International Journal of Event and Festival Management 

About: International Journal of Event and Festival Management is an academic journal published by Emerald Publishing Limited. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Tourism & Originality. It has an ISSN identifier of 1758-2954. Over the lifetime, 282 publications have been published receiving 4950 citations. The journal is also known as: IJEFM.

An exploration of events research: Event topics, themes and emerging trends

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine emerging trends in event and festival research and also in the themes and topics being studied in this area.Design/methodology/approach – Taking an innovative approach, this paper used an abridged version of Q methodology to seek the opinions of events experts on the topics and themes that will underpin the future development of an events and festivals research agenda.Findings – The results of this research revealed that events experts feel that there are several areas that have been comprehensively researched and where further research is unlikely to provide any new information. These include definitions and types of events, and events logistics and staging. Directions for future events and festivals research include the need for studies on the socio‐cultural and environmental impacts of events along with a better understanding of the relationship between events and public policy agendas. This research has also highlighted a lack of research ...

Festival management studies: Developing a framework and priorities for comparative and cross‐cultural research

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop both a systematic framework and priorities for comparative and cross‐cultural festival management studies, based on literature review and results of a four‐country study.Design/methodology/approach – This research is based on four samples of festivals in Sweden, Norway, UK, and Australia that are systematically compared. The survey is designed to profile the festivals in terms of vision/mandate, ownership, age, size, assets, venues used, decision‐making structure, and programs. Costs and revenues are examined in some detail, including trends in each category. Festivals' use of volunteers and sponsors are specifically addressed. Levels of dependence on a number of types of stakeholders and other strategic management issues are also explored. Respondents are also asked to respond to statements regarding challenges and threats to their festival and organization.Findings – The empirical research identifies important similarities and differences that exist with...

Social impacts of events and the role of anti‐social behaviour

Abstract: Purpose – The research focusing on the social impacts of events on communities has reached a level of critical mass and this paper aims to synthesise the literature, including the research methods used and analytical techniques that have been employed in order to provide a platform for future research in this important area.Design/methodology/approach – The key method used is a literature review of all the available academic research into the social impacts of events on communities and the development of a model for future research.Findings – After reviewing the social impact literature, the paper finds that one negative social impact, in particular, has the potential to undermine the key positive impacts that events can deliver for a host community. This impact, which is collectively known as anti‐social behaviour (ASB) incorporates behaviour such as drunken, rowdy and potentially life and property threatening behaviour.Research limitations/implications – The consequences of the impact of ASB are so seri...

Meaning not measurement

Abstract: Purpose – Events research is witnessing a gradual increase in experience‐related studies, reflecting a challenge to the dominance of positivist, quantitative‐based studies This purpose of this paper is to support a paradigm shift to effect a more balanced examination of events within the existing body of literatureDesign/methodology/approach – A search of events‐related publications in both events and non‐events journals is conducted in order to identify the level of use of the ethnographic approach by researchers in event studies The literature on qualitative methods and on ethnography in particular is also examined, in a bid to show how ethnography can be used and how it is specifically suited to inquiry into the consumer experience of events and festivalsFindings – Ethnography is advocated as an appropriate research approach to the events field, and this paper details the extensive potential that this approach offers Drawing from the wider literature on ethnography, a rationale for an alternative

Engaging with consumers using social media: a case study of music festivals

Abstract: Purpose – Social media has fundamentally changed the consumer decision process, and in the last decade a more nuanced view of how consumers engage with brands has emerged. Instead of the traditional purchase funnel, consumers research products and services during an extended evaluation stage, and after purchase, they often enter into an open-ended relationship with the brand, sharing their experience with it using social media. This paper describes the new consumer decision journey, and then adds to the body of research on events and festivals management by applying this new model to events and festivals. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a case study methodology with a multi-method approach to analyze the use of social media at three major music festivals. Case studies offer depth and comprehensiveness for understanding a specific phenomenon, enabling inductive and rich description, and are specifically welcome in new situations where little is known about the phenomenon. Findings – In general...