ABSTRACT
The core phenomenon of Event Studies is explained, consisting of all planned events, how they are experienced, and meanings attached to both events and related experiences. The emphasis is on experience, starting with a section on how people describe their experiences. That is followed by a discussion of key theoretical perspectives on experience, drawing on psychology, anthropology, and social psychology as interpreted through the lens of leisure studies. Co-creation of experiences is covered. Several models of the event experience are discussed, and one is illustrated. Also discussed is an event experience scale that has been used in research and theory building. Differences between virtual and live experiences are discussed, focussing on not only the social dimension but also including practical recommendations for enhancing virtual experiences. The last section concerns the meanings attached to events and event experiences by different stakeholders.
