ABSTRACT
Sometimes it is easier to not think too long or hard about the future, and to just accept that ‘what will be, will be’ (that the future is pre-determined or out of our control). My paper invites you to consider the application of socially-constructed creative analytical practice (CAP) within the production and consumption of critical sports event tourism discourse. In January 2017, following months of media speculation about the future of several major tourism-generating sports events, 20 experienced event professionals located across multiple time zones were asked to respond to a piece of thought-provoking narrative foresight. The scenario offered several reasons as to why Auckland, New Zealand, could submit a bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympic Games. The consensus amongst the respondents was that the dream would never become a reality, but a number of alternative options were suggested offering some meaningful insight into the minds and mindset of those employed to deliver major sports event experiences. Having scripted a piece of creative non-fiction, I seek to temporarily transport you into the middle of an ongoing conversation occurring all over the globe around the long-term future of the world’s biggest multi-sports events. My goal is to mix hindsight, insight and foresight. I hope to offer something evocative, provocative and, most of all, informative. The story concludes with a new piece of narrative foresight for you all to consider.
