LSU Finance Mardi Gras Conference
event overview
The second-annual LSU Finance Mardi Gras Conference will unite distinguished finance scholars from across the country to share their groundbreaking research and expertise. Designed as an idea-sharing forum, the conference highlights the latest advances in finance, from retail trading to human capital and financial modeling. It provides a unique opportunity for researchers to network, exchange ideas, and gain new insights.
The conference is scheduled around the lively Mardi Gras season, offering attendees a chance to experience Louisiana’s most famous festival. Take advantage of this time to immerse yourself in the culture, parades, and celebrations that make Mardi Gras a unique and unforgettable experience.
Join us for an inspiring day of presentations, discussions, and a keynote address by Maureen O'Hara, Robert W. Purcell Professor of Finance at Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of Management, all dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration in finance research.
Date & Registration
February 7, 2026, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST
The Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU
3848 W Lakeshore Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Need help finding your way around the LSU campus? Visit the interactive map here.
Additional Information
This agenda is tentative and subject to adjustments leading up to the conference date. All times are in CST.
| Time | Event Description |
|---|---|
|
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. |
Registration |
|
8:30 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. |
Opening Remarks |
|
8:40 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. |
Session 1 "Predictive Information in Corporate Bonds for the Equity Premium" Presenter: Sophia Zhengzi Li, Rutgers University "Subjective Income Expectations and Household Debt Choices" Presenter: Xiao Yin, University College London |
|
10:20 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. |
Coffee Break |
|
10:40 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. |
Session Two "Mimicking Finance" Presenter: Quoc H. Nguyen, DePaul University "Index Disruption: The Promise and Pitfalls of Self-Indexed ETFs" Presenter: Sida Li, Brandeis University |
|
12:20 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Lunch & Keynote Address Maureen O’Hara, Cornell University Introduction by Yingmei Cheng |
|
2:20 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Session Three "Holding the Bag: Depositor Reactions to a Crypto Shadow Bank Collapse" Presenter: Ian Appel, University of Virginia "Executive Mobility in the United States, 1920–2023" Presenter: John W. Barry, Rice University |
Lodging
Dedicated room blocks will be available at the Lod Cook Hotel and Conference Center, where the conference will be held.
The Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU
3848 W Lakeshore Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 383-2665
Hotel block reservations are not available yet. Check back again soon!
Travel
For conference attendees flying into Louisiana, there are convenient options for reaching Baton Rouge.
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)
The most direct option is Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), located just 15 minutes from the city center. BTR offers daily flights from major U.S. hubs like Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, making it easy to connect from other parts of the country. Once you arrive, taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are available at the airport for a quick trip to your hotel or the conference venue.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Another option is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located about an hour's drive from Baton Rouge. MSY has a wider range of direct flights and international connections. If you fly into MSY, you can take a shuttle, rent a car, or use a rideshare service for a scenic drive along Interstate 10 to Baton Rouge. This route also offers the chance to explore more of Louisiana’s landscape on your way to the conference.
Ground Transportation
Both airports offer convenient options for reaching Baton Rouge, with car rentals, shuttles, and rideshares available at each location. We recommend booking your transportation in advance, especially during Mardi Gras season, when travel demand is higher.
Louisiana’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes offer countless experiences for visitors—and with our conference taking place just before Mardi Gras, this is the perfect time to extend your stay and immerse yourself in the spirit of Louisiana!
Consider staying for Mardi Gras over the weekend! Baton Rouge and New Orleans are alive with Mardi Gras festivities. From colorful parades and live jazz to authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine, the Mardi Gras season is an unforgettable experience steeped in history and local tradition. Learn more about Mardi Gras.