Theme editorial: Reshaping horizons: the future of events in a post-pandemic world

The tourism industry is highly esteemed for its effective presentation of destinations via attractions and all other facts that make up the destination. One of the most important attractions of the tourism industry is the presentation of the destination and all the facts that make up the destination. In this context, the importance of events is one of the products that tourism destinations use to increase their sustainable competitive advantage. After many crises, destinations have tried to overcome the recovery process with events and content studies regarding producing events. While the variety of events has increased with technological developments, gastronomy events and festivals, in addition to culture, art and music, have also begun to take a wide place in the literature, both in the development of destinations and in ensuring sustainable development. This theme sought to explore the event industry’s substantial changes caused by the global pandemic. Therefore, it emphasized discovering innovative practices, strategies and technologies that stakeholders adopt to navigate the changing events landscape. Nevertheless, the focus is on the industry’s ability to adjust to changing consumer demands, the increasing popularity of digital and hybrid event formats and the implementation of health and safety measures. Furthermore, this issue examined the sustainability and inclusivity patterns impacting the future of events and their importance on tourism destinations. An all-encompassing analysis of the event industry’s recovery and growth following the pandemic is presented.Hale Özgit and Ali ÖztürenCorresponding Editors, WHATTReshaping horizons: the future of events in a post-pandemic worldThis theme issue investigated the enduring transformations and advancements shaping the future of the event industry worldwide after the pandemic. The necessity for the theme issue is underscored by a growing body of literature that addresses the immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the event industry yet lacks a comprehensive exploration of the enduring changes and innovations shaping its future. Recent studies highlight the rapid adoption of digital and hybrid event formats as a response to social distancing measures, suggesting a permanent shift in consumer expectations and engagement strategies. Furthermore, there is an emerging discourse on the integration of sustainability and health protocols in event planning, indicating a paradigm shift towards more responsible event management practices. However, these studies often focus on isolated aspects of the industry’s evolution without considering the broader, interconnected transformations. This theme issue aimed to fill this gap by providing a holistic analysis of the innovative practices, technologies and trends that are defining the next era of the event industry, thereby offering valuable insights for academics, practitioners and policymakers.Seden Dogan is an assistant professor of instruction and internship coordinator at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management in the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida. Dogan earned a PhD degree and a master’s degree from Akdeniz University in Türkiye. Her research area of interest is emerging technologies in the hospitality and tourism industry. Her research interest includes how employees and customers perceive emerging and innovative technologies. She has 18 years of hospitality and tourism experience with companies like InterContinental, Renaissance and Yeego.com. While she was completing her postdoctoral research at the USF School of Hospitality and Tourism Management in 2019–2020, she was recognized with the Outstanding Visiting Scholar Award. She was also recognized with the Instructional Faculty Award, one of the most prestigious USF Women in Leadership Dr Kathleen Moore Faculty Excellence Awards.David A. Edwards is the founding program director for the Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality Management program at St. Thomas University, Miami, where he also serves on the university’s Academic Policy Committee. Prior to joining the faculty at STU, Professor Edwards was the chair of the College of Hospitality Management at Johnson & Wales University’s North Miami campus where he served on the university’s Curriculum Approval Committee, and the Committee on Academic Rank as well as the College of Hospitality Management’s Curriculum and Outcomes Assessment committees. Edwards holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Hospitality Management from Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, as well as a Diploma in Teaching from Church Teachers’ College, Mandeville, Jamaica. Additionally, he has earned and maintained the Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) designation since 2012 and is also certified in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) and Customer Service Gold.