A post-pandemic reflection of the changing role of contemporary event professionals: Implications for event professionals and higher education

Abstract While the event, tourism, and hospitality industry is constantly evolving, COVID-19 vastly shifted the roles, responsibilities, and jobs for event professionals, which caused event management educators to reevaluate their curriculum and course offerings. This study investigated the potential changes COVID-19 has had on event professionals’ skill sets. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, where data were collected from event professionals via focus groups and a national survey. The results highlighted the importance of general business management skillsets (communication, business writing, negotiation) as well as specific event management skills (digital and technology skills). Through a timely reflection on these changes during the pandemic, this study not only highlights the requirements for contemporary event professionals, but also offers implications for higher education institutions regarding how to effectively embrace the new landscape of event management in post-pandemic times.