Erin Tierney
Senior Lecturer
Erin Tierney, Ph.D., CIS, is a senior lecturer of hospitality and tourism management at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and also works in the event industry. With more than 25 years of experience in the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry, she bridges academic theory with real-world industry practice. Dr. Tierney's teaching and professional expertise focus on event management, meetings and conventions, destination marketing, and experiential design. She is actively involved in industry leadership through organizations such as SITE, MPI and PCMA, where she serves in executive leadership roles, and regularly collaborates with destination organizations, hotels, and event professionals worldwide. Her work emphasizes preparing future hospitality leaders through applied learning, industry engagement, and professional development. Recognized for her contributions to both academia and industry, Dr. Tierney is committed to advancing innovation, workforce development, and excellence within the global business events sector.
Education
Professional Experience
Academic Appointments
Awards, Honors, and Recognition
Research & Scholarly Contributions
Contributor, The SAGE International Encyclopedia of Travel and Tourism (2017), chapter: "Incentive Travel".
Co-Investigator, Destination Management Company (DMC) Research Project for the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), 2014–Present.
MPI World Education Congress (WEC) Best Paper Award (2015), Exploring Determinants of the Business Relationship Between Destination Management Companies and Meeting Planners (co-author).
IMEX America Paper Presentation (2015), Best Practices in Student Mentoring in the Events Industry.
ICHRIE Summer Conference Symposium Presenter (2012), Event Management Curriculum Development Research Team.
Teaching & Academic Recognition
Richard M. ’73 and Nancy S. ’71 Kelleher Faculty and Staff Recognition Award. 2022
Outstanding Teaching Award Nominee, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2011-2012 and 2016-2017).
Selected Participant, HCC Adjunct Teaching Academy (2013).
Senior Lecturer, Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2007-Present).
Leadership & Professional Service
HTM Career Day Faculty Chair, 2025 - present
Vice President of Sponsorship, SITE Northeast 2026
Vice President of Education, SITE Northeast (2023-2025).
President, MPI Connecticut River Valley Chapter (2014-2015).
President-Elect, MPI Connecticut River Valley Chapter (2013-2014).
MPI Young Leaders Task Force Member (2013-2016).
SITE Crystal Award Judge (2024 & 2027)
HTM Scholarship Committee Member, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2010-Present).
Isenberg School of Management Scholarship Committee Member (2020-Present).
Faculty Advisor, MEMA/MPI Student Chapter (2007-2019).
Professional Recognition & Industry Impact
Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS), SITE Foundation (2015).
Session Speaker, MPI World Education Conference (2014).
Session Speaker, SITE Northeast Chapter Meeting (2022).
Featured in The Wall Street Journal Financial Section (January 2013).
Developed accredited educational content for industry certification programs through M&I Americas Forum (2014).
Research Interests
Teaching Interests
- Global Business Studies
- Event Management
- Meeting & Convention Management
- Entertainment Management
Selected Publications
Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). (2026). Professional Meeting Management (7th ed.). Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. (Co-author on chapter 9 & 11)