What makes an event a mega-event? Definitions and sizes
Details
State: Public
Version: author
Serval ID
serval:BIB_845DCDEBB4D3
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
What makes an event a mega-event? Definitions and sizes
Journal
Leisure Studies
ISSN
0261-4367 (Print)
1466-4496 (Online)
1466-4496 (Online)
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2015
Volume
34
Number
6
Pages
627-642
Language
english
Abstract
There is considerable ambiguity about what makes an event a mega-event. Intervening in this debate, this paper develops a definition and classification scheme for mega-events. On the basis of a review of existing definitions, it proposes four constitutive dimensions of mega-events: visitor attractiveness, mediated reach, costs and transformative impact. The paper develops indicators for each dimension and maps onto these four dimensions a sample of the latest editions of nine large events (Expo, Summer and Winter Olympics, Football World Cup, European Football Championship, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, Universiade). From this, it develops a multi-dimensional, point-based classification scheme of large events according to size, distinguishing between major events, mega-events and the recently emerging class of giga-events. Concluding, it identifies the need for more systematic data on the size, costs and impacts of a broad range of large-scale events over time.
Open Access
Yes
Create date
07/09/2017 12:51
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:44