Sharjah and Dubai, United Arab Emirates October 29–31, 2026
Call for Papers
Purpose and Context
Scholarly interest in luxury has grown significantly, as reflected in the increasing output of journal articles, edited volumes, and the popularity of luxury-focused sessions at major international conferences. This momentum has firmly established luxury business as a vibrant research domain.
The International Conference on Luxury Business builds on this momentum by offering a platform for rigorous and high-quality academic exchange. Conceived as a small and selective gathering, it is dedicated to bringing together leading researchers at the forefront of luxury research. Its purpose is to convene distinguished scholars from around the world, alongside emerging researchers, to share insights, foster collaboration, and advance the visibility and impact of luxury research, while engaging selectively with practitioners to enhance relevance.
The inaugural edition will be held in Sharjah and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from October 29 to 31, 2026, and hosted by American University of Sharjah, home to the Chalhoub Group Professorship in Luxury Brand Management.
Conference Co-Chairs
- Professor George Christodoulides, American University of Sharjah (UAE)
- Professor Anastasia Stathopoulou, SKEMA Business School (France)
- Professor Jonas Holmqvist, KEDGE Business School (France)
- Professor Emanuela Prandelli, Bocconi University (Italy)
International Steering Committee
- Professor Marie-Cécile Cervellon, EDHEC Business School
- Professor Delphine Dion, ESSEC Business School
- Professor David Dubois, INSEAD
- Professor Nina Michaelidou, Loughborough University
- Professor Eleonora Pantano, University of Bristol
- Professor Vanessa Patrick, University of Houston
- Professor Paurav Shukla, University of Southampton
- Professor Pierre Valette-Florence, Université Grenoble Alpes
- Professor Martin Wetzels, EDHEC Business School
- Professor Jochen Wirtz, National University of Singapore
Aim and Scope
The conference provides a collegial and high-quality forum for discussing research across the luxury business spectrum. We welcome theoretical, empirical and methodological contributions on topics including, but not limited to:
- Sustainability, circularity and responsible practices in luxury
- Luxury branding, heritage and brand equity
- Luxury consumer psychology, identity and symbolism
- Luxury retailing and experiential design
- Luxury services and experiences
- Digital innovation and technology adoption in luxury contexts
- AI and hyper-personalization in luxury
- Global and cross-cultural perspectives on luxury consumption
- Social media and luxury brand communication
- Luxury hospitality and tourism
- Luxury supply chains and value creation
- Governance, leadership and stewardship in luxury
Interdisciplinary perspectives are strongly encouraged.
Conference Structure
Thursday, October 29
- Morning: Doctoral colloquium, led by Professor Nina Michaelidou
- Evening: Welcome reception and opening keynote
Friday, October 30
- Full day of academic sessions, panels and dinner
Saturday, October 31
- Sessions and closing remarks
The event concludes by midday on Saturday to facilitate departures.
Submission Guidelines
Two submission formats are invited:
- Extended abstracts/work-in-progress papers (up to 7 pages, excluding references)
- Full papers (up to 20 pages, excluding references)
All submissions will undergo double-blind peer review. Accepted contributions will be assigned to thematic sessions.
Key Dates
- Submission deadline: April 15, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: May 31, 2026
- Final program announced: September 30, 2026
- Conference dates: October 29–31, 2026
Registration and Fees
- Early bird for faculty and researchers: USD 630
- Regular for faculty and researchers: USD 700
- Doctoral students: USD 380
Future Editions
Following the inaugural edition in the UAE (2026), the conference will rotate to France (2028) and Italy (2030).
Contact Us
Ma. Cristina Rompe
Email | mrompe@aus.edu
Tel | +971 6 515 2315
