Event Management
(Previously published as Festival Management & Event Tourism)
Editor-in-Chief: Mike Duignan
www.MikeDuignan.com
Volume 30, 2026
ISSN: 1525-9951; E-ISSN: 1943-4308
Softbound
8 numbers per volume
Available Formats: Online, Online + Hard Copy
Journal Impact Factor: 2026 (2025 data) – 2
Journal Citation Indicator: 2026 (2025 data) – 0.5
CiteScore 2025: 3.6
View CiteScore for Event Management
Go to previously published journal, Festival Management & Event Tourism
A welcome to the journal by Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Mike Duignan.
Journal Activity
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Table of Contents: 10,639
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Aims & Scope
Event Management is the leading peer-reviewed international journal for the study and analysis of events and festivals, meeting the research and educational needs of this rapidly growing industry for more than 20 years.
We:
- Publish high-quality interdisciplinary event studies work and therefore promote a broad spectrum of theoretical perspectives from management and organizational studies to sociology and social science.
- Encourage the study of all kinds of physical, digital, and hybrid events from small- to large-scale cultural and sporting events, festivals, meetings, conventions, exhibitions, to expositions, across a range of geographical and cultural contexts.
- Actively support authors to take a critical perspective concerning the power and potential of events as a force for social, economic, and environmental good, while challenging where events can do better and make a positive contribution to society.
- Promote bold, interesting, relevant research problems and questions. Examples include why events play a key role for individual and collective transformational experiences; how social movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #Metoo can be advanced by attaching to events like the Academy Awards; through to the way large-scale events are leveraged for urban regeneration and community development.
- Believe research insights are integral to high-quality learning and teaching and we encourage all authors to transform manuscript into a set of Event Management branded PowerPoint slides for colleagues to integrate into research informed and hybrid teaching approaches. Where provided by authors, slides will feature alongside each published manuscript for ease. All subscribing organizations and authors will have access to this library of learning and teaching content.
We offer authors four routes to publication, with simple submission guideline (see “Submission guidelines” tab).
- Research article – a traditional submission route of up to 10,000 words focused on contributing to theory.
- Research note – a short note of up to 2,000 words focused on providing novel and/or innovative insights to contribute to our body of theory and/or empirical knowledge. These can also include debates and/or commentaries.
- Event case study – a new route of up to 10,000 words providing in-depth empirical insights and application of existing theoretical ideas to a specific event or series of events.
- Event education – a new route of up to 10,000 words providing in-depth insights into events-related education policy and/or practice for colleagues to support high-quality international learning and teaching experiences.
Event Management is governed by a high-quality editorial board consisting of international leading experts across a range of disciplines and fields, including events, tourism, sport, hospitality, to business studies (see “Editorial board” tab).
Our double-blind peer review process is rigorous and supportive.
STEP 1: All manuscripts submitted to Event Management will go through a rigorous screening process by either the Editor-in-Chief or Deputy Editors to be desk rejected or progressed to one of 40+ Associate Editors who handle the review process.
STEP 2: An Associate Editor reviews the manuscript and decides whether to progress or rejected. If progressed, 2-3 members of the Editorial Advisory Board or those with appropriate expertise are invited to review with an average 2-3 rounds of peer review. Authors have 8 weeks to revise and resubmit for each round of peer review.
STEP 3: Toward the end of peer review the Associate Editor recommends a final decision to the Editor-in-Chief or Deputy Editor who makes the final decision and provides final constructive feedback where appropriate.
STEP 4: Manuscripts accepted are swiftly uploaded to our “Fast Track” system with a DOI while our editorial assistants work with authors to deal with author queries before final manuscripts are made available. FINAL PUBLISHED ARTICLES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AS FREE ACCESS (at no charge) ON INGENTA CONNECT FOR A PERIOD OF 15 DAYS and will be actively promoted by our Social Media Editor who works with authors to create a short tweet and author video alongside free links to promote colleagues’ work, across our Twitter and LinkedIn sites. (After the 15 days manuscripts will only be available to subscribers, unless the author has paid for the Open Access option.)
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mike Duignan
Professeur
University of Paris 1 (Pantheon-Sorbonne)
Paris, France
michael.duignan@univ-paris1.fr
www.mikeduignan.com
Deputy Editors
Leonie Lockstone-Binney, Griffith University, Australia
James Kennell, University of Surrey, UK
David McGillivray, University of the West of Scotland, UK
Milena Parent, University of Ottawa, Canada
Luke Potwarka, University of Waterloo, Canada
Aaron Tkaczyski, University of Queensland, Australia
Emma Wood, Leeds Beckett University, UK
Editorial Managing Editor
Awaiting Appointment
Regional Development Editor
Ubaldino Couto, Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, China – dino@iftm.edu.mo
Regional Editors
Australia and New Zealand
Clifford Lewis, Charles Sturt University, Australia – cllewis@csu.edu.au
Effie Steriopoulos, William Angliss Institute, Australia – Effie.Steriopoulos@angliss.edu.au
Canada
Christine Van Winkle, University of Manitoba, Canada – christine.vanwinkle@umanitoba.ca
Central, Western, and South Asia
Jeetesh Kumar, Taylor’s University, Malaysia – jeeteesh.kumar@taylors.edu.my
China
Chris Chen, University of Canterbury, New Zealand – chris.chen@canterbury.ac.nz
Shushu Chen, University of Birmingham, UK – s.chen.5@bham.ac.uk
Zengxian (Jason) Liang, Sun Yat-sen University, China – liangzengxian@qq.com
Ying (Tracy) Lu, University of Kentucky, USA – tracy.lu@uky.edu
East Asia
Meng Qu, Hokkaido University, Japan – meng@cats.hokudai.ac.jp
Europe
Krzysztof Celuch, Nicolas Copernicus University, Poland – kceluch@umk.pl
Kristin Hallman, German Sport University Cologne, Germany – k.hallmann@dshs-koeln.de
Martin Schnitzer, University of Innsbruck, Austria – martin.schnitzer@uibk.ac.at
Raphaela Stadler, Management Center Innsbruck, Austria – r.stadler@herts.ac.uk
North Africa and Middle East
Majd Megheirkouni, Leeds Trinity University, UK – m.megheirkouni@leedstrinity.ac.uk
Southeast Asia
Supina Supina, Bunda Mulia University, Jakarta – phinaf@gmail.com
South, Western, Eastern, and Central Africa
Kayode Aleshinloye, University of Central Florida, USA – kayode.aleshinloye@ucf.edu
Brendon Knott, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa – knottb@cput.ac.za
United Kingdom
Marcus Hansen, Liverpool John Moores University, UK – marcus.hansen@glyndwr.ac.uk
Ian Lamond, Leeds Beckett University, UK – l.lamond@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Jonathan Moss, Leeds Beckett University, UK – J.Moss@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Giulia Rossetti, Oxford Brookes University, UK – grossetti@brookes.ak.uk
United States
Ken Tsai, Iowa State University, USA – kentsai@iastate.edu
Nicholas Wise, Arizona State University, USA – nick.wise@asu.edu
Brianna Wyatt, University of Central Florida, USA
Social Media Editor
Meg Hibbins, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Podcasting Editors
Alan Fyall, University of Central Florida, USA
James Kennell, University of Surrey, UK
Awards Editor
Leonie Lockstone-Binney, Griffith University, Australia
Curated Collections Editor
Vacant position
Special Advisors
Laurence Chalip, George Mason University, USA
Alan Fyall, University of Central Florida, USA
Leo Jago, University of Surrey, UK
Adele Ladkin, Bournemouth University, UK
Stephen Page, University of Hertfordshire, UK
Holger Preuss, University of Mainz, Germany
Richard Shipway, Bournemouth University, UK
Thought Leaders
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland, UK
Sarah de Carvalho MBE, CEO, It’s a Penalty, UK
Iain Edmondson, Event Host Evaluation and Director of the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, UK
Gary Grimmer, Founder and Chairman, Gaining Edge, Canada
Alun James, 53NG, UK
Ruth Hollis, OBE, CEO, Spirit of 2012, UK
Richard Lapchick, Director, Institute for Sport and Social Justice, UK
Genevieve Leclerc, CEO, #Meet4Impact, Canada
Shona McCarthy, CEO, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, UK
Bill Morris, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, UK
John Siner, Founder, WhySportMatters, USA
Lucy Spokes, Head of Public Engagement and former Director of the Cambridge Festival of Ideas, University of Cambridge, UK
John Tasker, Founder, Massive, UK
Co-Founding Editors
Donald Getz, University of Calgary, Canada
Bruce Wicks, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Associate Editors
Tom Fletcher, Leeds Beckett University, UK (Chair of the Associate Editors Board)
Kayode Aleshinloye, University of Central Florida, USA
Jane Ali-Knight, Edinburgh Napier University, UK
Charles Arcodia, Griffith University, Australia
Sandro Carnicelli, University of the West of Scotland, UK
Krzysztof Celuch, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland
Monica Cerdan Chiscano, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Spain
Willem Coetzee, Western Sydney University, Australia
Alba Colombo, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Spain
Simon Darcy, University Technology Sydney, Australia
Kate Dashper, Leeds Beckett University, UK
Leon Davis, University of Chester, UK
Tracey Dickson, University of Canberra, Australia
Sally Everett, Kings College London, UK
Sheranne Fairley, The University of Queensland, Australia
Kevin Filo, Griffith University, Australia
Rebecca Finkel, Queen Margaret University, UK
Chris Gaffney, New York University, USA
Sandra Goh, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Kirsten Holmes, Curtin University, Australia
Kiki Kaplanindou, University of Florida, USA
Donna Kelly, New York University, USA
Zengxian (Jason) Liang, Sun Yat-sen University, China
Qiuju (Betty) Luo, Sun Yat-sen University, China
Eleni Michopoulou, University of Derby, UK
Mona Mirehie, Indiana University, USA
Laura Misener, Western University, Canada
Bri Newland, New York University, USA
Ilaria Pappalepore, University of Westminster, UK
Nikolaos Pappas, University of Sunderland, UK
Vanessa Ratten, La Trobe University, Australia
Martin Robertson, Edinburgh Napier University, UK
Martin Schnitzer, University of Innsbruck, Austria
Louise Todd, Edinburgh Napier University, UK
Oscar Vorobjovas-Pinta, University of Tasmania, Australia
Lewis Walsh, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
Nicholas Wise, Arizona State University, USA
Jinsheng (Jason) Zhu, Guilin Tourism University and Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Vassillios Ziakas, University of Liverpool, UK
Editorial Advisory Board
Rutendo Musikavanhu, Coventry University, UK (Chair of the Editorial Advisory Board)
Emma Abson, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
Eylin Aktaş, Pamukkale University, Turkey
John Armbrecht, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Jarrett Bachman, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Canada
Ken Backman, Clemson University, USA
Sheila Backman, Clemson University, USA
Carissa Baker, University of Central Florida, USA
Jina Hyejin Bang, Florida International University, USA
Rui Biscaia, University of Bath, UK
Charles Bladen, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
Soyoung Boo, Georgia State University, USA
Glenn Bowdin, Leeds Beckett University, UK
Ian Brittain, Coventry University, UK
Alyssa Brown, University of Sunderland, UK
Federica Burini, University of Bergamo, Italy
Jean-Loup Chappelet, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
Guangzhou Chen, University of New Hampshire, USA
Gyoyang Chen, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
Brianna Clark, High Point University, USA
Diana (Dee) Clayton, Oxford Brookes University, UK
J. Andres Coca-Stefaniak, University of Greenwich, UK
Rui Costa, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Juliet Davis, Cardiff University, UK
Leon Davis, Teeside University, UK
Emma Delaney, University of Surrey, UK
Valerio Della Salla, University of Bologna, UK
Anthony Dixon, Troy University, USA
Simon Down, University of Birmingham, UK and Högskolan Kristianstad, Sweden
Colin Drake, Victoria University, Australia
Jason Draper, University of Houston, USA
Martin Falk, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway
Jonathan Fry, Aberystwyth University, Wales
Dalia Abdelrahman Farrag, Qatar University, Qatar
Nicole Ferdinand, Oxford Brookes University, UK
Miriam Firth, University of Manchester, UK
Jenny Flynn, University of the West Scotland, UK
Carmel Foley, University Technology Sydney, Australia
Susanne Gellweiler, Dresden School of Management, Germany
David Gogishvili, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
John Gold, University College of London, UK
Barbara Grabher, University of Graz, Austria
Jeannie Hahm, University of Central Florida, USA
Kirsten Hallman, German Sport University Cologne, Germany
Elizabeth Halpenny, University of Alberta, Canada
Marcus Hansen, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
Luke Harris, University of Birmingham, UK
Najmeh Hassanli, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Burcin Hatipoglu, University New South Wales, Australia
Ted Hayduck, New York University, USA
Christopher Hautbois, University of Paris, France
Claire Haven-Tang, Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, University of South Australia, Australia
Yoshifusa Ichii, Ritsumeikan University, Japan
Jiyoung Im, Oklahoma State University, USA
Dewi Jaimangal-Jones, Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
David Jarman, Edinburgh Napier University, UK
Allan Jepson, Herts University, UK
Shinyong (Shawn) Jung, Purdue University, USA
Eva Kassens-Noor, Michigan State University, USA
Jamie Kenyon, Loughborough University, UK
Seth Kirby, Nottingham Trent University, UK
Brendon Knott, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa
Nicole Koenig-Lewis, Cardiff University, UK
Joerg Koenigstorfer, Technical University of Munich, Germany
Maximiliano Korstanje, University of Palermo, Argentina
Niki Koutrou, Bournemouth University, UK
Martinettte Kruger, North-West University, South Africa
Jeetesh Kumar, Taylor’s University, Malaysia
Ian Lamond, Leeds Beckett University, UK
Clifford Lewis, Charles Sturt University, Australia
Jason Li, Sun Yat-sen University, China
Landy Lu, University of Minnesota, USA
Ying (Tracy) Lu, University of Kentucky, USA
Mervi Luonila, Center for Cultural Policy Research, Finland
Erik Lundberg, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Emily Mace, Angila Ruskin University, UK
Judith Mair, University of Queensland, Australia
Matt McDowell, University of Edinburgh, UK
Majd Megheirkouni, Leeds Trinity University, UK
Mona Mirehie, Indiana University, USA
Jonathan Moss, Leeds Beckett University, UK
James Musgrave, Leeds Beckett University, UK
Barbara Neuhofer, University of Salzburg, Austria
Margarida Abreu Novais, Griffith University, Australia
Pau Obrador, Northumbria University, UK
Danny O’Brien, Bond University, Australia
Eric D. Olson, Metropolitan State University of Denver, USA
Faith Ong, University of Queensland, Australia
Emilio Fernandez Pena, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain
Marko Perić, University of Rijeka, Croatia
Olga Polyakova, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
Hongxia Qi, Victoria University Wellington, New Zealand
Meng Qu (Mo), Hokkaido University, Japan
Bernadette Quinn, Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland
Tareq Rasul, Australian Institute of Business, Australia
Tiago Ribeiro, University of Lisbon, Portugal
Alector Ribiero, University of Surrey, UK
Greg Richards, Breda University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
Ivana Rihova, Edinburgh Napier University, UK
Darine Sabadova, University of Surrey, UK
Katie Schlenker, University Technology Sydney, Australia
Hugues Seraphin, Winchester University, UK
Ranjit Singh, Pondicherry University, India
Ryan Snelgrove, University of Waterloo, Canada
Sarah Snell, Edinburgh Napier University, UK
Sonny Son, University of South Australia, Australia
Raphaela Stadler, Management Center Innsbruck, Austria
Effie Steriopoulos, William Angliss Institute, Australia
Nancy Stevenson, University of Westminster, UK
Erose Sthapit, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
Ching-Hui (Joan) Su, Iowa State University, USA
Kamilla Swart-Arries, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar
Adam Talbot, Coventry University, UK
Jessica Templeton, University of Greenwich, UK
Aaron Tham, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Eleni Theodoraki, University College Dublin, UK
Jill Timms, University of Surrey, UK
Sylvia Trendafilova, University of Tennessee, USA
Danai Varveri, Metropolitan College, Greece
Peter Vlachos, University of Greenwich, UK
Trudie Walters, Canterbury Museum and Lincoln University, New Zealand
Xueli (Shirley) Wang, Tsinghua University, China
Stephen Wassong, German Sport University, Germany
Craig Webster, Ball State University, USA
Jon Welty Peachey, Gordon College, USA
Kim Werner, Hochschule Osnabrück, Germany
Mark Wickham, University of Tasmania, Australia
Jessica Wiitala, High Point University, USA
Kyle Woosnam, University of Georgia, USA
Jialin (Snow) Wu, University of Huddersfield, UK
Sakura Yamamura, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity, Germany
Nicole Yu, The University of Queensland, Australia
Pamela Zigomo, University of Greenwich, UK
PhD/ECR Editorial Board
Erik L. Lachance, University of Ottawa, Canada (Chair of the PhD/ECR Editorial Board)
Oluwaseyi Aina, University of the West of Scotland, UK
Sarah Ariai, University of Waterloo, Canada
Elizabeth Ashcroft, University of Surrey, UK
Jibin Baby, North Carolina State University, USA
Sara Belotti, University of Bergamo, Italy
Nicola Cade, University of Essex, UK
Libby Carter, Birmingham City University, UK
HsinWei Chen, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan
David Cook, Coventry University, UK
Karen Davies, Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
Skyler Fleshman, University of Florida, USA
Alexia Gignon, University of Gustave Eiffel, France
Chris Hayes, Teeside University, UK
Mu He, University of Alberta, Canada
Jie Min Ho, Curtin University, Australia
Montira Intason, Naresuan University, Thailand
Shubham Jain, University of Cambridge, UK
Orighomisan Jekhine, Leeds Beckett University, UK
Denise Kamyuka, Western University, Canada
Wanwisa Khampanya, University of Surrey, UK
Jason King, Leeds Beckett University, UK
Truc Le, Griffith University, Australia
Kelly McManus, University of Waterloo, Canada
Karina Mukanova, International University of Monaco, Monaco
Adam Pappas, University of Waterloo, Canada
Heelye Park, Iowa State University, USA
Jihye Park, University of Central Florida, USA
Erin Pearson, Western University, Canada
Kanokwan Phoaroon, University of Surrey, UK
Benedetta Piccio, Edinburgh Napier University, UK
Juliana Rodrigues Vieira Tkatch, University of Las Vegas (Nevada), USA
Claire Roe, University of Derby, UK
Briony Sharp, University of the West of Scotland, UK
Smita Singh, Metropolitan State University of Denver, USA
Darina Svobodova, University of Surrey, UK
Georgia Teare, University of Ottawa, Canada
Yann Tournesac, Leeds Beckett University, UK
Katy Tse, University of Surrey, UK
Beau Wanwisa, University of Surrey, UK
Ryutaro Yamakita, University of Ottawa, Canada
Emmy Yeung, University of Chester, UK
Ryuta Yoda, Coventry University, UK
Azadeh Zarei, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Submission Guidelines
PLEASE CLICK TO REVIEW AI POLICY BEFORE SUBMITTING
Our aim is to make initial submission to Event Management as simple as possible, for all submission routes. Authors can use the following information as a checklist before submitting.
HOW TO SUBMIT: All manuscripts to be submitted via this link:
WHAT TO SUBMIT: Authors are asked to submit four documents:
- Impact Statement
- Title page
- Manuscript
- Submission Checklist (Click here for the Submission Checklist)
Please note: After you have received the first round of peer review comments and you are responding to reviewers’ comments, please ensure you attach a ‘Response to Reviewers’ document on Step 2: File Upload. This will make it easier for the reviewers to see where changes have been made in relation to peer review comments, and how and why you have attended to all peer reviewer points.
Cover letters are optional but we do encourage authors to also provide this to help detail the theoretical, empirical, and/or practical contribution of the manuscript.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR “IMPACT STATEMENT”: up to 500 words detailing the potential or actual impact of this article on society.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR “TITLE PAGE”: Please ensure all of the following headings are present and addressed:
- Title (20 words max, in initial cap on main words and bold)
- Short title (up to 40 letters and spaces)
- Author(s) name
- Affiliation for each author (Department, Institution, City, (State), Country)
- Corresponding author identified with complete address and email address
- ORCID for all authors (if available)
- Declaration of interest
- Part of a Special Issue? If so, state the name of the Special Issue.
WHAT TO INCLUDE AND HOW TO FORMAT MANUSCRIPTS: We provide authors with the flexibility to format and organize manuscripts in they way they prefer for initial submission. Authors will then work with our editorial assistants after acceptance to conform with journal standardized format before publication. We do however have a simple checklist of things below we do require at initial submission stage:
Sections to include:
- Title (up to 20 words, in BOLD)
- Highlights (3-5 highlights, max 80 characters including spaces for each bullet point)
- Abstract (150 words max)
- Keywords (up to 8, placed immediately after the Abstract)
- A “Literature Review” and “Methodology” section must feature, unless not appropriate.
- Alternative Text EAA Compliance: In addition to each figure legend text, it is now necessary for authors to provide alternative text (AltText) for each image in their document in order for our publications to be EAA Compliant. AltText is a short description that is read by screen readers or other assistive technology. It describes the meaning of an image in digital content, mainly for readers with visual disabilities. The AltText should be provided under the regular figure legend content and should be kept short, usually 1-3 sentences to cover the key elements of the image.
Some examples of AltText can be view at: https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/describe-content-images
Formatting requirements
- Word document in Arial font, size 10 or 12.
- All manuscripts should be thoroughly checked for spelling and grammar.
- All in-text citations and References must be submitted following APA Publication Manual, 7th edition (see https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_changes_7th_edition.html and/or the 7th APA author quick guide changes).
- For a sample published article choose an open access file on the online Ingenta Connect site (https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/em)
- Double spaced, with line numbering and page numbers.
- ‘Tables’ and high quality ‘Images’ and ‘Figures’ to be uploaded as separate files (do not include figures in color unless you are paying for color figures).
- Word counts indicated below are the maximum for all sections including tables, figure legends and appendices.
- Clearly identifiable headings with no more than three levels (see example below).
Heading (centered)
Sub-heading (italic and left aligned)
Sub-sub-heading (italic and indented to the paragraph)
SUBMISSION TYPES:
- Research article (up to 10,000 words)—traditional full-length research articles contribute to theory.
- Research note (up to 2,500 words)—short pieces that are theoretically or methodologically relevant, novel and innovative that can be developed further and advanced by other scholars. Commentaries and debates can be submitted under this submission type too.
- Event case study (up to 10,000 words)—full-length empirically based research articles that rigorously apply theory but do not necessarily seek to develop theory. Authors must however stress the implications of empirical work beyond the event case study context.
- Event education (up to 10,000 words)—full-length pieces focusing on events-related learning and teaching innovation and impact on student education, experience, and performance.
GENERAL AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS EDITORS AND REVIEWERS WILL CONSIDER WHEN EVALUATING MANUSCRIPTS
General questions:
- Is there a clear research issue or problem statement presented at the beginning that establishes the “so what” factor?
- Is the theoretical, methodological, or empirical contribution of the manuscript clearly stated? And is the significance of this contribution clearly stated?
- Is the manuscript interesting, bold, and/or innovative?
- Is the theoretical framework robust, providing a good conceptual grounding in relevant literature?
- Is the methodology designed and executed in a reliable and valid way?
- Is the manuscript written in a clear and concise way (without “academese”) and accessible to academic and nonacademic audiences?
- Is the argument written in an easy to follow and logical way?
- Are there clear conceptual and practical conclusions drawn on in the latter parts of the manuscript?
- Which of the following submission routes do you think the manuscript is best suited for:
– Research article (strong theoretical or methodological contribution)
– Research Note (shortened version with a strong theoretical or methodological contribution)
– Event Case Study (limited theoretical or methodological contribution, but interesting empirical insights)
– Events Education
Specific events-related questions:
- Does the manuscript present an analysis of contemporary events-related issues?
- Does the manuscript present a balanced perspective on the power and potential of events for good or for bad?
- Do you think this manuscript helps advance events research: how and why?
- Are there clear and well-justified recommendations to help advance the policy and practice of events in the future?
- Does the manuscript present a future academic research agenda that seeks to push the boundaries of events research?
- Is it clear how either descriptive or conceptual features of the event in question impacts on the empirical phenomenon in question? (In other words, does the author position the event simply as the “background” or “context” or are distinct features of the event recognized?)
NB: We ask this last question because in Event Management journal we want continue building a more conceptual understanding as to why events and festivals are particularly interesting organizational constructs to advance theory and knowledge, over let’s say other types of organizations like businesses or government institutions.
Editorial Board Member Disclosure: Authors who are members of the Editorial Board of Event Management must explicitly disclose this role when submitting a manuscript to the journal.
Transparency regarding editorial affiliations maintains trust in the peer review process and supports the integrity of the scientific record.
Editorial Board members who submit manuscripts must include a statement confirming that they had no involvement in the peer review or editorial decision-making process for their own submission
Inclusive and Bias-Free Language: Authors should ensure that their manuscript is free from bias, conveys respect to all people, is sensitive to differences, and does not indicate cultural dominance or make cultural assumptions. Use appropriate and unbiased language descriptors regarding age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other personal factors. Consult Chapter 5 of the 7th edition of Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for bias-free language guidelines.
ONLINE FAST-TRACK PUBLICATION
Accepted manuscripts will be loaded to Fast Track with DOI links online. Fast Track is an early e-pub system whereby subscribers to the journal can start reading and citing the articles prior to their inclusion in a journal issue. Please note that articles published in Fast Track are not the final print publication with proofs. Once the accepted manuscript is ready to publish in an issue of the journal, the corresponding author will receive a proof from our Production Department for approval. Once approved and published, the Fast Track version of the manuscript is deleted and replaced with the final published article. Online Fast Track publication ensures that the accepted manuscripts can be read and cited as quickly as possible.
COPYRIGHT
- Use of Copyright Material: Authors must attest their manuscript contains original work and provide proof of permission to reproduce any content(artwork, photographs, tables, etc.) in connection with their manuscript, also ensuring their work does not infringe on any copyright and that they have obtained permission for its use. It is important to note that any and all materials obtain via the Internet/social media (including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) fall under all copyright rules and regulations and permission for use must be obtained prior to publication.
- Copyright: Publications are copyrighted for the protection of authors and the publisher. A Transfer of Copyright Agreement will be sent to the author whose manuscript is accepted. The form must be completed and returned with the final manuscript files(s).
AUTHOR OPTIONS
Articles appearing in Event Management are available to be open access and may also contain color figures (not a condition for publication). Authors will be provided with an Author Option Form, which indicates the following options. The form must be completed and returned with the final manuscript file(s) even if the answer is “No” to the options. This form serves as confirmation of your choice for the options.
A Voluntary Submission Fee of $125.00 includes one free page of color and a 50% discount on additional color pages (color is discounted to $50.00 per color page). (Not a condition for publication).
Open Access is available for a fee of $200.00. Color would be discounted to $50.00 per color page. (Not a condition for publication).
The use of Color Figures in articles is an important feature. Your article may contain figures that should be printed in color. Color figures are available for a cost of $100.00 per color page. This amount would be discounted to $50.00 per color page if choosing to pay the voluntary submission fee or the open access option as indicated above. (Not a condition for publication).
If you choose any of the above options, a form will be sent with the amount due based on your selection, at proof stage. This form will need to be completed and returned with payment information and any corrections to the proof, prior to publication.
PAGE PROOFS
Page proofs will be sent electronically to the designated corresponding author prior to publication. Minor changes only are allowed at this stage. The designated corresponding author will receive a free pdf file of the final press article sent by email after the issue is published.
DISCLAIMER
Although every effort is made by the publisher and editorial board to see that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinion, or statement appears in this Journal, they wish to make it clear that the data and opinions appearing in the articles and advertisements herein are the sole responsibility of the contributor or advertiser concerned. Accordingly, the publisher, the editorial board, editors, and their respective employees, officers, and agents accept no responsibility or liabilitywhatsoever for the consequences of any such inaccurate or misleading data, opinion, or statement.
Access Current Articles (Volume 30, Number 5)
Volume 30, Number 5
Social Media as a Disrupter: Impact on Event Experience – 679
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17551312270878
Libby Carter* and Lara Spiteri Cornish†
*Department of Management, Business and Marketing, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
†School of Marketing and Management, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
This article investigates the impact of social media as a potential distraction during live events, analyzing how it disrupts audience immersion in the event and contributes to potential postevent regret. Specifically, it explores how the use of social media during an event can lead individuals to feel as though they missed critical aspects of the experience, subsequently resulting in regret over their divided attention. Social media platforms, often encouraged in live events, serve to extend the event experience beyond the physical environment, enhancing participation and community engagement. However, these platforms may also function as distractions, diverting attention away from the event itself and undermining the depth of engagement. This study proposes a conceptual framework that integrates distraction–conflict theory, attention and immersion theory, and the theory of regret to explore how social media usage can create an attention conflict during events, leading to diminished immersion and potential feelings of regret. Through a review of existing literature and theoretical frameworks, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between social media engagement and event experiences, highlighting how the intersection of social media, immersion, and distraction can influence event satisfaction and emotional outcomes such as regret.
Key words: Immersion; Social media; Live events; Distraction–conflict; Regret
OPEN ACCESS
Festivals and the Mediation of Life Crisis – 693
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17580191376135
Peter B. Howarth and Rowena M. L. Hawkins
School of the Arts, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
Do arts festivals help participants face critical moments in their personal lives? Picard defines the global purpose of the festival as the mediation of life crisis, but vulnerability and crisis do not appear often in festivals research. Discussing why, we argue that creative research methods may disclose hidden aspects of the process by which such crises are being recognized and mediated. A photo elicitation study of poetry audiences at UK festivals revealed that more half also felt their whole experience had been nudging them towards recognizing change; 15% felt it had been transformational. Attention to the verbal and visual chains linking different events shows how festival décor, encounters with strangers, and art events all combine to process inner change in a composite, developing awareness. Using two case studies, we argue that photo elicitation narratives can capture the festival process of the mediation of life crisis as it is still happening.
Key words: Festivals; Creative research methods; Change and transformation; Photo elicitation; Poetry
Legacy Relative to Opportunity: A New Framework for Assessing the Event Hosting Legacy of Mega-Events – 709
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17551312270850
Judith Mair,* Leonie Lockstone-Binney,† and Kirsten Holmes‡
*The UQ Business School, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
†Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
‡School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia
Event hosting legacies, the ability of host cities to capitalize on mega-event hosting and utilize the acquired skills, knowledge, and networks to secure an ongoing track record of event hosting, is a form of social legacy that has received limited dedicated study to date. The literature hints at the realization of such legacies but this evidence base is patchy and the factors influencing legacy generation are largely unknown. This study seeks to address this gap by retrospectively applying a set of event hosting legacy indicators recently developed by Lockstone-Binney et al. to investigate the event hosting legacies of Olympic Summer Games and Olympic Winter Games Host Cities over the period 1988–2000. The cross-case analysis revealed that event hosting legacies were not homogenous across host cities, with some having strong (Calgary, Seoul, Barcelona, Sydney), moderate (Albertville, Lillehammer, Atlanta), and limited (Nagano) evidence to support an event hosting legacy. The cross-case analysis revealed that a hosting legacy was influenced by structural and enabling contextual factors, which determine the extent to which legacy can be realized relative to opportunity.
Key words: Event hosting legacy; Olympics; Structural factors; Enabling factors
OPEN ACCESS
A Global View of Sports Events: Scopes and Criteria for Defining Typology – 725
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17580191376144
Juan Antonio Sánchez-Sáez,*† Francisco Segado-Segado,‡ Carlos Garulo Ramon,§ Maira Ulloa-Hernández,* and Daniel Duclos-Bastías*¶
*METIS Research Lab, Facultad de Negocios y Tecnología, Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio (UAX), Madrid, Spain
†Universidad Camilo José Cela (UCJC), Madrid, Spain
‡Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
§Institute of Protocol Studies, Alacant, Spain
¶iGEO, Escuela de Educación Física, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile
The growth of sports event organization worldwide has led to extensive literature on the topic. Documentary analysis reveals a lack of consistency in classifying sports events, so this article aims to determine the areas of definition of sports events and the criteria to be considered in a classification of specific typologies. A conceptual research was applied as a methodology that uses observation and analysis of existing information on a given topic. A proposal was obtained for areas and criteria to be considered to classify sports events for the evaluation of both mega-events and local events, contributing to decision-making by event organizers that allows them to establish the needs for good management. In short, it could be concluded that it is not feasible to elaborate a universal and consensual classification of the typology of sport events due to the multitude of criteria included in each of them.
Key words: Characteristics of sports events; Local events; Mega-events; Sports management; Sports organizations
“From Campus to Virtuality”: Evaluating Metaverse Job Fair Student’s Acceptance Using the TAM Model – 741
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X1758019137622
Salma Mahouachi* and Rim Gouia-Zarrad†
*Mediterranean School of Business, South Mediterranean University, Tunis, Tunisia
†Mediterranean Institute of Technology, South Mediterranean University, MedTech, Tunis, Tunisia
This study explores the potential of the metaverse as a pioneering platform for job fairs in Tunisia, North Africa, by examining university students’ expectations and acceptance of such virtual events. Addressing a critical gap in event management research within emerging markets, the study applies the technology acceptance model (TAM) to assess the factors influencing adoption. Data was collected from 188 students who attended a metaverse-based job fair and analyzed using PLS-SEM. Results reveal that perceived usefulness, ease of use, and enjoyment significantly influence students’ attitudes and behavioral intentions. Participants expressed a positive outlook toward virtual job fairs, valuing their accessibility and innovative format. This research offers one of the first empirical insights into the application of immersive technologies for career-related events in North Africa, providing implications for event organizers, educators, and policymakers. It contributes to the growing discourse on digitalization and its transformative potential in the event management landscape of developing regions.
Key words: Metaverse; Virtual job fairs; Africa; Technology acceptance model (TAM); Student acceptance; Partial least squares (PLS)
Napoli’s Serie A Win: Regional and Multisectoral Economic Impacts – 757
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17580191376117
Claudio Socci,* Antonio Garofalo,† Stefano Deriu,* and Ludovica Almonti*
*Department of Economics and Law, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
†Department of Economic and Legal Studies, University of Naples Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
In 2023, the Napoli football club won its third “Serie A” Italian championship after 33 years, prompting widespread celebrations at national and international levels. The process, from team preparation to championship success, was supported by the broader “football industry.” To quantify these effects, a Social Accounting Matrix and a Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium model were constructed and developed for Campania to estimate the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of Napoli’s Serie A win on the regional circular flow of income. During the championship year, the event resulted in a 1.84% increase in regional gross domestic product, a 0.28% rise in the employment rate, and a 1.3% surge in household disposable income, leading to an improvement in regional welfare. Assessing the socioeconomic impacts of this event points to the potential for an acceleration in the growth trajectory of the city of Naples and the Campania region.
Key words: Sport event; Football; Sport and economic impact; CGE model; Social accounting matrix
Environmental Communication at Festivals: A Scoping Review – 775
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17580191376207
Mu He and Elizabeth Halpenny
Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Environmental communication, a subcategory of sustainability communication, has been increasingly adopted in festival settings to promote pro-environmental behaviors among stakeholders, shape a green image, and enhance a festival’s reputation. This study reviewed 37 articles published in English to identify dominant trends in this area of research. This scoping review revealed that music festivals received the most research attention compared to other types of festivals. Attendees are often the primary audience for environmental communication, with their perspectives and responses the most frequently documented. Festivals serve as an educational platform for communicating a variety of environmental topics, with waste management and climate change receiving significant attention. While some studies explored the effectiveness of different message frames (e.g., gain and loss frame) on attendees’ pro-environmental intentions, this area remains underresearched. Future studies are encouraged to test a broader range of theory-informed environmental communication interventions to advance the efficacy of environmental communications at festivals.
Key words: Festivals; Environmental communication; Environmental sustainability; Stakeholder engagement; Message framing; Theories
The Phygital Transformation of Events: A Qualitative Analysis From the Dynamic Capabilities Perspective – 797
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17645711016107
Niccolò Piccioni,* Costanza Nosi,† and Alberto Mattiacci*
*Department of Communication and Social Research (CORIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
†Department of Human Studies, LUMSA University, Rome, Italy
This study contributes to advancing understanding of the underexplored phenomenon of phygital transformation in the event industry. It develops a definition of phygital events grounded in empirical evidence and identifies the dynamic capabilities required for phygital event design and delivery. Based on 20 in-depth interviews with senior Italian event managers and guided by Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT), the findings highlight the role of narrative as a strategic integrator—aligning organizational physical and digital resources to create immersive, adaptive, and cocreated experiences. The study shows how organizations sense emerging trends, seize technological opportunities, and reconfigure internal processes to support the development of digitally enriched events. In doing so, it extends the literature on phygital service experiences and contributes to the application of DCT in event management.
Key words: Phygital transformation; Phygital event design; Dynamic capabilities; Event industry
OPEN ACCESS
Let The Music Flow: Exploring the Impact of Festivalgoers’ Happiness on Music Festival Behavioral Intentions in Indonesia – 813
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599526X17695712079020
Indrawan Indrawan,* Rosdiana Sijabat,† and Ferdi Antonio‡
*Faculty of Music, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Banten, Indonesia
†Department of Business Administration, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
‡Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Banten, Indonesia
With the rapid expansion of music festivals, several previous research gaps remain. Prior research has tended to focus on satisfaction and individual-level experiences, leaving the role of festivalgoers’ happiness and its influence on behavioral intentions underexplored, as well as overlooking the relational and communal nature of music festival experience. This study aims to explain how music flow experience and social experience influence festivalgoers’ happiness, festival revisit intention, and willingness to pay a premium ticket price. Survey data from 251 festivalgoers at three major Indonesian music festivals were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Findings show that music flow and social experience positively influence happiness, which in turn influences behavioral outcomes. These findings theoretically advance happiness as a primary emotional driver connecting music flow and social experience to behavioral intentions and practically highlight the importance of music festival that delivers immersive musical enjoyment, meaningful social connections, and communal experiences to enhance happiness and support sustainability.
Key words: Music flow experience; Social experience; Festivalgoers’ happiness; Festival revisit intention; Willingness to pay a premium ticket price
CASE STUDY
Beyond Direct Expenditure: Rethinking Event Evaluation Through the UEFA Champions League Finals – 841
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17551312270913
Dewi Jaimangal-Jones, Nick Clifton, Claire Haven-Tang, and Surraya Rowe
Welsh Centre for Tourism Research, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
This study contributes to research on event evaluation and leveraging through a case study of the 2017 UEFA Champions League Finals in Cardiff. It examines the challenges of evaluating events spanning multiple sites and days, while critically evaluating the limitations of the direct expenditure approach (DEA)—a method often required for the allocation of public funds to major events. The case highlights how academic best practices, such as computable general equilibrium and cost–benefit analysis, are frequently constrained by the priorities of event stakeholders. It argues that reliance on DEA alone risks producing narrow and incomplete assessments, overlooking broader outcomes of major sporting events. To address this, the study advocates for a more holistic approach that integrates DEA-derived key performance indicators with supplementary measures of audience experience and behavior. Such integration can strengthen benchmarking, inform decision-making, and enhance portfolio development and leveraging strategies.
Key words: Event evaluation; Event impacts; Event portfolios; Event leveraging; UEFA; Football; Champions League
Events in Southeast Asia
Guest editors:
Dr Aaron Tham
University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
mtham@usc.edu.au
Dr Ubaldino Couto
Macao University of Tourism, Macao
dino@iftm.edu.mo
Dr Jie Min Ho
Curtin University, Malaysia
Jiemin.Ho@curtin.edu.au
Assoc Prof Natasa Slak Valek
Zayed University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
natasa.slakvalek@zu.ac.ae
The events industry has evolved and continues to experience sustained growth in Asia. This is arguably attributed to the rise of the middle-class population on the continent, with the value of events expected to grow past US$550 billion by 2030. In addition, the diverse tapestry and contextual differences across the continent reveal unique attributes towards the production and consumption of events.
However, research on events in Southeast Asia, especially in particular sectors or regions such as Indochina, remains scarce. The dearth of event insights for Southeast Asia is somewhat surprising, given that the 11 countries have a combined population of almost 687.5 million (IMF, 2025).
This special issue on events in Southeast Asia is warranted to shed light on a relatively understudied area in events through the following themes (but not limited to):
- Events as a community-building vehicle
- Events and the pop-up market
- Events and sustainability in Southeast Asia
- Events and social sustainability
- Events as soft power for nations
- Events and new business models for business continuity
- Events transforming business functions (e.g. marketing, finance, human resources, strategic management, accounting, economics)
- Events in the night-time economy
- Events and new technologies (e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Metaverse)
- Events and changing attendees’ expectations and demands
- Events and creation of memorable experiences
- Event safety, and security concerns
- Event architecture and atmospherics
- Events and carbon/water footprint
- Events and emerging sports
- Event controversies and protests
- Events for all (accessibility, gender, age, minority groups)
- Events, eSports, and sponsorships
- Events as a tool for peace-making
- Event mobilities
- Event education and training
- Events and postcolonial theory and methods
- Events and responsible futures
The special issue on “Events in Southeast Asia” takes a timely perspective to examine the development of events within the region. The diverse tapestry of different cultures in Southeast Asia offers a range of different festivals and events on offer, and yet, little is known about the intricacies and nuances of event research within the region. Most studies to date are concentrated within the sphere of business events (also known as the M.I.C.E industry), with scholars examining the Southeast Asian context due to their economic potential (inter alia Lockstone-Binney et al., 2014; Mena-Navarro et al., 2024; Nwobodo et al., 2020). However, other aspects of event studies have since emerged, painting more nuanced insights as to the impacts that events have on the wider community, and the application of other frameworks such as crisis management and memorability to Southeast Asian settings (see, for instance, Ghaderi et al., 2024; Intason et al., 2023; Ong & Goh, 2018; Tham & Sin, 2025). This comes amidst the backdrop of Southeast Asia hosting several new editions of global events, such as Tomorrowland in Bangkok, Thailand (Sekkappan, 2025), and the inaugural fintech event, Money 20/20 (Ajanapanya, 2024). The events sector is zooming in to tap into an emerging market in Southeast Asia, given the size of the population and the rise of its middle-income society. Prompted by the extant body of literature (or lack thereof), this special issue invites scholars to submit their event research manuscripts for the journal to elucidate further insights into the scope of event scholarship within Southeast Asian perspectives.
Submission Guidelines
Please submit the papers to the journal’s online platform at the Special Issue Theme: Events in Southeast Asia.
The submission link is: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/eventmanagement
Submission of initial interest via a 250 word Abstract: 31st March 2026
Submission of working article to get Guest Editor feedback: 30th June 2026
Submission of full article to EMJ’s ScholarOne: 30th September 2026
Submission of ideal publish date of the full Special Issue: 31st December 2026
References
Ajanapanya, N. (2024, April 24). Fintech industry turns out for Asia Money 20/20. The Nation. https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40037489
Ghaderi, Z., Holden, G. A., Abhari, S., Beal, L., Behboodi, Z. (2024). Crisis management, resilience, and organizational learning in the event management sector: An insight from Malaysia. Event Management, 28(2), 311-327. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599523X16957834460330
Intason, M., Coetzee, W., & Lee, C. (2023). The cocreation of the Songkran Festival in Thailand and the codestruction of its cultural significance. Event Management, 27(2), 237-251. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599521X16367300695708
International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2025). Population – Millions of people. https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/LP@WEO/VNM/IDN/PHL/MMR/MYS/KHM/LAO/THA/SGP/BRN/TLS
Lockstone-Binney, L., Whitelaw, P., Robertson, M., Junek, O., & Michael, I. (2014). The motives of ambassadors in bidding for international association meetings and events. Event Management, 18(1), 65-74. http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/152599514X13883555341931
Mena-Navarro, A., Almeida-García, F., & Cortés-Macías, R. (2024). The role of the MICE sector in Singapore’s tourism policy. A historical perspective. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, 16(4), 710-730. https://doi.org/10.1080/19407963.2022.2043880
Nwobodo, S., Ngui, K. S., & Voon, M. L. (2020). Business event destination determinants: Malaysia event organizers’ perspective. Event Management, 20(1), 113-126. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599519X15506259855931
Ong, F., & Goh, S. (2018). Pink is the new gray: Events as agents of social change. Event Management, 22(6), 965-979. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599518X15346132863292
Sekkappan, C. (2025, July 9). Time to rave: Tomorrowland is coming to China and Thailand for the first time ever.TimeOut. https://www.timeout.com/asia/news/time-to-rave-tomorrowland-is-coming-to-china-and-thailand-for-the-first-time-ever-070925
Tham, A., & Sin, H. L. (2025). “You belong with me” – Taylor Swift event exclusivity and geopolitical tensions. Event Management, 29(2), 295-300. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599524X17203983597491
“Special Issue: Personalization and Immersive Experiences in Events”
The special issue is supported by the International Conference “Personalisation and Immersive Experiences in Tourism, Hospitality and Events”, which is the official conference of ATHENA (Association of Tourism Hospitality and Events Networks in Academia), and will be held from 17th -19th June 2026 in Algarve, Portugal.
Guest Editors
Dr. Eleni Michopoulou, University of Derby, United Kingdom
Email: e.michopoulou@derby.ac.uk
Prof. Nikolaos Pappas, University of Sunderland, United Kingdom
Email: nikolaos.pappas@sunderland.ac.uk
Dr. Iride Azara, University of Derby, United Kingdom
Email: i.e.azara@derby.ac.uk
Rational
The events industry is increasingly shaped by the demand for meaningful, emotionally engaging, and highly personalised experiences. Evolving attendee expectations have disrupted traditional models of event design and service delivery, as organisers face growing pressure to deliver tailored, value-driven engagements—often while navigating limited financial, technological, and staffing resources (Azara et al, 2023.) These tensions highlight a structural imbalance between the pursuit of personalisation and the operational realities of event planning and execution (Michopoulou et al, 2023)
At the same time, personalised and immersive experiences have emerged as central to creating memorable and impactful event moments (Van Winkle & Falk, 2015). Immersion in events is not limited to technological enhancements—it also includes cultural expression, participatory storytelling, social dynamics, symbolic rituals, and sensory environments (Iversen et al, 2023). Whether through interactive installations, collective performances, or the integration of augmented and virtual reality (Ngan & Lei, 2024), immersive elements deepen the attendee’s connection to the event’s theme, setting, and purpose (Sobitan & Vlachos, 2020; Azara et al, 2018). Research demonstrates that immersive experiences enhance emotional engagement, memory retention, and behavioural outcomes such as repeat attendance, brand loyalty, and social sharing.
Personalisation and immersion frequently intersect—customised experiences often heighten immersion, while immersive elements are most impactful when they reflect individual preferences, identities, or emotional triggers (Xiaolian Chen et al., 2025; Kim et al., 2024). This convergence presents both promising opportunities and critical challenges for event stakeholders (Wallace &Michopoulou, 2023), raising questions about experience design, ethics, inclusivity, and strategic resource management (Ciftci et al, 2024).
This special issue invites interdisciplinary contributions that critically examine the roles of personalisation and immersion in contemporary event contexts. Topics may include their influence on audience behaviour, experiential innovation, co-creation, and event branding, as well as broader discussions around sustainability, authenticity, and accessibility. Bridging theoretical and practical perspectives, this issue aims to provide insights for scholars and practitioners navigating the future of event experience design.
We welcome theoretical, empirical, experimental, and case study research contributions. Submissions should clearly articulate both the theoretical grounding and practical implications of the research. Conceptual and empirical work are equally encouraged.
Topics of Interest
Topics may include (but are not limited to):
- Personalised event experiences and audience behaviour
Investigating how tailored event elements influence motivation, engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty. - Cultural immersion and local engagement in events
Exploring the role of local traditions, communities, and narratives in fostering meaningful and immersive event experiences. - Co-creation and experiential design in event contexts
Examining collaborative and participatory approaches in event design, including audience involvement, user-generated content, and live storytelling. - Emotional, affective, and sensory dimensions of event experiences
Analysing psychological and emotional responses to immersive events, including multisensory engagement, collective emotion, or affective atmospheres. - Immersive technologies (e.g., AR, VR, XR) and hybrid event environments
Assessing how digital tools transform event formats, from virtual stages to interactive media and hybrid engagement platforms. - Resource constraints and operational challenges in delivering personalised events
Addressing the complexities of scaling personalisation within budgetary, staffing, or logistical limitations. - Sustainability, ethics, and inclusivity in personalised and immersive events
Exploring how events can be designed responsibly and inclusively, with attention to accessibility, diversity, and environmental impact. - Innovation, strategic positioning, and competitiveness in the event sector
Investigating how personalised and immersive strategies contribute to brand differentiation, audience growth, and sector resilience. - Audience segmentation and event typologies in relation to personalisation
Understanding how different audience groups respond to personalised experiences and what drives their engagement. - Narrative, identity, and memory in immersive events
Analysing how stories, symbolism, and personal relevance enhance attendee immersion and long-term impact. - Transformative and reflective experiences in events
Studying events that foster personal growth, healing, or spiritual transformation, such as wellness retreats, artistic residencies, or commemorative gatherings. - Measurement and evaluation of immersion and personalisation in events
Developing tools and frameworks for assessing the quality and effectiveness of immersive and personalised elements. - Workforce, training, and front-line delivery of immersive experiences
Exploring the evolving role of event staff in delivering personalised experiences, and the implications for training, wellbeing, and professional development. - Policy, governance, and strategic support for experiential events
Examining how public and private stakeholders can foster innovation in event design through funding, regulation, and strategic partnerships.
Review Process
Each paper submitted for publication consideration is subjected to the standard review process designated by the Event Management journal. Based on the recommendations of the reviewers, the Editor-in-chief along with the guest editors will decide whether particular submissions will be accepted, revised or rejected.
Submission Guidelines
Please submit the papers to the journal’s online platform at the Special Issue Theme: Personalisation and Immersive Experiences in Events.
The submission link is: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/eventmanagement
Full Paper Submission Deadline: Sunday, 15th March 2026.
Expected Publication Date: Mid or end of 2027.
Note: Please be advised that the review process will start after the submission deadline.
All papers should follow the submission guidelines of the Event Management journal. For more information please visit: Event Management
References
Azara, I., Pappas, N., and Michopoulou, E. (2023) Revisiting Value Co-Creation and Co-Destruction In Events: An Overview, Event Management, Vol. 27 (2), 157-162
Azara, I., Wiltshier, P., & Greatorex, J. (2018). Against All Odds: Embedding New Knowledge for Event Continuity and Community Well-Being. Event Management, 22(1), 25-36.
Ciftci, O., Berezina, K., & Soifer, I. (2024). Exploring privacy-personalization paradox: Facial recognition systems at business events. Computers in Human Behavior, 159, 108335.
Iversen, N. M., Foley, C., & Hem, L. E. (2023). The Role of Immersive Festival Experiences, Identity, And Memory in Cultural Heritage Tourism. Event Management, 27(1), 33-50.
Kim, E., Fredline, L., Kappelides, P., Barry, S., & Cuskelly, G. (2024). Anything Else We Should Know About You to Be a Mega-Sport Event Volunteer? From Gender and Person&Job Fit Perspectives. Event Management, 28(1), 75-89.
Michopoulou, E., Pappas, N., Azara, I. (2023) Event Innovation and Resilience During Times of Uncertainty, Event Management, Vol. 27 (4), pp. 477-480
Ngan, H. F. B., & Lei, W. S. (Clara). (2024). Examining the effects of augmented reality on sport event experiences and revisit intention: a comparative analysis between AR and non-AR users. Current Issues in Tourism, 28(4), 666–679.
Sobitan, A., & Vlachos, P. (2020). Immersive event experience and attendee motivation: a quantitative analysis using sensory, localisation, and participatory factors. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, 12(3), 437–456.
Van Winkle, C. M., & Falk, J. H. (2015). Personal Meaning Mapping at Festivals: a Useful Tool for a Challenging Context. Event Management, 19(1), 143-150.
Wallace, K., and Michopoulou, E. (2023) Stakeholder Requirements and Value Co-Creation in Events, Event Management, Vol. 27 (2), 281-299
Xiaolian Chen, S., Wu, H.-C., & Cheng, D. (2025). The Influences of Immersive Sensory Cues on Immersive Experience Recommendation Intentions in a Digital Exhibition: A Cognitive-Affective-Conative Model. Event Management, 29(2), 131-148.
Event Management (EM) Peer Review Policy
Peer review is the evaluation of scientific, academic, or professional work by others working in the same field to ensure only good scientific research is published.
In order to maintain these standards, Event Management (EM) utilizes a double-blind review process whereby the identity of the reviewers is not known to authors and the authors are not shown on the article being reviewed.
The peer review process for EM is laid out below:
STEP 1: An article is reviewed for quality, suitability and alignment to the submission formatting guidelines by the Editor-In-Chief and Deputy Editors, and authors will receive either a desk reject, or the article will be progressed to one of our Associate Editors.
STEP 2: If progressed, an Associate Editor will also review for quality and suitability. At this point they may suggest a rejection, or progress and invite reviewers to review the manuscript. We ask reviewers to submit their review within approx. 4-6 weeks (sometimes this can be quicker or slower) and decided is the paper should be an: ‘accept’, ‘minor revision’, ‘major revision’ or ‘reject’.
STEP 3: Authors will then have approx. 4-6 weeks to complete revisions and then resubmit to the journal. The peer review process will then continue until a decision is made by the Associate Editor.
STEP 4: At this point, the article will go to the Editor-In-Chief and Deputy Editors to make a final decision and suggest any final changes required before final acceptance.
STEP 5: After final acceptance, authors will then work with our editorial team to ensure that the article is correctly formatted and suitable for publication. Manuscripts will then be allocated a DOI and uploaded to our fast-track system to have a digital presence online. When the final article is uploaded, we then provide 15 DAYS FREE ACCESS to the article, which can be shared out to networks.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A REVIEWER FOR EVENT MANAGEMENT JOURNAL?
As a reviewer for Event Management you would have the benefit of reading and evaluating current research in your area of expertise at its early state, thereby contributing to the integrity of scientific exploration.
If you are interested in becoming a reviewer for EM please contact the EIC: Mike Duignan at Michael.Duignan@ucf.edu
If you review three papers for one of the Cognizant journals (Tourism Review International, Tourism Analysis, Event Management, Tourism Culture and Communication, Tourism in Marine Environments, and Gastronomy and Tourism) within a one-year period, you will qualify for a free OPEN ACCESS article in one of the above journals.
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Publishing Information
Copyright Notice: It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this Journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. By submitting a manuscript, the author(s) agree that the copyright for the article is transferred to the publisher, if and when the article is accepted for publication. The copyright covers the exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute the article, including reprints, photographic reproductions, microform, or any other reproductions of similar nature and translations. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without permission in writing from the copyright holder.
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The Item Fee Code for this publication is 1525-9951/10 $60.00
Copyright © 2026 Cognizant, LLC
Printed in the USA
Updated as of December 2025
Number of submissions: 302
Number of reviews requested: 866
Number of reviews received: 707
Approval rate: approximately 41%
Average time between submission and publication: 29 weeks
ETHICS STATEMENT
The publishers and editorial board of Event Management have adopted the publication ethics and malpractice statements of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) https://publicationethics.org/core-practices and the COPE position statement regarding Authorship and AI Tools https://publicationethics.org/cope-position-statements/ai-author. These guidelines highlight what is expected of authors and what they can expect from the reviewers and editorial board in return. They also provide details of how problems will be handled. Briefly:
Editorial Board
Event Management is governed by an international editorial board consisting of experts in event management, tourism, business, sport, and related fields. Information regarding the editorial board members is listed on the inside front cover of the printed copy of the journal in addition to the homepage for the journal at: https://www.cognizantcommunication.com/journal-titles/event-management under the “Editorial Board” tab.
This editorial board conducts most of the manuscript reviews and plays a large role in setting the standards for research and publication in the field. The Editor-in-Chief receives and processes all manuscripts and from time to time will modify the editorial board to ensure a continuous improvement in quality.
The reviewers uphold a peer review process without favoritism or prejudice to gender, sexual orientation, religious/political beliefs, nationality, or geographical origin. Each submission is given equal consideration for acceptance based only on the manuscript’s importance, originality, academic integrity, and clarity and whether it is suitable for the journal in accordance with the Aims and Scope of the journal. They must not have a conflict of interest with the author(s) or work described. The anonymity of the reviewers must be maintained.
All manuscripts are sent out for blind review and the editor/editorial board will maintain the confidentiality of author(s) and their submitted research and supporting documentation, figures, and tables and all aspects pertaining to each submission.
Reviewers are expected to not possess any conflicts of interest with the authors. They should review the manuscript objectively and provide recommendations for improvements where necessary. Any unpublished information read by a reviewer should be treated as confidential.
Authors
Manuscripts must contain original material and must not have been published previously. Material accepted for publication may not be published elsewhere without the consent of the publisher. All rights and permissions must be obtained by the contributor(s) and should be sent upon acceptance of manuscripts for publication.
References, acknowledgments, figure legends, and tables must be properly cited and authors must attest their manuscript contains original work and provide proof of permission to reproduce any content (artwork, photographs, tables, etc.) in connection with their manuscript, also ensuring their work does not infringe on any copyright and that they have obtained permission for its use. It is important to note that any and all materials obtain via the Internet/social media (including but not limited to Face Book, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) falls under all copyright rules and regulations and permission for use must be obtained prior to publication.
Authors listed on a manuscript must have made a significant contribution to the study and/or writing of the manuscript. During revisions, authors cannot be removed without their permission and that of all other authors. All authors must also agree to the addition of new authors. It is the responsibility of the corresponding author to ensure that this occurs.
Financial support and conflicts of interest for all authors must be declared.
The reported research must be novel and authentic and the author(s) should confirm that the same data has not been and is not going to be submitted to another journal (unless already rejected). Plagiarism of the text/data will not be tolerated and could result in retraction of an accepted article.
When humans, animals, or tissue derived from them have been used, then mention of the appropriate ethical approval must be included in the manuscript.
Publisher
The publishers agree to ensure, to the best of their abilities, that the information they publish is genuine and ethically sound. If publishing ethics issues come to light, not limited to accusations of fraudulent data or plagiarism, during or after the publication process, they will be investigated by the editorial board including contact with the authors’ institutions if necessary, so that a decision on the appropriate corrections, clarifications, or retractions can be made. The publishers agree to publish this as necessary so as to maintain the integrity of the academic record.