What makes an event a mega-event? Definitions and sizes

Martin Müller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

156 Citations (Scopus)
4046 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

There is considerable ambiguity about what makes an event a mega-event. Intervening in this debate, this paper develops a definition and classification scheme for mega-events. On the basis of a review of existing definitions, it proposes four constitutive dimensions of mega-events: visitor attractiveness, mediated reach, costs and transformative impact. The paper develops indicators for each dimension and maps onto these four dimensions a sample of the latest editions of nine large events (Expo, Summer and Winter Olympics, Football World Cup, European Football Championship, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, Universiade). From this, it develops a multi-dimensional, point-based classification scheme of large events according to size, distinguishing between major events, mega-events and the recently emerging class of giga-events. Concluding, it identifies the need for more systematic data on the size, costs and impacts of a broad range of large-scale events over time.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-16
JournalLeisure Studies
Early online date13 Jan 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Keywords

  • mega-events
  • definition
  • hallmark events
  • size
  • impact
  • Olympic Games
  • World Cup

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'What makes an event a mega-event? Definitions and sizes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this