Policy for sustainable and responsible festivals and events: institutionalization of a new paradigm

The scope of public policy for planned events is delimited, giving specific attention to attainment of a sustainable and responsible events sector. Justifications for public-sector involvement in planned events are discussed, including consideration of public good, social equity, return on investment, efficiency, psychic benefits, and market failure arguments. It is argued that both the worth of an event, and its impacts, should be evaluated using a triple-bottomline (TBL) approach. For each of the three dimensions of TBL (economic, social/cultural and environmental) possible goals, related policy initiatives, and a number of performance measures are suggested. In the final part of this paper, the institutionalization of a new paradigm is discussed, including specific advice on what is needed to embed the new sustainable and responsible events paradigm in public policy.