Managing Major Sports Events: Theory and Practice

Managing Major Sports Events: Theory and Practice is a complete introduction to the principles and practical skills that underpin the running and hosting of major sports events, from initial bid to post-event legacy and sustainability.

Now in a fully revised and updated new edition, the book draws on the latest research from across multiple disciplines, explores real-world situations, and emphasises practical problem-solving skills. It covers every key area in the event management process, including:

• Bidding, leadership, and planning;

• Marketing and human resource management;

• Venues and ceremonies;

• Communications and technology (including social media);

• Functional area considerations (including sport, protocol, and event services);

• Security and risk management;

• Games-time considerations;

• Event wrap-up and evaluation;

• Legacy and sustainability.

This revised edition includes expanded coverage of cutting-edge topics such as digital media, culture, human resources, the volunteer workforce, readiness, security, and managing Games-time. Each chapter combines theory, practical decision-making exercises, and case studies of major sports events from around the world, helping students and practitioners alike to understand and prepare for the reality of executing major events on an international scale. Also new to this edition is an "Outlook, Trends, and Innovations" section in each chapter, plus "tips" from leading events professionals.

Managing Major Sports Events: Theory and Practice is an essential textbook for any course on sports event management or international sports management, and an invaluable resource for all sport management researchers, practitioners and policymakers.

Online resources include PowerPoint slides, multiple choice questions, essay questions, stories, and decision-making exercises.

Milena M. Parent is full professor in Sport (Event) Management in the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Internationally recognised for her research in the management and governance of major international sports events, she is a North American Society for Sport Management Research Fellow and former holder of a Government of Ontario Young Researcher Award. She also consults with governments, cities, and sport industry organisations on their governance, management, and sport event bidding and hosting.

Aurélia Ruetsch is a major sports events professional, consultant, and speaker with over 15 years’ experience across countries and continents. She specialises in project design, planning, and delivery and has accumulated a deep understanding of the inner workings of organising committees, stakeholder management, and client group relations. Aurélia is the director of International Relations for WorldSkills France, and part of the organising committee that will stage the global WorldSkills Competition 2023 in Lyon, France. She is also a board member for the newly formed Global Esports Federation based in Singapore.