Alicia OREA-GINER, Rey Juan Carlos University , Spain
Francesc GONZÁLEZ-REVERTÉ, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Spain
Laura FUENTES-MORALEDA, Rey Juan Carlos University , Spain
The COVID-19 outbreak poses a challenge for international event managers. Under these conditions, anticipating and preparing to deal with the threat of crises precipitated by catastrophes is a significant challenge facing event management.
This research explores the consequences of a health crisis provoked by a pandemic scenario on music festival impacts considered by the stakeholders involved. The purpose is to identify the perceptions from the stakeholders' point of view (host community, public and private sector) and to identify the impacts generated before and after a health crisis regarding the celebration of a festival. The theory of social exchange (Rusbult et al., 1983) and the VICE model (Van Niekerk & Coetzee, 2013) conform the theoretical bases for the study of social benefits and costs from residents and participating entities point of view.
The work is focused on the Viña Rock Festival, an event that has been taking place since 1996 in Villarrobledo (Albacete, Spain). It is considered as being one of the most important festivals in Spain and is of regional tourist interest. Moreover, it is particularly interesting to assess the local community’s perception of the changes brought about by the pandemic and the possibility that the event might not take place.
The methodology implemented is based on qualitative techniques. By conducting 20 in-depth interviews with essential stakeholders, it is possible to determine their perceptions of the impact of the event and the effects of a health crisis.
The study offers a holistic insight into impact research by music festivals and has practical implications for event management and planning in a COVID-19 scenario. Results reflect that before the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the moment of exchange, the perceptions surrounding the industry impacts of the Viña Rock festival were mainly positive, especially for the local community and entrepreneurs.
Mots clés : festivals|stakeholders|impacts|Viña Rock Festival|VICE
A103969AO