Review article
https://doi.org/10.31784/zvr.10.1.19
CHALLENGES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE EVENT INDUSTRY IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
Ines Milohnić
orcid.org/0000-0001-8238-8317
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, Croatia
Ivana Licul
orcid.org/0000-0001-8238-8317
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, Croatia
Ana-Marija Čutura
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, Croatia
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to investigate the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic on the event industry in the Republic of Croatia and to offer proposals for adjustments for the bearers of this industry. In this context, a survey was conducted on a sample of 31 respondents, members of the Community of Events Industry at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce. For the needs of empirical research, and based on relevant previous research (Professional Convention Management Association - PCMA, 2021; software company CVENT Inc., 2020; and platform for virtual events LYYTI, 2020), a survey questionnaire was constructed. The data were collected using the online survey method in August 2021, and processed using appropriate descriptive statistics procedures. The study’s findings point to the initial fragility and unpreparedness of the event industry for the challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, given the number of cancelled and delayed events, severe declines in operating revenues, necessary layoffs, etc. Despite the initial high sensitivity, respondents ultimately showed determination and resilience in exceptional business circumstances and feel largely ready for the challenges associated with the current pandemic. However, they are sceptical of new technological solutions and show a relatively weak ambition to integrate virtual technology into existing conventional events. They see the future of the event industry in a reliable concept of conventional events, with hybrid form as a suitable combination of virtual and conventional events. This research makes a new step forward in advancing theoretical knowledge and contributes to the literature in the field of the event industry, explicitly focusing on its resilience to external shocks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In practical terms, the results imply adaptation proposals for event industry stakeholders and can serve as a starting point for strengthening the institutional climate, which would enhance synergies with the event industry.
Keywords
event industry; Covid-19 pandemic; event forms
Hrčak ID:
277791
URI
Publication date:
20.5.2022.
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