It goes without saying that the COVID pandemic disrupted the economy—industries shut down and employees were furloughed. But many workers found a new work-life balance working from home, and remote employment began to stick. As the pandemic subsided and the economy improved, many firms have adopted a hybrid work model, begging the question—has the shift in preferences forever disrupted office occupancy? What are the spillover effects on downtown vibrancy for retail and restaurants? And how will firms cope, in what’s likely to be a recessionary environment, with the tension between wanting employees back in the office and needing to reduce the expense of their real estate footprint? We will discuss these questions (and more) during our 2023 fall conference in San Antonio.
Association for University
Business and Economic Research
A national association of regional
economic research centers
2023 Conference
"The Future of Work"
Omni La Mansión del Rio • San Antonio, Texas
We are pleased to announce the following keynote speakers who will share their valuable insights and expertise with us:
Henry Cisneros
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and City of San Antonio
Douglas Duncan
Fannie Mae
Will McIntosh
USAA Real Estate Company
Lloyd Potter
Texas Demographic Center
Mark Wynne
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
This year’s fall conference will be held at the beautiful Omni La Mansión del Rio, located along the historic River Walk in downtown San Antonio. Our conference excursion will involve two interesting architectural sites around downtown San Antonio:
- The Soto. An office building made from heavy timber called “new lam” and is an example of architectural design that is adapting to the people who use the space, not the other way around. We will hear from architects and developers at The Soto about the buillding’s stunning construction and oeprational innovations that combine to dramatically reduce its environmental footprint.
- The Pearl District. North of downtown, the “Pearl” is a high-density, ground-level retail redevelopment initiative that has been embraced by the City of San Antonio. We will tour its 11 acres of fixed-place food vendors, the art institute, and the historic Pearl Brewery.
After the excursion, we’ll enjoy a big dose of “Texana” at the Buckhorn Saloon, where we will tour the Saloon’s museum full of cowboy artifacts and hear from former San Antonio Mayor and HUD Secretary, Henry Cisneros.
We look forward to seeing you, and hope you’ll make plans to join us in San Antonio this fall to discuss the Future of Work!
Conference Awards
AUBER recognizes the outstanding achievements of our members each year at our annual conference. Members may submit their work for consideration for the Awards of Excellence in print, electronic, and website publications, as well as the Polzin Prize for Best Paper. AUBER members may also nominate their peers for consideration for the AUBER Fellow Award as well as the R. Thayne Robson Award. View prior award winners here.
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE IN PUBLICATIONS
» Publication period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. Entries due by August 1, 2023. «
ELECTRONIC
2022 Winner: University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research
Electronic publications take advantage of the digital format and are designed for email, tablet, and mobile device use. Interactivity is not required. Submissions may be one-time publications or part of a series, and they may cover any topic.
Electronic submissions will be judged based on quality and impact of content, visual appeal, how well the underlying data or message has been synthesized, and overall impression.
2022 Winner: University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Center for Business and Economic Research
Print publications may include newsletters, studies, forecasts, contract or technical reports, abstracts and other data publications, magazines, journals, and marketing campaigns for events or general awareness.
Submissions may be one-time publications or part of a series, and they may cover any topic.
Print submissions will be judged based on quality and impact of content, visual appeal, how well the underlying data or message has been synthesized, and overall impression.
WEBSITES
2022 Winner: Middle Tennessee State University’s Business and Economic Research Ctr
Websites may focus on any topic (e.g., business, economics, public policy, community development/impact, data collection/delivery, center self-promotion, etc.) and can be produced for the center or a client. Examples include dashboards, knowledge portals, and searchable archives, among others.
Website submissions will be judged based on content, ease of navigation, functionality, visual appeal, and overall experience.
COMMENDATION AWARDS
» Nominations due by August 1, 2023. «
PAUL POLZIN PRIZE
2019 Winner: Pankaj Patel (Villanova), Srikant Devaraj and Michael Hicks (Ball State University)
To be considered for the Paul Polzin Prize for Best Paper, the following rules are established:
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The paper should be a new work (not previously published or accepted for publication) and written in APA, Chicago, or similar scholarly format.
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The paper must be presented in a session at the upcoming AUBER conference.
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The lead author must be an AUBER member in good standing.
Each eligible paper will be reviewed by the committee (the three most-recent past presidents of AUBER) and evaluated using the criteria of originality, quality of argument, positioning, and writing style.
The winner will receive a $500 cash award during the Fall Conference.
View submission guidelines for 2023.
R. THAYNE ROBSON AWARD
2021 Winner: Patrick Barkey, director, University of Montana’s Bureau of Business Research
The R. Thayne Robson Award is the highest honor that AUBER awards to an individual for longtime commitment and service to the organization.
To earn the Robson Award, individuals must be AUBER members for at least 15 years, be center directors, have served on the AUBER board of directors and be an economic and public policy leaders in their state.
The R. Thayne Robson Award is awarded every other year.
AUBER FELLOW AWARD
2022 Winner: Bruce Kellison, director, University of Texas at Austin’s Bureau of Business Research
AUBER Fellow Award nominees should meet all, or substantially all, of the criteria listed below. The organization may award one fellow per year. The successful candidate should meet the following criteria:
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Be an active or retired member of the organization
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Maintained AUBER membership for 12 years
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Held center director or equivalent role at a host institution
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Served on AUBER board of directors in leadership capacity
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Provided significant leadership and substantial service to the organization.
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Chaired committees
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Frequent conference session organizer or participant
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Host and/or program chair of fall conference
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Acted as AUBER’s liaison in partnerships with other organizations
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Call for Papers
AUBER is organizing sessions for our upcoming fall conference, October 14-17, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. We invite you to submit your paper abstract, project overview, or other work to present at a concurrent session.
Submissions may cover a variety of topics, including:
- Quality of work environment, flexibility, compensation, training support
- Technology, productivity, and connectivity
- Industry response to inflation and international turmoil
- Real estate mix and sustainable development
- Education and human capital issues
- Immigration and border issues
- State and local finance
- Inflation and price volatility effects
- Encouraging diverse perspectives economic conversations
- Statistical modeling and analysis
- Data delivery tools and techniques
- Online dashboards
- GIS mapping and output analysis
- Survey research
- Demographic analysis
- Public policy analysis
- Center operations and challenges
- Center relationships with public and private sectors
- Dissemination to media outlets
Send your paper abstract, project overview, or session proposal no later than June 15, 2023, to Brian Lewandowski, AUBER president-elect and conference planning committee chair, at Brian.Lewandowski@Colorado.edu.
Note: Send your paper abstract ASAP to reserve a slot in the conference program and become eligible for the Paul Polzin Prize for Best Paper.
Conference Hotel
We have a block of rooms at the Omni La Mansión del Rio for the discounted rate of $249/night plus tax. Reservations can be made by phone (210-518-1000) or online. If booking by phone, please mention AUBER. We do have a limited number of rooms available if you’re interested in extending your stay. Please note the rate is available until September 12—or until the room block is full—whichever occurs first.
Logistics
AIR TRANSPORTATION
The nearest airport to the conference hotel is the San Antonio International Airport (SAT). The following airlines all arrive at terminal A, except as noted:
- AeroMexico (1-800-237-6639)
- Alaska Airlines (1-800-252-7522)
- Allegiant Air (1-702-505-8888)
- American (1-800-433-7300) – terminals A and B
- Delta (1-800-221-1212)
- Frontier (1-801-401-9000)
- JetBlue (1-800-JETBLUE)
- Southwest (1-800-435-9792)
- Spirit (1-855-728-3555)
- Sun Country (1-657-905-2737)
- United (1-800-241-6522) – terminal B
The Omni hotel is approximately 8 miles south of San Antonio International airport.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
From the San Antonio Airport:
Taxi service:
- Approximately $23 one way (up to four passengers)
Passenger rail:
- Amtrak (1.5 miles away from the hotel)
Rental car agencies:
- Alamo Rent-A-Car (24 hrs), 210-348-6806
- Avis Rent-A-Car, 800-331-1212
- Budget Rent-A-Car, 800-527-0700
- Dollar Rent-A-Car, 800-800-3665
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car (24 hrs), 800-736-8222
- Fox Rent A Car, 210-625-6600
- Hertz Rent-A-Car, 800-654-3131
- National Car Rental (24 hrs), 800-CAR-RENT
- Payless Rent-A-Car, 210-822-2863
- Sixt Rent-A-Car, 888-747-7498
- Thrifty Car Rental, 800-THRIFTY
Rideshare services. Customers should wait on the outer commercial curbside, lower level of Terminal A. The following rideshare service companies are approved for operations at SAT:
Public Transportation. VIA Metropolitan Transit is San Antonio’s public transportation agency offering service throughout the city including service within the downtown area.
Get Downtown from the Airport:
- Go to the Lower Roadway (Arrivals/Baggage Level in Terminal A and B), across the marked crosswalk to the outer curb.
- VIA’s bus stop will be located on the far West end of Terminal B, clearly marked on the column.
- You will board the VIA bus route 5, which operates every day*, and can get to beautiful downtown San Antonio in about 30 minutes for only $1.30**
- Download the Route 5 bus schedule here.
Get to the Airport with the Stone Oak Express:
- Take the Express Service Bus route 7 for only $2.60
- Monday – Friday starts at 5:45 a.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m.
- Departs Stone Oak Park & Ride every 30 minutes
- Non-stop trip to airport takes about 15-20 minutes
- Download Route 7 bus information here.
* Frequency may vary throughout the day and on weekends.
** Bus transfers are available at no cost.
Once in the downtown area, VIA’s VIVA service offers stops at or routes to most hotels, restaurants, the convention center, and many visitor hot spots. Three distinct VIVA routes connect riders with historic places, opportunities to learn and discover, classic and contemporary art, and popular and entertainment spots.
For added convenience, VIA offers a $2.75 Day Pass* for purchase on the bus, online, on your smartphone, and in advance of your trip.
A Day Pass is good for unlimited rides on all buses and services for the one day indicated on the pass. The Day Pass will be activated the first time boarding the bus. Download VIA’s goMobile app on your smartphone to purchase your passes or plan your trips.
For more details on bus schedules and fares, visit www.viainfo.net or call 1.866.362.2020.
***All schedules and fares are subject to change.
Conference Program
Conference planning is ongoing. More information coming soon.
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Conference Presenters
Conference planning is ongoing. More information coming soon.
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Conference Registration
Early-bird registration is open for the 2023 fall conference! Use code TEXAS2023 to save $100 on a member or nonmember registration.
Early-bird discount expires Aug. 15th. Final registration ends Sept. 15th.
Save $100 with code TEXAS2023
Registration types:
Registration add-ons:
RSVP required:
Sponsorship Opportunities
AUBER conferences provide a unique opportunity for companies to network with university-based researchers and professionals who heavily use economic modeling, database, and document design software and services. Our sponsorship options include the following:
If you wish to become a sponsor please choose the appropriate sponsorship level above and follow the online payment link.
If you are interested in a custom sponsorship level, or if you need an invoice to pay by check or wire deposit, please contact us at 765-285-3401 or auber@bsu.edu.
Conference sponsors will receive a discount code to redeem during the conference registration process. If you are with a sponsoring organization and do not have your current discount code, please contact auber@bsu.edu before registering.
Conference Hosts
