EMAC Fall Conference 2026
16-18 September 2026
Mind the Gap – Marketing Relevance in a Technology-Driven World
Welcome to the 17th Fall Conference of the European Marketing Academy at the University of Bremen.
This year’s conference theme is “Mind the Gap – Marketing Relevance in a Technology-Driven World".
We are excited to welcome you to an insightful event where we will dive into the latest trends and ideas shaping the future of marketing.
Dates & Call for Papers
We look forward to receiving your research papers and welcoming you in Bremen!
Overview of dates and deadlines:
- Paper submission deadline: TBA
- Early bird registration deadline: TBA
- Regular registration deadline: TBA
- Conference dates: 16-18 September 2026
About
EMAC
The European Marketing Academy (EMAC), established in 1975, is a professional society for people involved with or interested in marketing theory and research. The purpose of the European Marketing Academy is to provide a platform for persons professionally concerned with or interested in marketing theory and research. It aims to serve as the core of a communication network for disseminating information and promoting international exchange in the field of marketing. At present, the EMAC has over 1,000 members from more than 57 different countries on all five continents.
Events
EMAC Spring Conference: Hosted by major universities or scientific institutes all over Europe, the Spring Conference provides a yearly forum for the presentation and discussion of research projects at various stages of development.
EMAC Fall Conference: Aiming to attract researchers interested in marketing issues in changing and growing markets, and issues with a regional perspective. All types of research approaches are welcome. Furthermore, the Fall Conference serves the marketing communities of transition societies and interested researchers as a meeting point. The history of the EMAC Fall Conference began in 2007 at the University of Maribor (Slovenia) where researchers from this region, dealing with market development issues, decided to launch a conference entitled Marketing Theory Challenges in Transition Societies (MTC). The MTC conferences were hosted for two consecutive years by the University of Zagreb, Croatia (2008) and again by the University of Maribor, Slovenia (2009). In 2010 the MTC conference was embraced by the European Academy of Marketing and since then has continued with support of EMAC under a new title – EMAC Fall Conference. Marketing Theory Challenges in Emerging Markets. The first EMAC Fall Conference was hosted by Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary (2010).
Publications
Newsletter: To keep the EMAC membership informed of its activities as well as other happenings in the field, the Academy publishes the online EMAC Newsletter. Apart from conveying information on trends in the field, the Newsletter disseminates quarterly information on ongoing and completed research, teaching material and job vacancies.
International Journal of Research in Marketing (IJRM): Building on a great tradition of global marketing scholarship, IJRM, EMAC flagship journal, aims to contribute substantially to the field of marketing research by providing a high-quality medium for the dissemination of new marketing knowledge and methods.
University of Bremen
Founded in 1971, the University of Bremen is a research-oriented university with around 18,000 students and over 100 degree programs. About 2,300 academic staff and 270 professors teach and research here.
It is known for its research-based learning, interdisciplinary approach, and social responsibility, principles rooted in the original “Bremen Model.” From 2012 to 2019, it held the title of “University of Excellence” with the concept “Ambitious and Agile.” The university maintains strong cooperation with nearby non-university research institutes, including eleven jointly funded institutes, and has been part of the U Bremen Research Alliance since 2016. It is also a member of YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe).
Current priorities include internationalization, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.
Faculty of Business Studies and Economics
The Faculty of Business Studies and Economics plays a vital role within the university. In an increasingly globalized and digital world, it provides solid economic knowledge while also promoting an understanding of how economic choices relate to social, technological, and ecological issues.
The faculty offers a variety of bachelor’s and master’s programs, including Business Administration, Business Studies (International Advanced Student Program), Management Information Systems, The Economics of Global Challenges, Business Psychology, and a bachelor's program in Economics as either a double-major or full-major. The close integration of theory, empirical research, and practical relevance ensures that graduates are well-prepared for both academic and professional careers.
An important part of academic training is the faculty’s structured doctoral program. It gives researchers the chance to work in a research-focused environment while benefiting from close supervision and specialized qualification programs. The faculty emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and international exchange.
An example of this is the Diginomics Research Group, an inter-faculty research platform that looks at the economic, social, and technological effects of digitalization. It brings together researchers from different fields and provides a dynamic setting to study topics like digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, and the future of work. The Diginomics Group serves as a model for research-driven, forward-thinking, and socially relevant economic research at the University of Bremen.
For further information click here.
markstones Institute of Marketing, Branding & Technology
Currently, four professors (Prof. Burmann, Prof Eisenbeiß, Prof Klein and Prof. Klumpp) make up the markstones Institute of Marketing, Branding & Technology. We combine expertise in marketing, digital marketing, brand management, consumer behaviour as well as retail and logistics.
We concentrate on key issues within these areas, considering the impact of modern technological advancements like big data and artificial intelligence. Through our research projects, we collaborate closely with companies of al sizes, from start-up to multinational corporations, to find solutions to particularly relevant problems using state-of-the art research methods.
Your Hosts
(from left to right)
Prof. Dr. Matthias Klumpp
Prof. Dr. Matthias Klumpp is Professor of Marketing at the University of Bremen since January 2025. He is also director of the markstones Institute of Marketing, Branding & Technology and heads its work group of “Retail and logistics management”. His research is published in renowned journals such as the Journal of Business Logistics, Production and Operations Management, European Journal of Operational Research and International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications.
Prof. Dr. Kristina Klein
Prof. Dr. Kristina Klein is Professor of Marketing at the University of Bremen since October 2018. She is also director of the markstones Institute of Marketing, Branding & Technology and heads its work group of “Consumer behavior”. Her work is published in leading journals such as the Journal of Marketing Research, International Journal of Research in Marketing, Marketing Science, Journal of Interactive Marketing, and Journal of Marketing.
Prof. Dr. Maik Eisenbeiß
Prof. Dr. Maik Eisenbeiß has been Professor of Marketing at the University of Bremen since 2014. He is director of the markstones Institute of Marketing, Branding & Technology and head of the working group "Digital Marketing". Since 2023, he also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Economics. His work appears in leading international journals such as the Journal of Marketing, Marketing Science, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Retailing, International Journal of Research in Marketing, and Journal of Business Research.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Burmann
Prof. Dr. Christoph Burmann is Professor of Marketing at the University of Bremen since October 2002. He is also director of the markstones Institute of Marketing, Branding & Technology and heads its work group of “Innovative Brand Management”. His work has been published in major journals like the Journal of Brand Management, European Journal of Marketing, Journal of Product & Brand Management, Journal of Service Theory and Practice, and Sustainability.
Conference Team
Vanessa von Salzen
Consumer Behavior
Lennert Schleßelmann
Innovative Brand Management
Selei Meiners
Consumer Behaviour
Jonas Küpker
Innovative Brand Management
Lars Kröger
Digital Marketing
Maria Keil
Retail and Logistics Management
Tanja Riggers
Team Assistant
Paper Submissions & Registration
Deadline for paper submission is TBA (16:00 CET Time).
Submission link:
Please read all information available on our website before registrating.
Please click here to register
Co-authors cannot be registered as accompanying person.
Only one accompanying person can be registered per delegate.
| Type of fee | Conference Registration fee | Accompanying person fee |
| Early registration (add date) | (Insert price) | (Insert price) |
| Late registration (add date) | (Insert price) | (Insert price) |
| Cancellation fee* | (Insert price) | (Insert price) |
- Welcome Reception on September 16, 2026
- Gala dinner on September 17, 2026
- Coffee breaks and lunches during the conference
- Admittance to all scientific sessions of the conference
- Admittance to all special sessions/workshops of the conference
- Admittance to Early Research Symposium on September 16, 2026
- The EMAC Membership fee for 2027 (125€)**
- Conference documentation
- Certificate of attendance
- The Conference registration fee does not include the social events. Please see "Social Events" for further information.
**Delegates who have already paid the 2027 membership fee either individually or at the EMAC 2026 Annual Conference in Bath will not be charged for the membership. Please use the code sent to you by Anne-Laure.
The accompanying person registration fee includes:
- Welcome Reception on September 16, 2026
- Gala dinner on September 17, 2026
Cancellation requests must be sent to (insert e-mail)
Cancellations made on or before (insert date) 23:59 CET will be eligible for a refund, minus a €150 administrative fee. Cancellations made after August (insert date) 23:59 CET will NOT be refunded.
Cancellations for the accompanying person made on or before August (insert date) 23:59 CET will be eligible for a refund, minus a €30 administrative fee. Cancellations made after (insert date) 23:59 CET will NOT be refunded.
No-shows are not eligible for a refund.
Substitution of a registered delegate with an alternative person (limited to one of the listed co-authors) is permitted until (insert date). Notification must be sent to emac2026protect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de.
By no means shall EMAC be held liable, either directly or indirectly, for any problematic issue that may occur within the framework of the conference and its organization, not only with respect to the organizers but also with respect to third parties (airline companies, hotels, transportation, taxis, etc.) while in the performance of duties or services even indirectly related to the conference.
This contractual liability exemption clause is equally valid in case of an event of force majeure which leads to the disruption and/or the partial or complete cancellation of the conference programme, for reasons not attributable to EMAC. An event of force majeure is defined as an unforeseen and exceptional event – be it climatic, environmental, political or socio-economic – and does not imply any limitation. Furthermore, the delegate also expressly agrees to totally absolve EMAC from any responsibility and liability with regard to travel insurance and related costs or claims. It is solely up to the individual to seek out and purchase or otherwise obtain the necessary insurance with regards to his/her travel, etc. and/or to independently issue a claim against any third party that may be responsible for direct or indirect losses or damages caused to or suffered by the delegate en route to and from the conference.
The conference organizers are not responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to delegates’ property occurring during or as a result of the event. Delegates are strongly advised to ensure that they have adequate and valid personal insurance coverage.
Tracks & Track Chairs
Consumer Behavior
This track invites papers that contribute to the advanced understanding of consumers and consumption and their role for marketing. Contributions may address topics such as consumer decision processes, emotions in decision processes, social influences on consumer behavior, consumer experiences, psychological and personal factors that influence consumer decisions, impact of technologies on consumer behavior and similar topics.
Track Chairs
Technology and Marketing/ Digital Marketing
Track Chairs
Sustainability/ CSR and Marketing
This track invites research on the intersection of marketing, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. Topics may include sustainable consumer behavior, ethical marketing practices, CSR communication strategies, and the role of marketing in advancing environmental and social objectives.
Track Chairs
Marketing Strategy
This track welcomes research on the development, implementation, and evaluation of marketing strategies across a broad range of industries and markets (e.g., B2C, B2B, C2C). We invite submissions from all areas of marketing, including advertising, pricing, product innovation, and international marketing. We are particularly interested in work that focuses on marketing decision processes, market orientation, competitive dynamics, and the design and performance of marketing mix elements. Submissions should provide insights that inform managerial decisions and create meaningful impact for organizations and society.
Track Chairs
Marketing Analytics & Research Methods
This track invites quantitative papers that use or develop high-powered statistical, econometric, or data-science models to advance rigorous marketing analytics and research methodology. We welcome studies drawing on surveys, field or laboratory experiments, transactional or purchase data, and emerging data sources such as text, audio, and video. Submissions may apply advanced analytical techniques—e.g., structural equation models, marketing-mix models, machine-learning approaches, or Bayesian methods—or introduce new methodological contributions that enhance the toolkit of marketing researchers.
If your research aligns with the type of work typically considered for journals such as Marketing Science, Journal of Marketing Research, the marketing section of Management Science, or Quantitative Marketing and Economics, this track is a strong fit, regardless of whether you intend to submit your work to those outlets.
Track Chairs
Marketing & Branding
This track seeks empirical (and conceptual) research that aims to advance the marketing discipline’s understanding of building, managing, and sustaining successful products and brands. If your research is about a topic that is usually considered for publication in general purpose marketing journals (e.g., Journal of Marketing or International Journal of Research in Marketing), the Journal of Product & Brand Management and the Journal of Brand Management, this is the right track for your work even if you do not consider submitting your work to that journal.
Track Chairs
Retail 5.0 - Human-centric Excellence at the Marketing-Operations-Interface
This track invites high-quality research that advances the theoretical and empirical understanding of modern retailing. We welcome studies that examine contemporary challenges at the intersection of retail marketing and retail operations, with particular emphasis on technology-driven innovation and human-centred design. We particularly encourage contributions that integrate marketing and operations perspectives. Potential topics include, but are not limited to digital and multichannel integration from the customer perspective, neuroscience-based insights into customer and worker behaviour, and the role of systemic frontline professions such as order pickers, store personnel, and delivery drivers.
We welcome submissions drawing on a wide range of empirical and analytical methods, including surveys, field and laboratory experiments, behavioural and neurophysiological data, transactional data, and multimethod designs. If your research aligns with the type of work typically considered for journals such as the Journal of Retailing, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Business Logistics, Journal of Operations Management or Marketing Science, this track is an excellent fit for your submission, even if you do not intend to submit your completed work to those outlets.
Track Chairs
Best Paper Award
Best EMAC Fall Conference Paper Award recognizes the best paper submitted to the EMAC Fall Conference.
The criteria to be used for awarding the best paper are:
Contribution to the advancement knowledge in marketing;
Methodological rigor used;
Managerial application of results.
The winning paper is selected through a process overseen by the EMAC Fall Conference Chairs. Papers are nominated for the award by reviewers during the competitive review process. The final selection for the Best EMAC Fall Conference Paper Award is made by the Conference Chairs in collaboration with the EMAC Vice-President Publications, Professor Michael Haenlein.
Winners are awarded a certificate.
Early-Stage Researcher Symposium
Date: 16 September 2026
ERS is an initiative of EMAC for early-stage researchers, including young lecturers, postdocs, PhD students as well as senior researchers who want to learn more about how to conduct research and publish. The symposium provides an opportunity to learn from experienced researchers and supports the development of professional skills for building an academic career. The ERS is an opportunity to meet like-minded people, present your research interests, exchange ideas and potentially start project collaborations and networking.
Bremen
Bremen is a historic Hanseatic city in northern Germany, with around 570,000 residents. The city is known for its maritime history, open atmosphere, and strong ties to science, culture, and sustainability.
The heart of Bremen is the historic market square, featuring the UNESCO World Heritage Town Hall and the famous Roland statue. The city also boasts modern architecture, green parks, and a vibrant cultural scene. As a hub for science and business, Bremen plays a key role in northern Germany, excelling in aerospace, logistics, digitalization, and environmental sciences. The close connections between research institutions, industry, and public administration create a dynamic environment for innovation and collaboration.
For further information visit bremen.eu.
Bremen is located in the center of Europe and has a well-developed public transport system, including trams, buses, and taxis. As a relatively small city, everything is centrally located, making it easy to reach most places quickly. The well-organized public transport network ensures that all parts of the city are conveniently accessible.
From Bremen Airport
The international Bremen Airport is only about 4 km from the city center. Tram line 6 runs directly from the terminal via the main train station to the University of Bremen (stop “Universität/Zentralbereich”). The trip takes about 25 minutes. Taxis and rental cars are also available.
Directions to the University of Bremen
From Bremen Main Station: You can reach the campus easily by taking tram line 6 toward the university or by taxi.
By car
The university is accessible via the A27 highway, exit “Universität / Horn-Lehe.” Parking is available on campus.
Besides the usual booking platforms, there are a few alternatives specific to Germany and Bremen.
When using a computer, the VBN trip planner (for local public transport) and the DB trip planner (for loacl, regional, and national train connections) are recommended.
When using a mobile device, the apps BSAG FahrPlaner (for local public transport) and DB Navigator (for local, regional and national train connections) are recommended.
Consulates & Embassies
In Germany, foreign embassies are located in Berlin. Consulates are also present in cities like Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Munich, and Stuttgart.
Health & Safety
Bremen has modern medical facilities and a well-developed healthcare system. Pharmacies are widely available. In emergencies (ambulance, fire), call 112 or (police) 110. Services are available in multiple languages.
Language & Currency
The official language is German. However, English is widely used. The local currency is the Euro (€).
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET, UTC +1) / Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC +2).
Electrical Devices
Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz; plug type F. Adapters may be needed for international devices.
Travel Documents & Visa
EU citizens need only a valid ID card or passport. Non-EU countries must obtain a visa before entering from the appropriate German diplomatic mission.
Accommodation
Bremen is served by various accommodation alternatives, including traditional large hotels, smaller hotels, or guest houses with differentiated service and location. All these alternatives are accessible through the usual online booking platforms.
The organizing committee recommends choosing accommodation close to the University of Bremen or in the city center.
A contingent of rooms which includes a discount has been reserved for the EMAC Fall Conference 2026. Please refer to the individual hotels for specific instructions regarding application.
Address: Universitätsallee 4, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Website: 7things.de
The 7Things is located directly in the University and Technology Park, close to the University of Bremen campus and about 5 minutes on foot from the main university buildings.
Please use the code "EMAC Fall 2026" when booking via phone, email, or through the website. When booking through the website, please include the code in the comments section of the booking.
Address: Parkallee 299, 28213 Bremen, Germany
Website: munte-hotel.de
The Hotel Munte lies directly beside Bremen’s Stadtwald/Bürgerpark - a green, tranquil setting - but is still close to the University of Bremen campus. The university buildings can be reached on foot in approximately 10 minutes.
Please use the code "EMAC Fall 2026" when booking via phone or email. Unfortunately, when booking through the website, the code cannot be applied.
Social Events
The social events are optional and have an extra cost per attendee. Please make sure to select the social events you want to attend when registering for the conference. It will not be possible to register for the social events during the conference.
- The social events have a number of available places. If the minimum number is not achieved, we will reimburse the attendees.
- Only one additional accompanying person for the social events is allowed and should meet the specifications available on the PDF document with more information about the social events.
- Co-authors cannot be included as an accompanying person for the social events.
For information about the social events click here (insert link to PDF).
Contact
For submission and/or registration issues only, please contact:
Anne-Laure Marteaux: emacprotect me ?!eiasmprotect me ?!.be
For any other issues, please contact:
Organizing committee: emac2026protect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de