Master of Events

The book aims to analyse the evolution, managerial complexity, and professional profile of the Event Manager, with the intention of providing a contribution to the academic literature and the managerial debate in the sector.
The initial section of the work reviews the theoretical foundations of event studies, tracing their historical evolution from ‘studies on events’ to the established discipline of ‘Event Studies.’ It also presents definitions, core concepts, distinctive characteristics, and main categories of events, while highlighting the processes that have contributed to the professionalization of event managers. This conceptual and definitional framework is essential for understanding and analysing the context in which events operate today.
In the second section, the event is analysed through a managerial and organizational lens, highlighting its inherent complexity. This analysis highlights the design challenges that emerge from the diverse cross-sector relationships that must be activated and effectively managed during the ideation and realization phases. Typical organizational configurations for event management are examined, highlighting the pivotal role of the Event Manager within this framework. The figure is analysed from a perspective that integrates studies on roles and individual competencies, thereby elucidating the complex and multifaceted nature of its responsibilities within the organizational framework and their impact on the event’s success.
The concluding section presents empirical research that defines the role and competencies of the Event Manager. The empirically validated model will be useful to event organizations and training institutions for aligning educational supply with labor market demand.

Daria Sarti is an Associate Professor of Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management at the University of Florence. Her research focuses on the impact of new technologies on work contexts, with specific focus on job design, work engagement, and employees’ well-being, alongside a specific interest in managerial competency models within service industries.