Event Management
(Previously published as Festival Management & Event Tourism)
Editor-in-Chief: Mike Duignan
www.MikeDuignan.com
Volume 31, 2027
ISSN: 1525-9951; E-ISSN: 1943-4308
Softbound
8 numbers per volume
Available Formats: Online Only
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.
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Table of Contents: 8,536
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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 in support of the journal 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 6)
Volume 30, Number 6
Large-Scale Sport Events and Well-Being: Exploring Residents’ Preevent Perspectives – 841
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17640248309346
Jason P. Doyle,* Sarah Wymer,† Michael L. Naraine,‡ and Leonie Lockstone-Binney*
*Department of Tourism and Marketing, Griffith Business School, Gold Coast, Griffith University, Australia
†Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
‡Department of Sport Management, Brock University, St Catharines, Canada
Large-scale sport events (LSSE) are increasingly contested as host cities balance the benefits and costs of these events. Residents are a stakeholder group heavily impacted by LSSE given their rootedness in the host city over the event life cycle spanning: bid submission, awarding of host rights, preevent planning, event delivery, postevent shutdown and beyond. Yet, limited focus has been placed on understanding residents’ perceptions of LSSE impacts in the preevent period. Twenty-seven semistructured interviews, guided by Seligman’s PERMA framework, were conducted with Australian residents in 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup host cities. Findings demonstrated how four PERMA domains (positive emotions, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment) were activated. Findings advance understanding of how LSSE can positively impact residents in a phase of the event life cycle when event organizers and host governments are often not yet actively engaging with this key stakeholder group. Key theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Key words: Well-being; Event impacts; Event hosting
OPEN ACCESS
Culturally Attuned Sensoryscape for Sustainable Sports Engagement: A Framework for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics – 859
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17640248309355
Patrick L’Espoir Decosta,* Hongbo Guo,* Stephen Dann,* and Ancy Gamage†
*Research School of Management, College of Business and Economics, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
†The School of Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
Culturally attuned Sensoryscape frameworks are critical for delivering sustainable spectator engagement as Australia prepares for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. This study conducts a systematic literature review of Sensoryscape research (2010–2024), combining bibliometric analysis with the Theory, Context, Characteristics, Methodology (TCCM) framework and PRISMA protocols to map theoretical foundations, geographic and cultural coverage, key variables, and methodological approaches. The review reveals strong growth in multisensory event scholarship but a dominant Western, consumer-centric bias, limited empirical attention to Australian sport, and weak integration of Indigenous and multicultural perspectives. Drawing on secondary and gray literature, the article identifies how Australian spectatorship, rooted in communal rituals, Indigenous custodianship, and multicultural practices, challenges prevailing individualized models of sensory engagement. On this basis, it develops a culturally adaptive Sensoryscape framework that positions cultural context as the central mediator of sensory experience, links physical and digital sensory design to outcomes such as sense of home, nostalgia, and team loyalty, and highlights pathways from sensory design to sustainable legacy. Practically, the article provides a roadmap for policymakers, event organizers, and venue designers to cocreate Indigenous- and community-led sensory environments for Brisbane 2032 and outlines future research priorities to embed culturally grounded methods and longitudinal evaluation in Sensoryscape scholarship.
Key words: Sensoryscape; Sustainable engagement; Olympic Games; Indigenous inclusion; Event design; Multisensory experience
Disentangling Psychological Congestion in the Exhibition Event: An Experimental Inquiry of the Integrated Model – 883
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17645711016116
Jingjing Yang,* Xinyi Liu,† and Zhiyong Li‡
*School of Tourism and Media, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, China
†School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
‡School of Tourism, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
Crowding is a powerful factor that overwhelms human beings. For the exhibition industry, minimizing psychological congestion under the condition that the established visitors cannot be reduced is the core concern. Based on stimulus overload theory and arousal attribution theory, we established a 2 (exhibition environment: outdoors vs. indoors) × 2 (the order of visit: orderliness vs. disorderliness) between-subject scenario experimental design in a high-tech exhibition scenario to investigate the effect of exhibition conditions on tourists’ crowding perceptions. Several novel findings were obtained: 1) the exhibition environment and exhibition order affect individual perception of crowding; 2) crowding perception fully mediates only the relationship between the exhibition environment and emotion; 3) personality (introversion vs. extroversion) moderates visitors’ perceptions of crowding; and 4) visitors’ emotions fully mediate the relationship between perceived crowding and perceived value. This article provides a systematic theoretical analytical framework for understanding the phenomenon of crowding from a social and environmental psychology perspective and has practical implications for crowding management and visitor experience value optimization in the exhibition sector.
Key words: Crowding perception; Environmental orderliness; Spatial form; Extrovert and introvert visitors; Emotional response; Exhibition experience value
Linking Event Experience to Event Evangelism: An Empirical Analysis – 911
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17656876463567
Shashi Yadav
Department of Commerce, SS Dempo College (Autonomous), Cujira, Goa, India
The study explores the concept of event evangelism and investigates how event experience influences event evangelism, mediated by event commitment. A survey-based questionnaire collected 721 responses from devotees who attended the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Through literature review and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the study identifies eight key antecedents of event experience. Further, hypotheses and mediation effects were tested using PLS-SEM. Findings reveal that digital historical storytelling, spiritual motivation, service quality, and safety significantly influence event experience. Additionally, event commitment partially mediates the relationship between event experience and event evangelism. This research makes a significant theoretical contribution by applying the SOR model in the underexplored context of religious mega-events and by introducing two novel constructs: event evangelism and digital historical storytelling. On the practical front, the study provides actionable insights through importance–performance map analysis (IPMA), identifying high-impact areas such as safety and service quality that event organizers can prioritize to enhance attendees’ evangelism.
Key words: Event evangelism; Event experience, Exploratory factor analysis (EFA); PLS-SEM; Importance–performance map analysis (IPMA); Maha Kumbh Mela
OPEN ACCESS
Playing the Part: Control, Performance, and Spectacle at Live PDC Darts Events – 935
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17656876463585
Leon Davis
Chester Business School, University of Chester, Chester, UK
This article analyzes the live Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) event to explore how contemporary sport spectacles are governed through affective and communicative forms of control. Drawing on Blackshaw and Coetzee’s concept of performative governmentality and Debord’s theory of the spectacle, it examines how spontaneity and participation are choreographed within a commercial event ecology. Based on ethnographic research conducted between 2016 and 2023, the study conceptualizes a system of decentered control in which fans are both empowered and regulated. Building on Harper’s idea of communicative ontology, it argues that fans’ chants, costumes, songs, and humor constitute the event’s affective texture while serving the aims of the PDC and media broadcasters. The analysis reveals that control operates through atmosphere rather than authority, transforming spectators into cocreators of value. The article concludes by highlighting implications for event managers seeking to design participatory yet ethically governed live experiences.
Key words: Darts; Event management; Fans; Control; Spectacle
Responsible Behavior in Mega-Sports Events Under Facial Recognition Technology Surveillance – 953
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599526X17695712079039
Kijung Choi* and Eunjung Kim†
*William Angliss Institute, Melbourne, Australia
†School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
This study investigates how facial recognition technology (FRT) shapes socially responsible behavioral intentions at mega-sport events. Integrating the Technology Acceptance Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior, it examines how perceived usefulness, perceived surveillance, attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral control influence ethical conduct. Survey data from Australian event attendees were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results show that perceived usefulness significantly predicts both favorable attitudes and responsible intentions. While perceived surveillance does not directly affect attitudes, it positively shapes subjective norms and behavioral control. These findings suggest that FRT can support prosocial behavior when presented as beneficial and empowering. Organizers should prioritize not only system efficiency but also how surveillance is communicated and perceived. Normative messaging, staff modeling, and opt-in options can enhance agency and foster alignment with shared expectations. FRT should be positioned as part of a broader behavioral strategy, not solely as a security upgrade.
Key words: Facial recognition technology; Surveillance; Technology acceptance; Subjective norms; Mega-sport events; Socially responsible behavior
The Orkney 2025 International Island Games: Stakeholder Strategies for Leveraging Non-Mega-Events – 971
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599526X17695712079057
Kara A. Hanlon and Matthew L. McDowell
Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Despite concern over missed legacy opportunities, and calls for stronger leveraging, little is known about how stakeholders plan strategic approaches for non-mega-sporting events. This case study explores preevent leveraging strategies aimed at creating a sports participation legacy for the Orkney 2025 Island Games. Semistructured interviews with seven purposively selected individuals, drawn from three stakeholder groups embedded in the Games and local community, provided the data. Reflexive Thematic Analysis identified six themes: infrastructural development; coach and official development; community and school engagement; multistakeholder collaboration; funding and sponsorship; and sustainability and planning. Interviewees believed in the event’s legacy potential, but also acknowledged barriers, particularly limited funding from sponsors and government agencies, along with shortages of coaches and volunteers. While the study did not evaluate strategy success, the findings suggest that continued collaboration, and efforts to address barriers, are viewed as essential to supporting a sports participation legacy through leveraging strategies.
Key words: Non-mega-events; Sport participation legacy; Leveraging strategies; Orkney 2025 Island Games; Qualitative analysis
Curated Arts Events in Rural Communities: A Systematic Review of Contributions and Constraints for Community Development – 993
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17640248309364
Han Zhang,* Di Wu,† and Muhizam Mustafa*
*School of the Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
†School of Art and Design, Yangzhou Polytechnic Institute, Yangzhou, China
Curated arts events have emerged as site-responsive strategies for engaging rural communities, promoting local identity, and addressing sociocultural challenges in the wake of rural decline. However, despite their growing prominence, existing studies remain fragmented and lack a systematic understanding of their multifaceted roles and challenges. Conducting this review is therefore crucial for consolidating current knowledge and identifying patterns across diverse cases. This systematic review synthesizes 25 studies to assess how these events contribute to rural development while facing persistent constraints. Analysis reveals nine themes across two dimensions: functional contributions, including community engagement, cultural revitalization, economic impact, spatial renewal, and social innovation, and structural constraints, such as limited community agency, overreliance on external resources, overtourism, and cultural dissonance. Findings underscore the importance of inclusive curatorial governance, co-decision-making processes, and fostering a sense of place attachment among visitors and residents. These insights can inform the planning and sustainability of future cultural events in rural areas, offering implications for event managers, community stakeholders, and policy designers.
Key words: Curated arts events; Rural community development; Community engagement; Event sustainability; Arts management
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599526X17695712079093
Leonore van den Ende* and Marije Galama†
*Organization Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
†People Strategy Consultancy, Effectory International, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Despite the growing body of research on implementing innovative and sustainable practices at festivals, few studies in event management have explored how festivals can be organized to accelerate innovation and transition both within and beyond the event. This research addresses this gap by examining how festivals can be conceptualized and organized as “living labs” for testing and developing sustainable innovations that can contribute to societal transitions. A living lab is a real-world open innovation ecosystem where diverse stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, municipalities, researchers, and end-users, cocreate innovations. This study uses a qualitative approach to analyze festivals, organizations, and practitioners in the Dutch events industry that employ a living-lab approach to innovate events. The findings contribute to festival and event management by demonstrating that festivals can serve as powerful platforms for engaging diverse stakeholders, changing behavior, and fostering broader social and ecological change through event-based innovation that extends beyond the event itself.
RESEARCH NOTE
https://doi.org/10.3727/152599525X17640248309319
Joseph Aversa,* Manil Wagle,† and Chris Gibbs*
*Ted Rogers School of Retail Management, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
†Director, Data & Analytics and Research, Oxford Properties Group, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
This research note introduces a novel methodological framework for event management by examining the application of mobile phone location data to measure attendee behavior and event impact. Addressing the cost and inaccuracy of traditional survey methods in nonticketed public events, this article bridges retail spatial analytics with event studies. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory and Third Place Theory, it demonstrates how mobile location data captures real-time crowd movement, dwell time, and trade area expansion, illustrated through a shopping mall event activation example. By replacing manual counting with objective spatial analytics, this approach enables researchers to move beyond traditional economic models to capture broader sociospatial dynamics. Ultimately, this note establishes an innovative agenda for future research, offering scholars a foundation to further advance mobile measurement techniques—such as Bluetooth beacons and AI analytics—to optimize event design, operations, and stakeholder value.
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.
Full text articles available: CLICK HERE
Back issues of this journal are available online. Order Here
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Event Management is an “A” category journal with the ABDC (Australian Business Dean’s Council) https://abdc.edu.au/research/abdc-journal-list/
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.
Photocopying information for users in the USA: The Item Fee Code for this publication indicates that authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use is granted by the copyright holder for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) Transactional Reporting Service Provided the stated fee for copying beyond that permitted by Section 107 or 108 of the United Stated Copyright Law is paid. The appropriate remittance of $60.00 per copy per article is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danver, MA 01923. The copyright owner’s consent does not extend to copying for general distribution, for promotion, for creating new works, or for resale. Specific written permission must be obtained from the publisher for such copying. In case of doubt please contact Cognizant Communication Corporation.
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.