Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Whilst the economic costs and benefits of mega-events to host cities and countries are well documented, the evaluation and nature of the social impacts are less clear. Dr Judith Mair will discuss these impacts including how they are identified, defined and measured.
An evolved mega-event landscape must align with political, social and cultural priorities. However sports governing bodies, industry partners, residents and governments are now increasingly concerned with the impact.
There is currently a lack of consensus on the measurement and focus of both benefits and costs. Dr Mair will highlight a need for further research to fully understand the social impacts of mega-events. While also covering a proposed research agenda, providing practical guidance for future mega-event assessment.
Associate Professor Dr Judith Mair is Discipline Leader of the Tourism Discipline Group at the UQ Business School, University of Queensland, Australia.
Judith’s work aims to understand and enhance the positive impacts of tourism and events on the communities and societies which host them. She is working on a number of projects in fields including Olympic Games legacies, the links between events and social connectivity (including social capital, social cohesion and social justice) and assessing the potential impacts of climate change on the tourism and events sector.
She is the author of over 50 academic papers in international peer reviewed journals, and has authored or edited five books, including the prestigious ‘Routledge Handbook of Festivals’. Judith was elected as a Fellow of the Council for Australasian Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) in 2020, and served as Chair for the organisation from 2015-2019.
