1st Edition

Events and Economic Development Bridging Theory and Practice

Edited By Mike Duignan Copyright 2025
240 Pages 10 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

240 Pages 10 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

240 Pages 10 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

Events and Economic Development explores the economic impact and developmental implications of designing, planning, and delivering major events – from cultural events like the Notting Hill Carnival and Day of the Dead, to sporting events like the Olympics to the Super Bowl. This book comprises 24 chapters, each addressing various diverse and interconnected topics related to the economic and... Read more

Introduction

Section I Event-led destination development

1 (Re)branding a nation through a sport mega-event

Brendon Knott

2 How ‘Dark Mofo’ transformed Hobart

Ralph Crane

3 Nation-building and the African Cup of Nations: A case study of Cameroon

Jo Clarke and Becky Ashworth

4 Symbolic and significant: Qatar delivers a huge 2022 FIFA World Cup to propel a future legacy of sporting events in the Middle East

Leon Davis and Dan Plumley

Section II Commercialising events

5 Buying and selling Day of the Dead: A history of the holiday’s commercialization

Mathew Sandoval

6 From rebellion to revenue: Dance music reckonings

Christopher T. Conner and Danielle Hidalgo

7 Events and unhealthy sponsorship: An analysis of Euro 2024

Robin Ireland

Section III Event-led urban transformation

8 No more hunger games: From Olympic legacy to livability Olympics

Brendan Barratt

9 Gastrodevelopment and gentrification: How food promotes urban development and displacement

Pascale Jossart-Marcelli

10 Liveable Cities and the infra-ordinary versus the extraordinary: Commonwealth Games 2022 and Birmingham’s urban transformation

John Bryson

11 How do festivals catalyse growth in Banyuwangi, Indonesia?

Thor Kerr and Irfan Wahyudi

12 Australia and the Olympic Games: An outline of participation and Games hosting

Richard Baka and Tracy Taylor

Section IV Event bidding and business models

13 Leaner, cost-effective, practical: How the 2032 Brisbane Games could revolutionise the Olympics

Kirsten Holmes, Judith Mair, and Leonie Lockstone-Binney

14 Crisis or transition: Understanding the wave of Australian music festival cancellations

Sam Whiting and Ben Green

15 Media events 2.0: How social media developments impact event narratives

Katerina Girginova

16 Australian music festivals: Is the current crisis a perfect storm or passing shower?

John Weldon

17 Esports and the Olympic Games: Hopeless marriage or obvious pairing?

Thomas Burelli, Marie Dykukha, and Haoran Liu

18 Are major sports events worth hosting? A closer look

John Varano

19 The Rugby World Cup: A major event in an odd-shaped world

John Harris

Section V Event-related Identity Formation

20 Global migrant festivals: London Notting Hill Carnival versus the West-Indian American Parade Day

Nicole Ferdinand

21 Commonwealth Games: Civic sponsorship of festive football in medieval and early modern Britain

Taylor Aucoin

22 The Super Bowl: The risk of inauthentic brand storytelling

Lucy Gill-Simmen and Ling Xiao

23 Socially responsible live music: Do fans/consumers care?

Gary Sinclair, Todd Green, and Julie Tinson

24 Conclusions and recommendations

Mike Duignan

Biography

Mike Duignan is a Professeur at the Sorbonne, University of Paris 1, France, and the Director of Research, Intelligence, and Education at Trivandi, UK. Since 2021, Mike has been the Editor-in-Chief of the leading peer-reviewed journal for the study and analysis of events: Event Management Journal. Formerly, he was a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida, USA; the Director of the UK Olympic Studies Centre; and a Reader and Head of Department at the University of Surrey, UK.

"This is an excellent compendium of articles, championing the power and potential of all types of events and festivals from across the globe and showcasing just how central they are to economic development and leaving a personal and communal legacies for the places that host them. A must read for all professionals, professors, and students!"

Mark Camley, Executive Director of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London Legacy Development Corporation and Former CEO of The Royal Parks, UK

 

"Events and Economic Development: Bridging Theory and Practice is an innovative resource that explores the profound roles events play in shaping cultural identity, urban transformation, and sustainable development. Through comprehensive global case studies and practical frameworks tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this book bridges theory and application seamlessly. It provides educators, students, and practitioners with essential insights to navigate the complexities of event management."

Dr Shushu Chen, Associate Professor, University of Birmingham, UK

 

"Increasingly events and festivals are being recognised as enablers for economic growth by communities and governments across the world. Events and Economic Development provides a skilfully structured navigation through a fascinating collection of contemporary examples, each drawing out specific relevant lessons in a way which leaves the reader with both a comprehensive understanding of the issues and a entertaining insight into the industry."

Iain Edmondson, Non-Executive Director of the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race and Former Head of Major Events for London & Partners, UK