Are we always ready? Examining event professionals approaches to risk and crisis management and resilience

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide empirical insights into event professionals' approaches to risk and crisis management and resilience. This study was guided by an integrated model developed based on the 4R Tourism Crisis Management Model and the Organizational Resilience Framework. A qualitative research method was used, where two studies consisted of 26 interviews were conducted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings revealed that most event professionals' risk management measures center around event operations, and their crisis management practices appear to be more aligned with the organization. Both personal and organizational factors influence the participants' risk and crisis management and resilience-building practices. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed their underpreparedness towards major crises, and most of them had not appreciated the importance of resilience until the crisis ensued. Based on the findings, this study further discussed theoretical and practical implications.