When visitors from around the country arrive in Oxford for conferences at the University of Mississippi, the benefits are felt far beyond those on the campus. From busy restaurants on the Square to fully booked hotels, conferences hosted at the University have become a major driver of the city’s economic growth.
While the University is known for its academic excellence and Southern charm, it has also become an emerging hub for regional and national conferences. These events quietly fuel the Oxford economy one event at a time, bringing tourists from all over.
“Most of the guests that we have, they’re staying for conferences and have events to attend going on in town,” said Michael Swann, staff worker at the Courtyard Oxford hotel.
In the last year, the University has hosted an estimated number of 50 - 100 conferences in an academic school year, bringing in hundreds of attendees and thousands of tax dollars for local restaurants, shops, and hotels. Among these conferences, some of the top events with the most attendees have been the annual MOST Conference, the Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference, IMC Connect, and The Big Event.
“Oxford is a great place to have these types of events,” said Andrea Hickerson, the Dean of the School of Journalism and New Media, during the symposium for the Jordan Center on Journalism, Advocacy, and Innovation.
One of the most recognized conference events is the Oxford Conference for the Book. This is an annual event that gathers authors, publishers, educators, and book lovers in the town of Oxford and on the Ole Miss campus. Square Books is a town favorite that benefits highly from the event in sales and visibility.
“I love coming to Oxford, I walk to the square, have dinner, and go to Square Books, which is a kind of an institution for me. So, it's a fun mix of both work and you know a relaxing time…Square Books is one of the best bookstores in America, hands down,” said Andy Kroll, a guest speaker for the Jordan Center on Journalism, Advocacy and Innovation symposium, which was hosted at the Inn at Ole Miss.
The university’s growing investment in conference infrastructure, including new meeting spaces such as the Inn at Ole Miss and advanced facilities at the Pavilion, and the newly renovated Duff Center, has made it more competitive in attracting large-scale events.
In 2019, the University was named an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities, according to Ole Miss news. The five-year designation recognizes universities that are committed to economic development and engagement, which is why this year, the designation was granted again and extended for another five years.
Hotels, local restaurants, and shopping stores thrive when conferences are taking place as visitors and tourists are out and about. Whether indulging in cocktails and conversation at the Graduate Hotel, having dinner at Taylor Grocery, or shopping at Square Books, visitors fill the rooms with wonder and excitement to explore all that Oxford has to offer.
While the data on specific conference numbers and generated revenue are not available, conferences at the university significantly shape the city’s academic reputation. For a city built around its flagship university, conferences represent a shared opportunity that blends academic achievement with real-world economic impact.
As Oxford continues to grow, the university will maintain its role as an economic engine for the city. From professors to professionals, as they continue to gather to share research, attend workshops, and host lecture series on the campus, their presence will be felt across town in hotels, restaurants, and local shops, one conference at a time.