Recognizing events 4.0: the digital maturity of events

Ryan, William Gerard; Fenton, Alex; Ahmed, Wasim; Scarf, Phillip

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore and define the digital maturity of events using the Industry 4.0 model (I4.0) to create a definition for Events 4.0 (E4.0) and to place various relevant technologies on a scale of digital maturity. Design/methodology/approach: In a mixed methods approach, we carried out a qualitative social media analysis and a quantitative survey of tourism and events academics. These surveys and the thorough literature review that preceded them allowed us to map the digital technologies used in events to levels of a digital maturity model. Findings: We found that engagement with technology at events and delegate knowledge satisfactorily coexists for and across a number of different experiential levels. However, relative to I4.0, event research and the events industry appear to be digitally immature. At the top of the digital maturity scale, E4.0 might be defined as an event that is digitally managed; frequently upgrades its digital technology; fully integrates its communication systems; and optimizes digital operations and communication for event delivery, marketing, and customer experience. We expect E4.0 to drive further engagement with digital technologies and develop further research. Originality/value: This study has responded to calls from the academic literature to provide a greater understanding of the digital maturity of events and how events engage with digital technology. Furthermore, the research is the first to introduce the concept of E4.0 into the academic literature. This work also provides insights for events practitioners which include the better understanding of the digital maturity of events and the widespread use of digital technology in event delivery.

Citation

Ryan, W. G., Fenton, A., Ahmed, W., & Scarf, P. (2020). Recognizing events 4.0: the digital maturity of events. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 11(1), 47-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEFM-12-2019-0060

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 20, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Feb 21, 2020
• Publication Date: Mar 16, 2020
• Deposit Date: Nov 20, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 21, 2023
• Journal: International Journal of Event and Festival Management
• Print ISSN: 1758-2954
• Electronic ISSN: 1758-2962
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 47-68
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEFM-12-2019-0060
• Keywords: Social network analysis; Technology; Industry 4.0; Festival management; Digital maturity; Event management education
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4448121
• Related Public URLs: https://salford-repository.worktribe.com/output/1362436/recognizing-events-40-the-digital-maturity-of-events