Penn State Smeal College of Business · Department of Finance
A selective research conference bringing together leading scholars for in-depth discussion of new work across all areas of finance, in the heart of Happy Valley.
About the conference
The Department of Finance at the Penn State Smeal College of Business is pleased to host the Happy Valley Finance Conference in State College, Pennsylvania. The conference brings together a small group of leading researchers for two days of focused presentations, discussion, and collaboration.
The program is deliberately selective and highly interactive. Each accepted paper is paired with a leading expert in the field as discussant, and ample time is reserved for in-depth conversation about the papers and the ideas behind them.
Beyond the academic sessions, participants are invited to a welcome reception, a conference dinner, and optional excursions showcasing the outdoor and recreational character of Happy Valley, one of the most scenic college towns in the country.
Schedule
Three days in Happy Valley, anchored by two days of paper sessions at the Smeal College of Business.
An evening reception to open the conference and welcome participants to Happy Valley.
A full day of paper presentations and discussions, followed by the conference dinner in the evening.
More paper presentations and discussions, with optional afternoon excursions highlighting the area's outdoor and recreational activities.
Call for papers
The 2026 call welcomed completed papers and advanced work in all areas of finance, in a format built around in-depth discussion of papers and ideas. Submissions are now closed and the program is finalized. See the program section below for the full program.
Program
The full schedule of papers, presenters, and discussants for August 12–14 is ready.
Two-page PDF, with every presenter and discussant and their affiliations. Questions? Get in touch.
Venue & travel
The conference takes place at the Smeal College of Business on Penn State's University Park campus in State College, Pennsylvania, known affectionately as Happy Valley.
University Park Airport (SCE) is about 10 minutes from campus, with connections through major hubs. Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia are also within driving distance.
State College is compact and walkable, with the Smeal College of Business, conference hotel, and downtown all close together. Lodging details and a hotel block will be shared with participants.
Set among the ridges of central Pennsylvania, Happy Valley offers hiking, state parks, and scenic drives. Optional excursions during the conference highlight the region's outdoors.
Host
The Happy Valley Finance Conference is hosted and organized by the faculty of the Department of Finance at the Penn State Smeal College of Business.
Contact
For submissions, program questions, and logistics, reach us by email. We're happy to help.
[email protected]