Association for University
Business and Economic Research

A national association of regional
economic research centers

2025 Conference

2025 Featured Speakers

Expected Speakers

  • Angus Deaton is a senior scholar and the Dwight D. Eisenhower professor of economics and international affairs emeritus at Princeton University.
  • Edward Glaeser is the Fred and Eleanor Glimp professor of economics and chair of the Department of Economics at Harvard University.
  • Abigail Wozniak is a labor economist and vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, where she serves as director of the Opportunity & Inclusive Growth Institute.

Stay tuned as we continue planning the Oct. 2025 program!

Important Dates

  • April 30 – Deadline for proposals to present in a conference session
  • May – Tentative program posted, early-bird registration opens, hotel room rate available
  • June 1 – Submissions open for best paper, publications, and individual award nominations
  • July 31 – Early-bird registration ends
  • Aug. 1 – Deadline for best paper, publications, and individual awards
  • Sept. 1 – Deadline for hotel room rate and conference final registration
  • Oct. 4-7 – 78th annual AUBER Fall Conference in Missoula, MT

“The New Geography of U.S. Growth”

Apply to Present & Call for Papers

The 2025 conference theme explores the dynamic shifts shaping economic development, population trends, and business opportunities across the country.

We invite you to present your work—white papers, policy briefs, scholarly work, applied research projects, survey findings, data dashboards, industry analysis, forecasting, regional economics, quality of life, and much more. Researchers, specialists, practitioners, and students are invited to submit your proposal to present at our next conference, Oct. 4-7.

Explore Missoula

Nestled in the Northern Rockies of Montana, surrounded by seven wilderness areas and at the confluence of three rivers, Missoula is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. You can kayakraft or tube through downtown or take a relaxing hike in 60,000 acres of wilderness minutes from your hotel. Missoula is known for its blue-ribbon trout fishing (made famous by A River Runs Through It) and spectacular natural beauty. The outdoor recreational opportunities are limitless.

Missoula is also a regional destination for shopping and dining, featuring three distinct shopping districts and an abundance of restaurants, cafes, coffee houses and breweries with something to fit all budgets and palates. Known for its eclectic culture, visitors will find this arts and culture hub filled with a seeming endless array of arts and entertainment events. Think symphonytheatre, film festivals, author’s readings at independent bookstores, college sports, ballet, opera and roller derby. And we proudly live our history – Native American and Lewis & Clark to Smokejumpers and Glacial Lake Missoula.

Call for Papers, Projects, and Presentations

The Association for University Business and Economic Research (AUBER) invites you to present your work at our 78th annual fall conference, October 4-7, 2025, in Missoula, MT.

This year’s theme, The New Geography of U.S. Growth, will explore the dynamic shifts shaping economic development, population trends, and business opportunities across the country.

Hosted by the University of Montana, the conference will feature engaging keynote speakers, cutting-edge research presentations, and collaborative discussions on the forces driving regional economies in an era of rapid change. Against the stunning backdrop of Montana’s mountains and rivers, you’ll connect with fellow researchers and practitioners while gaining fresh insights into the evolving economic landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to share ideas and shape the conversation on the future of U.S. growth!

How to Submit

Deadline April 15, 2025

Want to join the 2025 conference program and present your work? Our concurrent sessions include a variety of work, ranging from scholarly papers, surveys, and traditional academic output, to applied/practical work of all kinds—forecasts, impact analysis, policy briefs, data dashboards, project deployment and best practices, and more.

Submit your work using our online form: https://forms.gle/Rfi7dBZt2S16z99X9

Include an abstract or brief description of your paper, project, or other work you would like to present. Multiple ideas may be submitted.

Who Should Participate?

  • Practitioners and students in the fields of regional economics, business forecasting, industry impact, financial markets, statistical modeling, output analysis, survey research, GIS mapping, data delivery, data visualization, and more.
  • Developers of statistical modeling software, data analysis and visualization tools, primary data libraries, and relevant applied research technologies.
  • Applied researchers employed by academia, government agencies, nonprofits, and private industry.
  • Established and aspiring economists, from graduate students and junior professionals to senior experts.

Why Present at AUBER?

The AUBER conference is a great environment for students and junior researchers to present their work (finished or ongoing) and receive mentorship from experts.

Likewise, established researchers and practitioners can “talk shop” with peers from across the nation and beyond.

Popular Topics

  • Applied research projects
  • Community resiliency
  • Data visualization and dashboards
  • Data delivery tools and techniques
  • Demographic analysis
  • Financial markets
  • GIS mapping and output analysis
  • Industry analysis and forecasting
  • Public policy analysis
  • State and local economies
  • Statistical modeling and analysis
  • Survey research
  • Working with public and private sectors
  • Center operations and challenges
  • Center publicity and communications

Sunday, October 5, 2025

8:00 AM–8:15 AM • Ballroom

Breakfast Buffet

8:15 AM–9:15 AM • Ballroom

Keynote Program

9:15 AM–9:30 AM • Break

9:30 AM–11:00 AM • Room A

Session 1A

9:30 AM–11:00 AM • Room B

Session 1B

9:30 AM–11:00 AM • Room C

Session 1C

9:15 AM–9:30 AM • Break

Resources for Presenters

Resources for All Attendees

General Information

What to expect at the AUBER Fall Conference

Daily Format

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What to Pack

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Travel to/from Airport

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Conference Hotel

Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown

Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown
200 South Pattee Street
Missoula, MT 59802

Room Details

Special Room Rate: $#/night +tax (this information will be posted soon)

Book online with code AUBER, or call the front desk at +1.406.721.8550 and mention the AUBER conference while making your reservation.

Reservation Deadline: August 1, 2025, or until capacity is met.

Why Stay at the Conference Hotel?

Conference room rates are negotiated with an expected minimum number of stays per night during the conference. Your reservation helps us to meet our commitments to the hotel and better plan for the entire event.

Explore Missoula, Montana

Nestled in the Northern Rockies of Montana, surrounded by seven wilderness areas and at the confluence of three rivers, Missoula is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. You can kayakraft or tube through downtown or take a relaxing hike in 60,000 acres of wilderness minutes from your hotel. Missoula is known for its blue-ribbon trout fishing (made famous by A River Runs Through It) and spectacular natural beauty. The outdoor recreational opportunities are limitless.

Missoula is also a regional destination for shopping and dining, featuring three distinct shopping districts and an abundance of restaurants, cafes, coffee houses and breweries with something to fit all budgets and palates. Known for its eclectic culture, visitors will find this arts and culture hub filled with a seeming endless array of arts and entertainment events. Think symphonytheatre, film festivals, author’s readings at independent bookstores, college sports, ballet, opera and roller derby. And we proudly live our history – Native American and Lewis & Clark to Smokejumpers and Glacial Lake Missoula.

What to Eat & Drink Downtown

This guide, compiled by the Downtown Missoula Partnership, includes a list of fine dining, casual restaurants, breweries, cafés, and more—all located in downtown Missoula.

Nearby Attractions

Music & Theatre

Legacy Lounge
529 S. Higgins • 406.439.3930 • legacyloungmt.com
Legacy Lounge is a small music venue and gallery on the Hip Strip. Come by and see some art that you might not see in a traditional gallery show and listen to music by some of Missoula’s best underground DJs.

MCT, Inc. – Center for the Performing Arts
200 N. Adams • 406.728.1911 • mctinc.org
World-famous Missoula Children’s Theatre and the Missoula Community Theatre focused on building creativity, social skills, and self-esteem through touring and home theater productions.

Missoula Symphony Association
320 E. Main St. • 406.721.3194 • missoulasymphony.org
Missoula’s Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, featuring high-quality musicians, 10 live performances annually, and music education and outreach throughout the year.

The Roxy Theater
718 S. Higgins St. • 406.728.9380 • theroxytheater.org
Missoula’s little theater on the Hip Strip features new and old releases of independent, foreign and classic films, theater, and community events.

Westside Theater & Bare Bait Dance
1200 Shakespeare, Ste. 2 • 406.493.0123 • thewestsidetheater.com
Artist-run nonprofit theater and studio space committed to developing and presenting live performance with a focus on movement and aerial arts.

Museums & Centers

Boone and Crockett Club & Visitors Gallery
250 Station • 406.542.1888 • boone-crockett.org
With a focus on conservation, ethics, and big game hunting, folks can see extraordinary animals at the visitor center inside the Historic Milwaukee Station.

Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Building 322 at Fort Missoula • 406.728.3476 • fortmissoulamuseum.org
Missoula’s history lives here in 13 historic structures and multiple exhibits that tell of the story of trade, imprisonment, forestry, and fire.

Missoula Art Museum
335 N. Pattee St. • 406.728.0447 • missoulaartmuseum.org
Missoula’s flagship and admission-free art institution, featuring a brand new outdoor Art Park and eight galleries showcasing diverse and engaging contemporary local and international artists.

Montana Museum of Art & Culture
Performing Arts TV Center, University of Montana • 406.243.2019 • umt.edu/montanamuseum
Home to one of the oldest and most prominent collections in the Rocky Mountain West, the state museum of fine art connects Montana to the world.

Montana Natural History Center
120 Hickory St. • 406.327.0405 • MontanaNaturalist.org
Showcasing Montana’s natural environments, and educating teachers and children about the natural history of the Northern Rockies.

National Museum of Forest Service History
6305 Highway 10 West • 406.541.6374 • forestservicemuseum.org
Missoula’s newest museum dedicated to the history, education and collection of the USDA Forest Service. Located one mile west of the Missoula Airport.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
5705 Grant Creek • 406.523.3495 • elkfoundation.org
Focused on the preservation of elk and wildlife habitat, and hunting heritage, RMEF has an extraordinary visitors center filled with animal education exhibits.

Public Art & Historical Site Walking Tours – On Your Own

Options:

  • Downtown Public Art (26 stops)
  • Downtown Historical Sites (15 stops)
  • Historic Districts throughout City (7 districts)

Self-Guided Walking Tours (link to PDF)

Transportation in Missoula

Missoula offers zero-fare bus service, ample parking, and miles of trails for biking and walking throughout the city.

View Options for Bus, Driving, Biking, & More

Transportation to/from Airport

The Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown provides a free hotel shuttle to/from the airport (MSO – Missoula International Airport), the hotel, and to any location within Missoula City Limits.

Learn More

Best Paper, Publications, & Individual Awards

Contact

For Inquiries Regarding…

General Event Inquiries

Lisa Goodpaster – auber@bsu.edu

Sponsorship Opportunities

Lisa Goodpaster – auber@bsu.edu

Program Content

Vanessa Fry – vanessa.fry@boisestate.edu

Best Paper, Publications, & Individual Awards

Brian Lewandowski

Website Updates

Victoria Meldrum – VRMELDRUM@bsu.edu

Missoula 2025 Conference Planning Committee

  • Pat Barkey – Conference Host Team (University of Montana)
  • Vanessa Fry – AUBER President-Elect & Conference Planning Chair (Boise State University)
  • Shannon Furniss – Conference Host Team (University of Montana)
  • Lisa Goodpaster – AUBER Business Team (Ball State University)
  • Jennifer Green – Current AUBER President (PLACA)
  • Michael Hicks – AUBER Secretary-Treasurer (Ball State University)
  • Brian Lewandowski – AUBER Past President (University of Colorado Boulder)
  • Victoria Meldrum – AUBER Business Team (Ball State University)
  • Jeff Michael – Conference Host Team (University of Montana)
  • Rod Motamedi – Conference Host 2026 (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
  • Marc Schaffer – Board Representative (St. Norbert College)

Important Dates

  • April 30 – Deadline to apply to present your work at a conference session
  • May – Tentative program posted, early-bird registration opens, hotel room rate available
  • June 1 – Submissions open for best paper, publications, and individual award nominations
  • July 31 – Early-bird registration ends
  • Aug. 1 – Deadline for best paper, publications, and individual awards
  • Sept. 1 – Deadline for hotel room rate and conference final registration
  • Oct. 4-7 – 78th annual AUBER Fall Conference in Missoula, MT

Conference Host

University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research

Sponsor the Conference

We offer many levels of sponsorship from exhibitor to premier opportunities.