ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses some of the challenges of hosting mega events and the rationale supporting smaller events. Smaller events would be characterized primarily by scale, such as number of participants, spectators, cost, and breadth of experience. Mega events are global spectacles that entertain millions, if not billions, of participants and spectators. From the mid-19th century up until the 1970s, mega events were a crowning achievement to signal that a country or city had achieved a position of global significance. Events – sporting, cultural, artistic, or culinary – are held for many reasons associated with tradition, heritage, identity, performance, revenue, and tourism. The urban growth machine that allies political and economic interests and forces to promote development often incorporates local and national media as supporters because of the benefits to traditional print, radio, and television media of major events. Mega events can be successful or, more accurately, undertake some of the aspects of the event, with success depending on the city.
