¹, 2017

  • Hospitality Management Instructor Search Committee Chair¹, 2016

  • Hospitality Department Chair Search Committee Member¹, 2016-2017

  • Hospitality Department Chair Search Committee Member¹, 2015-2016

  • Faculty Affairs Committee Member¹, 2015-2016

  • 2025 Department Strategic Planning Committee Member¹, 2015-2016

  • Professor of Practice Search Committee Member¹, 2015-2016

  • Membership to Kansas State Graduate Faculty¹, 2015

  • Event Management Assistant Professor Search Committee Member², 2014-2015

  • University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Harrah Hotel College’s Mentor/Mentee Liaison², 2013-2015

  • UNLV Harrah Hotel College’s Sustainability Committee Member², 2013-2015

  • Hospitality Graduate Student Association Vice President², 2012-2015

Academia-Related Service 

• Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) Marketing Curriculum Advisory Committee, 2025-Present

• Journal of Convention and Event Tourism Editorial Board Member, 2019-Present

• International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (CHRIE) Association Member, 2019-Present

• IMEX Frankfurt Faculty Engagement Program Co-chair, 2021-2025

• International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Faculty Advisory Committee Member, 2019-2025

• IMEX America Faculty Engagement Program Co-chair, 2019 -2024

• IAEE Faculty Advisory Committee Chair, 2022-2023

• International CHRIE Event Special Interest Group (MICE SIG) Chair, 2022-2023

• Central Federation CHRIE Board Member, Director of Industry Relations, 2021-2023

• International CHRIE Education Committee Member, 2021-2023

• International CHRIE Conference Committee VIP/CEO Liaison, 2020-2023

• International CHRIE Events Special Interest Group (MICE SIG) Vice Chair, 2020-2022

• Central Federation CHRIE Board Member, Director of Conferences, 2019-2021

• Central Federation CHRIE Best Paper Committee Member, 2019

• Central Federation CHRIE Board Member, Director of Networking¹, 2016-2018

• Central Federation CHRIE Board Member, Director of Conferences¹, 2016-2018

• Journal of Convention and Event Tourism Editorial Board¹, 2018

• IMEX America Faculty Engagement Program Co-chair¹, 2018

• International CHRIE Association Member¹, 2015-2018

• International CHRIE Conference Committee Member¹, 2015-2018

• Central Federation CHRIE Inaugural Conference Chair¹, 2015-2016

• International CHRIE Association Member², 2012-2015

• Las Vegas Hotel Association Member², 2012-2014

• Golden Key International Honor Society², 2013

• Eta Sigma Delta³, 2012

• National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) Chapter Vice President³, 2011-2012

Extension and Industry Service 

• Uni Place Creative District Founding Board Member, 2025-Present

• Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Rural Prosperity Nebraska (RPN) Conference Committee Member, 2025-Present

• CEC Burt County Local Steering Committee Member, 2025-Present

• Learning Experience Designer (LXD) Organization Founding Member, 2025-Present 

• Uni Place Creative District Events and Marketing Committee Chair, 2024-Present

• Uni Place Creative District Committee Member, 2024-Present

• World Experience Organization (WXO) Member, 2022-Present

• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Member, 2019-2025

• PCMA Heartland Chapter Board of Directors, 2019-2025

• PCMA Heartland Chapter Emerging Leaders Co-chair, 2022-2025

• International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Member, 2019-2025

• PCMA Global Scholarship Committee Member (Invitation Only), 2022-2024

• Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Rural Prosperity Nebraska (RPN) Committee Member, 2022-2023

• Prairie Hill Learning Community Children’s Country Fair Co-chair, 2022-2023

• Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Member, 2019-2023

• Nebraska Kansas Heritage Area Partnership Board of Directors, 2019-2022

• Nebraska Kansas Heritage Area Partnership Marketing Chair, 2019-2022

• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Faculty Council Chair, 2022

• Ignite Lincoln Venue and Logistics Chair, 2021

• PCMA Heartland Chapter Program Committee Member, 2020-2021

• PCMA Heartland Chapter Emerging Leaders Committee Member, 2019-2020

• Prairie Hill Learning Community Auction Event Member, 2020-2021

• Capitol Voices President, 2020-2021

• Toast of the Town Vice President of Public Relations, 2019-2021

• Nebraska Events and Festivals Association (NEFA) Nebraska Tourism Conference Session Co-Chair, 2020

• EventLNK Board of Directors, 2019-2020

• EventLNK Conference Chair, 2019-2020

• PCMA Heartland Chapter Emerging Leaders Committee Member¹, 2017-2018

• PCMA Heartland Chapter Program Committee Member¹, 2017-2018

• PCMA Faculty Council Chair¹, 2016-2018

• PCMA Member¹, 2015-2018

• Girl Scouts of America Gold Advisory Board¹, 2017-2018

• Girl Scouts of America Council Trainer¹, 2016-2018

• International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (IAFE) Membership Committee¹, 2015-2016

• Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Charity Golf Tournament Committee Chair², 2014-2015

• Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Member2, 2013-2015

• PCMA Member², 2012-2015

• Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC) Member², 2012-2014

• International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Member², 2012-2013

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND RECOGNITION 

• Owner
  The Gathering Grove  
  August 2024 - present  
  Lincoln, NE

• Founder and Behavior Change Designer                          
  BCD Institute 
  August 2013 - present 
  Lincoln, NE 

• Executive Director of Events                     
  Sass and Class Events 
  July 2012 - August 2015 
  Las Vegas, NV 

• Singapore Campus Coordinator 
  University of Nevada Las Vegas 
  January 2013 – August 2015 
  Las Vegas, NV 

• Banquet Captain 
  Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge – A Starwood Luxury Collection Hotel  
  August 2011 - July 2012  
  Charlotte, NC 

• Designer and Events Coordinator      
  Hazen and Sawyer           
  May 2007 - November 2009  
  Charlotte, NC 

• Assistant Store Manager 
  Kirkland’s Signature Home Store  
  July 2006 - April 2007        
  Charlotte, NC  

• Shift Supervisor                
  Carrols Corporation            
  July 2002 - October 2005  
  Asheville, NC 

Project-Based Consultancy Experiences 

• Event Leadership Institute, 2019             

  • Create programming and resources to bridge the gap from industry-based resources into higher education.

•  EventMobi, 2017-2018

  • Create the pilot Meeting and Event Technology Certificate and final exam. 

  • Adapt materials after the pilot class for general release.

• AIPAC conference, 2014-2016

  • Manage all conference areas within the North Convention Center and oversee twenty 
    volunteers. 

• Nevada Psychiatric Association, 2013-2015

  • Analyze hundreds of pages of open-ended questions from the last three years of 
    meeting surveys. 

  • Create new survey and engagement strategies for the organization. 

  • Secret shop, provide feedback, and design future annual meetings.   

• EnergyFest , 2013-2014

  • Align event with APEX sustainable meeting standards. 

• 15th International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking, 2012-2013

  • Planning committee and volunteer coordinator. 

• Las Vegas Hotel (non-disclosure agreement), 2013

  • Evaluate hotel operations and organizational structure.  

  • Create new employee handbooks and annual evaluation documents.

• Green Meetings Industry Council, 2013 

  • Design and implement the inaugural future leader’s forum at the international 
    conference. 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

• 2023-Present
  Director of Industry Relations: Central CHRIE Federation  

• 2023-Present 
  Advisor: Hospitality Student Development Organization, University of Nebraska-Lincoln 

• 2021-2022 
  Member: Path Forward Career Exploration Committee, Metropolitan Community College

• 2020-2022 
  Member: Path Forward Committee, Metropolitan Community College 

• 2018-2022 
  Member: Hiring Committee, Metropolitan Community College 

• 2020-2022  
  Member: Culinary Arts Accreditation Committee, Metropolitan Community College

• 2020-2022 
  Member: Sustainability Planning Committee, Metropolitan Community College

• 2019, 2020 
  Co-Organizer: Student Leadership Conference, Metropolitan Community College

• 2017-2018 
  Member: Student Engagement Council Planning Committee, Metropolitan Community College  

• 2019-2022 
  Advisor: Skills USA, Metropolitan Community College

• 2018-2022 
  Board Member: Advisor Board, Metropolitan Community College

• 2017-2019 
  Board Member: Advisory Board, Hospitality Management, Bellevue University

• 2018-2019 
  Subject Matter Expert: Hospitality Management, Bellevue University

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 2022-Present 
  Assistant Professor of Practice      
  University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 

• 2007, 2018-2022
  Banquet & Services Manager, Instructor 
  Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, NE  

• 2018-2019
  Adjunct Instructor        
  Bellevue University, Bellevue, NE

• 2014-2016
  Director of Sales & Marketing 
  Regency Lodge Omaha, NE

• 2009-2024
  Owner | Director of Events and Design     
  The Wedding Planner Omaha, LLC dba Florist of Omaha

• 2007-2013
  Assistant General Manager | Director of Sales 
  Fairfield Inn & Suites 

• 2005-2007
  Director of Sales & Marketing 
  inPlay & Forte Banquet and Conference Center 

• 2004-2005
  Catering & Event Manager  
  Sheraton Downtown Omaha

• 2003-2004
  Catering Administrative Assistant 
  Omaha Doubletree Downtown & EMC