Past Conferences of Pennsylvania Economic Association (PEA)

Zachary Klingensmith (Local Arrangements): Hosting the PEA conference at Washington & Jefferson College was an enlightening and engaging experience that transcended the traditional academic sphere. This gathering served as a global platform, inviting a diverse ensemble of economists from across our state, country, and even overseas. For a fleeting few days, our college’s familiar classrooms, typically bustling with our own students, were transformed into vibrant forums of intellectual exchange. These spaces brimmed with our esteemed guests, transformed our campus into a vibrant epicenter of economic discourse and knowledge exchange. However, this event was more than a mere academic meeting—it was a celebration of camaraderie among economists. Beyond the professional discussions, a palpable sense of warmth, mutual respect, and shared curiosity echoed through the corridors, highlighting the universal language of intellectual pursuit. The conference’s energy and inclusivity mirrored the spirit of Washington & Jefferson College, serving as a testament to our commitment to academic diversity and global intellectual exchange.

• The hosting team worked their magic, exceeding expectations with a multitude of submissions.

M. Garrett Roth (Local Arrangements): The caliber of scholarship and intellectual rigor in the papers, formal feedback, and discussion of this year’s meeting elevated a “regional” conference to an event that far outsized its name and numbers.  Who wouldn’t love a crowd where you’re equally likely to discuss rural rodent control methods as the contractarian mechanics of transcending Pareto optimality?

• This was the first in-person conference after the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Despite the looming threat of the pandemic and the ever-changing policy environment, the hosting team made heroic efforts to ensure the conference ran smoothly.

Soumendra Banerjee (Local Arrangements):

COVID shocked, 

but PEA rocked.  

• PEA held its first completely online conference in 2021 despite the COVID threat. The hosting team’s innovative solutions made it a huge success.