Registration Desk

The Registration/Information desk will be right at the entrance of the conference venue (use the entrance at Runeberginkatu).

You will receive your name badge at registration. All participants are required to wear their badge at all times. Access to the scientific program, catering (coffee and lunch), and social events is restricted to badge holders. 

Opening Hours: 

• June 29, Monday 11:30–13:30 and 17:00–22:00 
• June 30, Tuesday 08:00–17:30 
• July 1, Wednesday 08:00–17:30 
• July 2, Thursday 08:00–14:00

Pre-Conference Workshop 1: Introduction and Paper Development for JoSM Special Issue: Reimagining the Service-Profit Chain 

 Led by Jens Hogreve, Ilias Danatzis, Kris Lindsey Hall, and Marah Blaurock.

Preliminary Timetable and Program

1:30–2:00 pm | Welcome and Introduction

• Welcome by the special issue editorial team
• Overview of the workshop objectives and structure
• Brief introduction to the JoSM special issue
  • Relevance of reimagining the service-profit chain and key themes (i.e., digital transformation and AI, customer and employee well-being, resilience in turbulent environments, evolving internal marketing practices)
  • Submission expectations, positioning, and timelines
• General Q&A
• Opportunity to clarify any open questions about the SI
• Opportunity for non-presenting participants to ask questions about the special issue

2:00–2:45 pm | Paper Idea Presentations (Plenary Session)

• Short presentations by participating author teams
• Each team presents their paper idea (approx. 10 minutes per team)
  • Core research question and contribution
  • Relevance to the special issue themes
  • Planned methodological approach and data
  • (If applicable) discussion of first results
• Open plenary discussion moderated by the SI team: Clarification of thematic fit, theoretical positioning, and methodological/research design considerations

2:45–3:00 pm | Coffee Break (Coffee break sponsored by LSU’s Department of Marketing)

• Coffee and light snacks provided
• Informal networking among participants and editors
• Transition to table discussions

3:00–4:00 pm | Small-Group Paper Development Sessions

• Participants break into thematic tables aligned with the special issue focus areas
• Each table is facilitated by two special issue editors
• Format:
  • Focused, interactive feedback on paper ideas and early drafts
  • Discussion of theoretical framing, contribution, and alignment with the SI topic
  • Guidance on positioning for JoSM
• Tables will be organized based on submitted abstracts and thematic fit
• Participants not seeking direct feedback are welcome to join discussions and contribute

4:00–4:30 pm | Wrap-Up and Next Steps

• Key takeaways from the table discussions
• Final advice on manuscript development and submission strategy
• Reminder of special issue timelines and contact points
• Closing remarks

Participants:

Service researchers working on topics related to the SPC and who are interested in submitting to the special issue.

Participants are required to submit a short abstract (up to 500 words) in advance.

Pre-Conference Workshop 2: How to Make Theoretical Contributions in Service Research

Developing meaningful theoretical contributions is essential for publishing in leading service research journals. This interactive workshop provides structured guidance on how to craft conceptual and theory‑developing papers that meet this expectation. Participants will explore what constitutes a theoretical contribution, the different forms such contributions can take, and established approaches for theory development. 

The workshop draws on influential “how-to” publications to offer practical frameworks for theorizing as well as for positioning, problem formulation, and contribution framing. Through these tools, attendees will gain deeper insight into how to build a compelling storyline that clearly communicates a paper’s theoretical contribution. 

This workshop is intended for scholars at all career stages who wish to enhance their ability to develop and articulate theoretical contributions within the service research domain.

Program

13:00–13:15 Introduction 

13:15–14:00 Theory Development and Types of Theoretical Contributions 

14:00–14:45 Storyline Building Blocks for Theory-Developing Papers 

14:45–15:00 Break 

15:00–15:45 Panel: Contributing to Service Theorizing — Editor Insights 

Editors participating in the panel include: 

• Elina Jaakkola, Co-Editor, Journal of Service Research 
• Linda Alkire, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Service Management 
• Mark Rosenbaum, Senior Co-Editor, Journal of Services Marketing 
• Suvi Nenonen, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Industrial Marketing Management 

15:45–16:00 Reflections and Closing 

Preparation 

Participants are asked to read the following articles prior to the workshop and bring the introduction section of a paper they are currently developing: 

• Jaakkola, E. (2020). Designing conceptual articles: Four approaches. AMS Review, 10(1–2), 18–26. 
• Koskela-Huotari, K. (2024). How to craft a compelling storyline for a conceptual paper. AMS Review, 14(3-4), 174–181. 

Workshop Chair 

Kaisa Koskela-Huotari, Associate Professor, Stockholm School of Economics 

Kaisa is a theory enthusiast who enjoys applying insights from systems thinking, service-dominant logic, and institutional theory to better understand phenomena such as value creation, innovation, service design, market strategies, and sustainability. Methodologically, her expertise lies in conceptual, qualitative, and abductive approaches. Her work has been published in the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Service Research, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Service Management, and Journal of Strategic Marketing, among others. Kaisa also serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Service Management and AMS Review, and is a member of the editorial review boards for the Journal of Service Research and Journal of Business Research. 

18:00 I Opening Reception 

The Frontiers in Service Conference 2026 Opening Reception will take place at Hanken School of Economics (Arkadiankatu 22) in the foyer at 18:00. Join us for a welcome toast to kick off the conference!

Address: 
Hanken School of Economics
Arkadiankatu 22,00100 Helsinki, Finland (use the entrance at Runeberginkatu)