This chapter examines the concept of sustainability within the event industry, and specifically assesses the contribution of the events industry to sustainable development. The purpose is to improve stakeholders' ability to make informed decisions with regard to resource allocation, and to contribute to enhanced communication between stakeholders in fundraising and marketing.

Purpose – To translate theory into a practical tool, the purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework for the development of social marketing strategies to modify event attendee behaviour in a sustainable direction. Design/methodology/approach – Consumer value is synthesised with social marketing and consumer behaviour theory to develop the framework. A major problem for festivals (throwaway tents) and current pro-environmental practices are used to determine the framework's applicability. Findings – The conceptual framework suggests that achieving desired behaviour(s) within an audience requires consideration of the added value at the downstream level, strategies that recognise offsite/onsite behaviour settings, engagement of upstream advocacy and more attention to the evaluation of success. Research limitations/implications – A single low-involvement behaviour example is used to validate the conceptual framework suggesting further work is needed to widen tests of its applicability. Originality/value – This paper synthesises theory into a framework that has significant potential as a tool to develop behavioural change strategies at events.

This chapter examines the relationship between economic impacts and potential benefits that events may bring to host communities. In addition, there is an exploration of measures of economic impacts and of ways in which host communities formulate their decisions. Finally, the chapter looks at contextualizing the catalytic effect that ensues when there is an increase in investment due to events taking place. The case study approach is used to support the arguments in the literature.

This chapter explores concepts of sustainable development and focuses on the traditional elements of social, economic and environmental pillars within the context of planned events at different scales and levels. It examines the integration of principles of sustainability at all levels and stages of a planned event and the associated positive and negative impacts for different stakeholders. The aim is to provide a conceptual framework emergent from existing principles and guidance that will underpin the professionalism of sustainable event management.

PurposeThis article attempts to provide a concise overview of the approaches towards managing events in a changing market environment and summarises issues of responsibility, sustainability and quality management within events organisations.Design/methodology/approachIn doing so, the paper will reconcile elements of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development within organisations. Whilst within a context of the events industry, the article will synthesise total responsible management and concepts of sustainable events management and provide an introduction towards a premise of responsible events management.FindingsA mapping of management models found parallels that can be drawn upon to create a responsible event management approach, embedded by an amalgamation of quality management and sustainable principles.Practical implicationsIn essence, the combination of approaches enables a business value and ethical led development towards responsible management and one which represents a holistic understanding and strategic intent to reduce event organisation impacts.Originality/valueThis article represents a theoretical introduction to concepts that underpin the development of knowledge towards sustainable management within the events industry and will allow students, academics and practitioners to develop an introductory awareness.