Understanding the Management Theory in Event Management: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

This research aims to understand how the general management literature informs event management. We review the themes that have emerged from contemporary event management literature and then develop a conceptual framework to aid our understanding of the management practices of event managers. Following a review of the literature on event management models we undertook data collection in two stages. In stage one a survey was conducted of event managers (n=116). Then an initial conceptual framework was developed. In stage two we worked with a Delphi panel (n=8) to refine and develop the final conceptual framework. We propose that the absence of consensus on the best framework/approach/model creates the capacity for errors which can be repeated multiple times across multiple events. Therefore, we propose a conceptual framework: the KT Model of Event Management. Our conceptual framework presents a robust consideration of the antecedents, biases, triggers and processes inherent in the modern event management. It is envisaged that the conceptual framework will serve as the basis for further thought and empiricism.

Keywords: Leadership, HRM, Change, Culture, Conceptual Framework, Event Management, Event Planning,

JEL Classification: M11