Hybrid Festival Visitors’ Experience Using the Event Experience Theory in the Post-COVID-19 Era

Authors: Marinakou, E. and Mathew, A.

Journal: Event Management

Volume: 29

Issue: 6

Pages: 817-835

ISSN: 1525-9951

DOI: 10.3727/152599525X17367484906426

Abstract:

The festival events sector has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of hybrid events, which blend physical and virtual components. This evolution has been notable since the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated innovative approaches to event organization. The pandemic acted as a catalyst for the widespread adoption of hybrid events, reshaping the industry landscape and setting new standards for attendee engagement and experience. Structured interviews were conducted with 105 attendees from two major festivals. These interviews were designed based on the Event Experience Theory (EET), which provides a framework for understanding the dimensions of event experiences, including sensory perception, emotional engagement, cognitive involvement, and social interactions. The findings of this study contribute to the conceptualization of hybrid events experience. From a managerial perspective, research findings inform event organizers on effectively navigating the landscape of hybrid events with the aim to ensure event viability and attendees’ satisfaction.

Source: Scopus

Hybrid Festival Visitors' Experience Using the Event Experience Theory in the Post-COVID-19 Era

Authors: Marinakou, E.L. and Mathew, A.

Journal: EVENT MANAGEMENT

Volume: 29

Issue: 6

Pages: 817-835

eISSN: 1943-4308

ISSN: 1525-9951

DOI: 10.3727/152599525X17367484906426

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Hybrid Festival Visitors Experience Using the Event Experience Theory in the Post Covid Era

Authors: Marinakou, E. and Mathew, A.

Journal: Event Management

Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation

eISSN: 1525-9951

ISSN: 1525-9951

DOI: 10.3727/152599525X17367484906426

Abstract:

The festival events sector has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of hybrid events, which blend physical and virtual components. This evolution has been notable since the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated innovative approaches to event organisation. The pandemic acted as a catalyst for the widespread adoption of hybrid events, reshaping the industry landscape and setting new standards for attendee engagement and experience. Structured interviews were conducted with 105 attendees from two major festivals. These interviews were designed based on the Event Experience Theory (EET), which provides a framework for understanding the dimensions of event experiences, including sensory perception, emotional engagement, cognitive involvement, and social interactions. The findings of this study contribute to the conceptualization of hybrid events experience. From a managerial perspective, research findings inform event organisers on effectively navigating the landscape of hybrid events with the aim to ensure event viability and attendees’ satisfaction.

Source: Manual