Digital Communication in Professional Settings

Week 13: Mega Events

• Mega-events are large-scale cultural, sporting, or commercial events with a dramatic character, mass appeal, and international significance.
• The term "mega-event" appeared recently in academic studies.
• Mega-events are distinctive and stand alone.
• The first use of Mega-events was in 1987 at the 37th Congress of the Association Internationale d'Experts Scientifiques du Tourisme in Calgary.
• The topic of the congress was "The Role and Impact of Mega-Events and Attractions on Regional and National Tourism Development."
• Mega-events are evaluated based on four characteristics: visitor attractiveness, mediated reach, cost, and transformative impact.

Mega-Event Categories

• Mega-events are categorized into Cultural, Political, and Sporting events.
• Cultural events are large-scale cultural events with national, and often international impacts. They are often organized on a larger scale than routine fixtures.
• Political events have implications for international relations, diplomacy, and global policy and commonly attract significant global attention.
• Sporting mega-events are major competitions or championships that attract intense global attention and significant investment.

Mega-Event Periods

•  Pre-Event Period: Bidding period and organizational work.
• Event Period: Organizational works.
• Post-Event Period: Analysis period and reports.

Pros of Mega-Events

• Economic Boost: draws massive crowds, filling hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
• Job Creation: numerous jobs in construction, hospitality, security, and event staff.
• Infrastructure Development: upgrades, new stadiums, transportation, public spaces, and a lasting legacy.
• Investment & Development: attracts foreign investment, revitalizes urban areas, and boosts long-term economic development.

Cons of Mega-Events

• Cost Overruns: exceeding budgets and leaving host cities with significant debt.
• Uncertain Returns: economic benefits can be uncertain, and some events fail to provide the expected revenue.
• Opportunity Costs: diverting resources from essential public services.

Case Study: Astana Expo 2017

• Themed "Future Energy", held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from June 10th to September 10th, 2017.
• 115 countries, 22 international organizations, 40 heads of state, and 72 foreign ministers participated.

Pre-Event Period

• Idea creation and theme selection.
• Infrastructure Development: includes the construction of exhibition pavilions, conference centers, residential areas, and transportation systems.
• Marketing and Promotion: global and traditional media campaigns.
• Logistics and Operations: volunteers and security measures.

Event Period

• Diverse Program: includes 3,500 events, forums, and international summits.
• Future Energy Forum: gathers international experts and focuses on sustainable energy related issues.

Post-Event Period

• Focus on Legacy and challenges: urban regeneration, managing public perception, & accountability.

Event Period: Security issues

• Security and location of events is crucial.
• There are risks in the location, economics, media and anonymity during events.

Explore the advantages and challenges of digital communication tools in the workplace. This quiz will help measure your understanding of effective practices and common misconceptions related to professional digital interactions.