The Doctoral Colloquium is integral to the upcoming Global Sales Science Institute (GSSI) Conference 2025, to be held at IIM Shillong. This event provides doctoral students an exceptional chance to discuss their research, receive valuable input from renowned academics, and engage in discussions with peers and specialists.

The event will include several top scholars from sales, sales management, marketing and related disciplines. To make the most of this excellent opportunity, doctoral students are encouraged to be ready to discuss their research or dissertation work at the Colloquium. The Colloquium allows the attendees to showcase the value of their research to academia and talk about their contributions to the sales, sales management and marketing fields.

Furthermore, doctoral students will have the opportunity to connect with established academicians, who will offer critical advice and strategies for advancing their research, getting exposure to novel methodological techniques, learning to navigate the publications process in the top journals, and building pathways to successful academic careers.

About IIM Shillong

IIM Shillong, the seventh IIM in India, has been set up with a vision to become an internationally recognized Management Institute with a Global outlook grounded in Indian values. From its inception, it has constantly worked towards a lofty mission to generate and disseminate knowledge in all aspects of management education, focusing on sustainability and building innovative leadership.

Selection Process

We are pleased to announce the guidelines and criteria for the Doctoral Colloquium (DC) selection at the 2025 Global Sales Science Institute Conference.

• To get selected for this event, doctoral students can self-nominate themselves or get nominated by their dissertation advisor.
• The nominee should be a doctoral student candidate for a degree (e.g., PhD, DBA, etc.) in sales, sales management, or a closely related field at an accredited university or business school.
• The preference will be given to a student with an active research pipeline. Specifically, the preference will be given to a student with papers under review or working papers closer to submission for reputed journals, past conference presentations, and awards.

Submission material:

• Student’s curriculum vitae.
• Adviser’s endorsement/recommendation.
• An Extended Abstract of a research work.

Procedures for the Extended Abstract :

Theme: “Sales Excellence in the Era of Technological and Social Transformations”.

Potential and non-exhaustive subthemes:

• Technological Integration: Exploring the impact of AI, data analytics, and digital transformation on sales strategies and processes.
• Customer Centricity: Building strong customer relationships, delivering exceptional experiences, and adhering to ethical sales practices.
• Future of Sales: Examining emerging trends, sustainability, and the influence of remote work on sales.
• Cultural and Social Factors: Investigating the impact of diversity, inclusivity, and societal shifts on sales practices and outcomes.
• Sales Enablement: Exploring tools, resources, and strategies to empower sales teams and enhance their effectiveness.
• Sales Leadership: Examining the role of influential sales leaders in fostering a high-performing sales culture.
• Sales Metrics and Measurement: Investigating key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for evaluating sales effectiveness and driving continuous improvement.
• Salesperson Well-Being: Investigating the role of mental health, work-life balance, and organizational support in promoting the well-being and productivity of sales professionals.
• Sales Education and Training: Exploring innovative approaches to sales education, professional development, and the impact of training programs on sales performance and career progression.
• Key Account Management: Investigating best practices for managing strategic accounts, fostering collaboration, and delivering tailored value propositions to key clients.
• Relationship Marketing: Investigating strategies for building and maintaining long-term customer relationships through trust, loyalty, and personalized engagement in both consumer and business contexts.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Exploring the integration of artificial intelligence in CRM systems to enhance customer insights, automate personalized interactions, and optimize sales processes for improved relationship management.
• B2B Marketing: Exploring the evolving role of buyer-seller relationships, value co-creation, and strategic partnerships in business-to-business marketing environments.

Preparation Guidelines:

• The extended abstract must summarize a doctoral research project (i.e., a thesis/dissertation) and be authored by a doctoral student.
• Three key concerns or questions you would like reviewers to consider when they critique your thesis work.
• The maximum length for a submission is 10 pages (excluding cover sheet, references, and appendices).
• The extended abstract must include a single-spaced summary (no more than 100 words).
• Format – A4, Margin 1 inch on all sides, Times New Roman 12 points, Single Line Spacing.
• Please submit your structured abstract to gssi25@iimshillong.ac.in before January 24, 2025. The subject of your e-mail must be “Doctoral Colloquium submission”.

The submitted works will undergo a selection process, during which they will be evaluated for their scholarly merit, alignment with the Colloquium’s thematic focus, and potential contribution to the academic literature in sales, sales management and marketing.

Registration Process:

To be announced.

Note: Doctoral students who do not participate in the Doctoral Colloquium will be required to pay the standard conference registration fee to attend the Conference.

What to Expect:

• Presentation: Doctoral students will have the chance to discuss ongoing or planned research.
• Feedback: Participants will receive detailed and constructive feedback from a panel of distinguished research mentors.
• Discussion: There will be opportunities to discuss open challenges and receive fresh perspectives from experts and fellow scholars.
• Sessions: There will be sessions on (i) strategies for advancing your research, (ii) novel methodological techniques, (iii) navigating the publications process in the top journals, and (iv) building pathways to successful academic careers.

Important Dates

Doctoral Student Papers

In addition to participating in the Doctoral Colloquium, doctoral students are also invited to submit a paper, which may be co-authored, for consideration in the main conference program. See the 2025 Global Sales Science Institute Conference Call for Papers. The submission deadline for the Doctoral Student Papers will be January 12, 2025.

Reaching Shillong by flight typically involves traveling to Guwahati, the nearest major airport, located approximately 100 km from Shillong. Visitors can fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and then take a connecting flight to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. From there, Shillong is about a 2.5-3 hour drive.

Taxi services are readily available from Guwahati to Shillong. Visitors can hire private cabs or opt for shared taxis, which are more economical. Taxi stands are located at the airport and bookings can also be made online for a smoother experience.

The conference will be held at IIM Shillong, Umsawli campus. This picturesque campus offers modern facilities and is situated in a serene environment, making it an ideal location for the event.

You can easily find the venue on Google Maps: IIM Shillong Umsawli Campus

We are pleased to announce that Marriott Hotel is our hospitality partner for the GSSI Conference. Special
discounted rates are available for all GSSI participants:

• Single Occupancy: INR 8,750 + GST per night
• Double Occupancy: INR 9,500 + GST per night

The rates include:

• Buffet breakfast
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Complimentary use of the pool and 24-hour gym facilities

Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong
Police Bazar East Kashi Hills, 793001 Shillong, India
5-star hotel
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g503702-d25103442-Reviews-Vivanta_Meghalaya_Shillong-Shillong_East_Khasi_Hills_District_Meghalaya.html

Courtyard Shillong
Jail Road, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
5-star hotel
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g503702-d25289639-Reviews-Courtyard_By_Marriott_Shillong-Shillong_East_Khasi_Hills_District_Meghalaya.html

Hotel Polo Towers
Polo Grounds, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
4-star hotel
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g503702-d501153-Reviews-Hotel_Polo_Towers-Shillong_East_Khasi_Hills_District_Meghalaya.html

The Heritage Club-Tripura Castle
Tripura Castle Rd, Risa Colony, Malki, Shillong, Meghalaya 793014
4-star hotel
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g503702-d12177328-Reviews-The_Heritage_Club_Tripura_Castle-Shillong_East_Khasi_Hills_District_Meghalaya.html

Ri Kynjai – Serneity By The Lake
U.C.C Road Ri Bhoi Uminiuh Khawn, Shillong 793103 India
4-star hotel
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g503702-d734366-Reviews-Ri_Kynjai-Shillong_East_Khasi_Hills_District_Meghalaya.html

The Shillong Address
GS Road LPL Centre Point, Police Bazar, Shillong 793001 India
4-star hotel
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g503702-d27154128-Reviews-The_Shillong_Address-Shillong_East_Khasi_Hills_District_Meghalaya.html

The Centre Point
The Centre Point, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
4-star hotel
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g503702-d501154-Reviews-The_Centre_Point-Shillong_East_Khasi_Hills_District_Meghalaya.html

M Crown Hotel
MarBa Hub, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
4-star hotel
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g503702-d14046815-Reviews-M_crown_Hotel-Shillong_East_Khasi_Hills_District_Meghalaya.html

IIM Shillong is located in the heart of Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, roughly 120 kilometers from Guwahati.
Following is a map from Guwahati airport to the IIM Shillong, Umsawli Campus. Click on the link and navigate
comfortably.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dLXrrk9SWamNf16z6
For further ease, here are the contact details for cab facilities:
Mr. Babit- +91 7005603541

• Waterproof Trekking Shoes
• Umbrella
• Raincoat
• Bag pack
• Cash

Explore more about Meghalaya here: https://www.meghalayatourism.in/

The conference will be held at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong, in India. IIM Shillong, the 7^th IIM in India, has been set up with a vision to become an internationally recognized Management Institute with a Global outlook grounded in Indian values. From its inception, it has constantly worked towards a lofty mission to generate and disseminate knowledge in all aspects of management education, focusing on sustainability and building innovative leadership.

The conference fee for regular conference participants will be at $530 (early bird). Doctoral students will have a different fee structure, which will be determined in the following weeks.

• During process of payment participants must specify their name, email ID and contact number.
• Payment link will be open till 11:59 pm on 14.04.2025 for early bird and 25.05.2025 for the rest.
• The participants need to print /save the payment receipt automatically generated for confirmation of payment .Physical receipt will not be issued from the Institute.

• Registrations fees for Foreign Participants:
  • Early Bird Rate (before April 15, 2025) – $530 (Faculty and Industry Professionals) Payment Link
  • Doctoral Student Rate (Doctoral Colloquium participation Only) – $85 Payment Link
  • Doctoral Student Rate (Doctoral Colloquium and GSSI Conference) – $130 Payment Link
  • Accompanying person rate (spouse/partner) – $130 Payment Link

  Registrations fees for Indian Participants:

  • Early Bird Rate (before April 15, 2025) – ₹ 44500/- (Faculty and Industry Professionals) Payment Link
  • Doctoral Student Rate (Doctoral Colloquium participation Only) – ₹ 7100/- Payment Link
  • Doctoral Student Rate (Doctoral Colloquium and GSSI Conference) – ₹ 10900/- Payment Link
  • Accompanying person rate (spouse/partner) – ₹ 10900/- Payment Link

• International travellers whose sole objective for visiting India is recreation, sight seeing,casual visit to meet friends and relatives, attending a short term yoga programme,Short term courses on local languages, music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, medicine etc. which should not be a formal or structured course/programme (courses not exceeding 6 months duration and not issued with a qualifying certificate/ diploma etc),Voluntary work of short duration (for a maximum period of one month, which do not involve any monetary payment or consideration of any kind in return), medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine, business purpose, as attendant to e-Medical visa holder, attending a conference/ seminar/ workshop organized by a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, State Governments or UT Administrations etc. & their subordinate/ attached organizations & PSUs and private conferences organized by private persons/companies/organizations.
• Applicant’s passport should have at least six months validity at the time of making application for grant of e-Visa.
• International Travellers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket,with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.
• International Travellers having Pakistani Passport or Pakistani origin may please apply for regular Visa at Indian Mission.
• Not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders or Laissez-passer travel document holders.
• Not available to individuals endorsed on Parent’s/Spouse’s Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.
• Not available to International Travel Document Holders other than Passport.

If you are a national of any following countries, you are eligible for eVisa.