festival and event management Archives - Tourism Research Centre Blog

“Attending the Host City Conference 2025 in Glasgow was a valuable learning experience”

Attending the Host City Conference 2025 in Glasgow was a valuable learning experience as third-year Festival and Event students at Edinburgh Napier University. The conference provided us with the opportunity to apply what we had learned in our course to real-life examples and expand our professional network within the events sector.

The Host City Conference brings together professionals from across the global events industry, including sporting, cultural, and major international events. Speakers represented backgrounds from host cities, event organisations and governing bodies. Through a series of panel discussions, the conference explored key themes such as event legacy, impact, and the future direction of the events industry. These discussions offered valuable insight into the complexity of event planning and delivery at a large scale.

An element and recurring topic that stood out to us was the evolving role of host cities within the event planning process. Rather than being solely venues for events, host cities are now increasingly involved in strategic planning and decision-making. A strong emphasis was placed on ensuring that host cities benefit meaningfully from events, particularly in terms of economic, social, and cultural legacy. This shift highlighted the importance of collaboration between organisers, stakeholders, and local communities.

Another important theme at the conference was the increasing focus on sustainable practices and inclusive planning, which closely reflected the topics we have studied at Napier. A few examples of panel discussions include sustainable catering practices and alternative sustainable public transport routes for event goers. This helped us connect our theoretical knowledge with real-world practice. Concepts from our lectures became much clearer when we heard practical examples from industry professionals. The conference also highlighted how the events landscape continues to evolve.

It was inspiring to be surrounded by professionals who are passionate and involved in delivering major, well-known events. The opportunity to speak with them during coffee and lunch breaks was particularly insightful, as it provided an informed perspective into the range of career paths available within the events industry. Hearing accomplished individuals share their career journeys and experiences made it clear that building strong professional relationships is one of the most important aspects of working in this sector.

Attending the conference has been an inspiring and motivating experience for us as students. It allowed us to think about our future careers in the events industry and how we can positively contribute to event planning and execution with sustainability, inclusivity and legacy.

We would like to extend our thanks to Ben Avison and Host City 2025 for the generous opportunity and to Dr David Jarman for encouraging students to attend such insightful events by presenting and facilitating experiences such as this.

For Host City 2025 Highlights watch this video: https://youtu.be/TG0Nay2U5SY

Written by Anna Kjærulff Dal & Maya Takagi-Vlahek, BA(Hons) International Festival and Event Management, third year students

Postgraduate Student Dissertations – Meet Ryan MSc International Festival & Event Management

An Investigation into Social Capital Generated or Impacted by Transformational Festivals

My dissertation studies the relationship between Social Capital (the ties between individuals and within social networks and the trustworthiness and reciprocity that is generated amongst the group as a result) and Transformational Festivals (typically week-long festivals in harsh or challenging environments with an emphasis on co-creation and ritualisation), expanding on previous festival and events literature and deploying a sociological lens within the field of Transformational Festivals. The Research utilised 11 semi-structured interviews over 4 time-zones and thematic analysis to identify and analyse recurring themes. Key findings were a high prevalence of Social Capital building at Transformational Festivals by most respondents, and a belief that powerful connections were built more rapidly than elsewhere. However, there was the understanding that these bonds were often temporal and not likely to expand beyond the festival perimeter, whereas occasionally bonds were not built at all, particularly when attending within a group with pre-defined social dynamics. Although these festivals are typically geared towards to collective experiences, the study found higher than expected levels of individual Social Capital. Finally, interviewees tended to agree that Transformational Festival attendance leads to societal advancement, yet the source of these improvements was disputed with more respondents believing them to be the result of transformational experiences and personal growth, rather than the building of community or social ties, again alluding to the individual dimension.

Read the full dissertation from Ryan Webster, MSc International Festival & Event Management

Meet the Visiting Professor – Dr Greg Richards

Travel is part of my DNA. I started travelling at a time when Brits still looked at you strangely if you had a suntan. As tourism became a mass phenomenon, I also took full advantage, travelling around Europe and kicking off my career as a research assistant on a PhD project with Chris Devereaux in the Algarve. I went on to work in the industry with my father, who had worked in airlines and hotels, and had set up a tourism research and marketing consultancy (TRAM), which I am still running today.

I was also lucky enough to start my academic career at a time when the EU was beginning to support Erasmus exchanges. That allowed me to meet lots of researchers from different countries and backgrounds, which eventually took me to the Netherlands to work at Tilburg University. In those days, teaching was still in Dutch, so of course I had to learn the language as well. That was my gateway into the culture, and an important basis for learning other languages later on. I set up the Association for Tourism and Leisure Education and Research (ATLAS), which generated yet more international contacts. ATLAS also brought me in touch with Napier, who has been a key member of the network for almost 20 years now. Napier staff were active participants in the ATLAS Cultural Tourism Research Project, and it was cultural tourism that took me to Spain in 2003, with a Marie Curie Post-Doc on festivals in Catalunya. I worked at the Interarts Foundation in Barcelona for a few years and also moved TRAM to Spain.

Coming back to the Netherlands a few years later, I had more contact with Napier, via events research. As my work developed around ‘eventful cities’, Edinburgh became a natural focus for collaboration. From Breda University, we sent groups of students (178 in 2012!) to Edinburgh, where they were ably hosted by Napier staff. The events’ connection with Napier continued through the ATLAS Events Special Interest Group, for which Napier organised a meeting in 2020. Unfortunately, this was during Covid, so I didn’t actually get to Edinburgh! But I did supervise David Jarman’s PhD thesis on Social network analysis and festival relationships together with Jane Ali-Knight. One thing I love about being linked to Napier is catching up with other old friends. These include fellow Visiting Professor Brian King on many research projects over the years, Angela Chu, who worked with Brian and I on cultural tourism and placemaking in the Greater Bay Area of China, and Afiya Holder, who I collaborated with at the UNWTO.

Written by: Professor Greg Richards

Postgraduate Student Dissertations – Meet Christy MSc Marketing with Festival and Event Management

Beyond the contract: Edinburgh festival fringe performers and their relationships with key stakeholders

“It becomes quite difficult to capture the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in a single sentence. With a programme that includes everything from theatre, comedy, and dance to music, cabaret, and spoken word, the options are seemingly endless. As the Edinburgh Fringe Society likes to illustrate, the festival plays host to the world’s greatest platform for creative freedom.

My dissertation examines the intricate relationships between performers and key stakeholders at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, beyond the contract. With the use of a qualitative research approach, I was able to interview an array of key festival stakeholders to critically explore how these connections influence artists’ campaigns and the overall festival experience.

The findings uncovered the strategic use of power within the festival’s social structures and highlighted a collective objective among stakeholders to enhance the creative development for visiting companies and all artists venturing to the Edinburgh Fringe. The festival should be used as an inclusive development platform as opposed to a performance space for favored or polished productions. There is immense risk involved for all contributing stakeholders across the entire ecosystem in which the most damage falls on the financial. This paper takes a valuable look into the importance of stakeholder connections for the longevity of the festival. It also provides insights for both artists and key festival stakeholders on how to leverage these vital networks that inevitably elevates the performing arts and culture escapade.”

Read the full dissertation by Christy Tukalo, MSc Marketing with Festival and Event Management

Undergraduate Student Dissertations – Meet Bethany BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management with Festivals and Events

Why not Scotland? An investigation of music festival attendance motivations and barriers amongst Scottish residents.

“Scotland possesses a proud musical heritage, yet many residents continually travel south to attend major music festivals in England. My dissertation explores the motivations behind this trend and the barriers discouraging festival attendance in Scotland. Using a quantitative survey of 90 Scottish residents, I identified that strong artist line-ups, immersive atmospheres, and social experiences are key drivers of attendance. Conversely, limited line-ups, poor weather, and lack of camping options were significant deterrents for Scottish festivals. Despite these challenges, there is clear enthusiasm regarding Scottish festivals if such improvements are made. My research offers practical recommendations for organisers such as enhancing infrastructure alongside creating deeper immersive experiences, to help Scotland compete more effectively in the UK’s vibrant festival landscape. This work aims to support the sustainable growth of Scotland’s music festival industry through a greater understanding of audience needs.”

Read the full dissertation by Bethany Tait, BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management with Festivals and Events

Postgraduate student reflections from EventScotland’s annual conference

Any student in the tourism department is familiar with the work of EventScotland, the national tourism organisation for Scotland; and if that student is like me, they have relied upon EventScotland’s wealth of reports, research, and resources to enhance their assessment work and gain a deeper understanding of the tourism industry.

This is one of the many reasons I was honoured to attend Journey: The Business Events Conversation, EventScotland’s annual business events conference, held on 19 February 2025 at the John McIntyre Conference Centre in Edinburgh.

This conference is designed to bring together and support professionals from all across Scotland working in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) sector. EventScotland recognises MICE as a crucial component of the tourism and events industry, making a measurable contribution to Scotland’s visitor economy and strengthening the country’s reputation as a premier destination for business events of all kinds.

Thanks to the efforts of a recent Napier alumnus who now works for EventScotland, Edinburgh Napier University was gifted two student admissions to this event, and another postgraduate student and I were the lucky recipients. This was a valuable opportunity for us to engage with industry professionals, thought leaders, and fellow students, as well as explore the many different career pathways that the events industry can offer.

Identity & Changing the World

The theme of this year’s conference centred on exploring Identity, with panel discussions addressing topics such as what it means to be Scottish, how Scotland wishes to be perceived internationally, and what it means to be a responsible global citizen. As an international student, I was particularly curious about these conversations and keen to gain a better understanding of the aspirations and values of a place I hope will become my future home.

I was thoroughly impressed and moved by the genuine solidarity and support demonstrated by Scotland’s industry leaders during the Identity Keynote Panel. The consensus was clear—these events professionals saw solidarity as a defining aspect of Scottish identity, and they genuinely wanted to help each other succeed. They embraced a Scotland-first approach to promoting events, meaning that even if an event was not the right fit for their own business, they still considered it a win if another Scottish business secured it. This is just one example of how collaboration and mutual support have helped Scotland build its reputation as an impressive and welcoming business events destination.

Another crucial and impactful concept was raised by Lyndsey Rafferty, Senior Association Manager at EICC, during this panel. She highlighted the tremendous potential MICE events have for driving positive change in public well-being. She reflected that, as events professionals, we have the unique ability to bring together people and experts—such as academics, scientists, and legislators—who have the power and influence to change the world for the better.

A Portfolio Career

Throughout the day, we gained both practical and profound insights into what a career in the events industry truly entails. One of the most memorable sessions was the morning Meet With education panel, an exclusive opportunity for students to gain valuable knowledge about the MICE industry and hear real-world experiences from top industry professionals.

Neal Brownlee, Head of Business Events at VisitScotland, reflected on the various roles and titles he has held throughout his career, noting that a portfolio career—a career composed of diverse positions across hospitality and events—is quite common in this industry. He emphasised that gaining experience in different roles can be a significant asset, providing a well-rounded understanding of the many moving parts involved in running a successful events business.

Laura Wilson, Head of the Convention Bureau at VisitAberdeenshire, echoed the challenges and opportunities of a nonlinear career path. She stressed the importance of adapting to the evolving events sector, maintaining a strategic alignment of an organisation’s mission with the types of events it pursues, and cultivating strong professional relationships that prioritise collaboration over competition.

The Big Debate

One of the major recurring themes throughout the event was the recognition that the events industry is built on relationships. It takes time to develop the trusted connections and practical, experience-based skills that contribute to a successful career. This led me to wonder—how are event leaders supporting and mentoring newcomers to the field? Are students and new professionals being welcomed and supported in developing these crucial relationships and skills?

EventScotland demonstrated its commitment to fostering a supportive industry network by meaningfully incorporating students into its programming. Beyond the Meet With education panel, one of the main features of the day was a university-style student-led debate on corporate social responsibility within the events industry.

This debate featured two students who worked closely with events professionals to investigate whether corporate social responsibility initiatives were simply a tick-box exercise. It was fascinating to hear the aspirational ideals of sustainability initiatives contrasted with the practical, often economic-based realities of business. Professionals from across the country engaged in thoughtful discussion, carefully considering the implications of the points raised by the students. This was one of the many ways in which meaningful dialogue and a culture of mentorship were woven into the event.

Looking Forward

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend Journey: The Business Events Conversation. I left feeling like I had gained a clearer understanding of potential career paths, how to be a supportive and collaborative professional, and an inspiration to commit to my own professional development.

I was especially excited to see contemporary approaches to events management—many of which I am currently learning about—being put into action. For example, a completely plant-based menu as part of an environmental sustainability initiative, an accessible and neurodiverse-friendly event space, and interactive panels designed to foster meaningful connections between attendees. EventScotland demonstrated both the professionalism and the progressive potential of our industry, and I am looking forward to engaging further with this network and contributing to the future of business events.

Written by Hannah Stenzel, postgraduate student on MSc International Festival and Event Management at Edinburgh Napier University.

Resilient and positive event futures with Associate Professor Martin Robertson

Associate Professor Martin Robertson, has recently given keynote presentations at international conferences*1 *2 (2024), as well as presented related research to his colleagues in the inaugural 2025 Tourism Research Centre research seminar*3 at Edinburgh Napier University.

In different ways, each of the above present research to determine processes of stakeholder involvement in successful ‘future visioning’ for a sustainable future. In each, the United Nations Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) are proposed as vital conduits.

Throughout my career in academia, I have always sought to provide a learning, teaching and research experience that is professionally and socially useful – and encourages positive forward action. Sustainability, resilience, regenerative capacity, social justice, and future vision methodologies are key components of this work. I think my research publications, as well as current and past consultancy collaboration, evidence this well.

Very much grounded in Edinburgh, and Scotland, I have nonetheless lived and worked in many countries. Collaborations with researchers in Australia, Denmark, England, New Zealand, Sweden, and Wales have made me very aware of the truly exciting and profoundly global nature of our subject (s). This is true for our students, our research students, our colleagues, and the places in which live and visit.

As well as publishing widely in my research area, I am also proud of the books (six) and journal special issues (eight) I have co-edited. They serve to stimulate thinking and knowledge around the world. The capacity to share knowledge in a world that has a great many challenges – socially, environmentally, and politically – inspires me. If this stops, I stop!

Here, in Edinburgh, I enjoy the benefits of our wonderful city. It never ceases to amaze. I am very lucky to be living and working in such a great environment. A great location to (en)vision a great future.

*1 Robertson, M. (2024) Keynote speaker: ‘Sustainable events and Net Zero’ 5th International Conference on Tourism and Business (ICTB). Mahidol University International College Bangkok, Thailand (August, 21-23)

*2 Robertson, M. (2024) Keynote Speaker: ‘Learning for future challenges: tourism futures and deep learning applied to teaching the UN SDGs’, 2nd Tourism Futures Convention 2024 (TFC), Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, Heilbron, Germany (November 13th)

*3 Robertson, M. (2025) Research presentation: ‘Business Events and the Efficacy of UN SDGS for the Knowledge City’, Tourism Research Centre Seminar, Edinburgh Napier University (February 5th)

Exploring Creativity: Highlights from the British Arts Festival Association Student Conference

Written by Sadie Purves, student on MSc International Festival and Event Management at Edinburgh Napier University.

The British Arts Festivals Association (BAFA), the leading network and development agency for UK arts festivals, hosted a conference for students on October 9th at Manchester Metropolitan University. The conference, titled ‘A Festival Career’, allowed students to join a range of festival professionals to shape their own ideas about what a festival career could have to offer.

BAFA partners with festivals and UK universities, including Napier, to offer training opportunities for students. In this flagship event, BAFA aimed to bring together students, academics and industry experts with a presentation, panel and networking opportunities.

Key Themes and Panel

The conference opened with an introduction by BAFA Director Fiona Goh, and the overall themes of the conference were covered, such as the future of the festival industry, how to get your start in the field and the reality of festival work.

Since the attendance was both undergrad and postgrad students from a range of universities across the country, we all had different academic backgrounds, which was a great aspect of the event. There was a presentation from PhD student Naomi Taylor about her research on how festivals give the audience an opportunity to connect with culture and how this is mediated by the audience and the festival team. Taylor additionally went into how BAFA is partnering with her to complete her PhD. As a student, this experience was enlightening to hear about, especially for those who may be considering further study.

The conference continued with a panel, chaired by Dr Jane Ali-Knight, from Napier. Those on the panel included Ardy Naguib (Factory International), Rosie Gilbertson (Harrogate International Festival), Ottilia Ördög (Góbéfest) and Ashley Morris (Newbury Spring Festival). The panel focused on how these individuals got their start in the industry and how this can be translated into advice for students. Everyone had very contrasting experiences from one another, and this exemplified that, despite your background, there are many different ways you could contribute to arts festivals. The experience of starting Góbéfest was discussed by Ottilia Ördög, and this gave a fantastic representation and advice to students on how to explore starting your own festival. Many of the chairs shared that organising your own events, whatever their size or scope, is one of the best ways to gain experience.

Networking and Mentoring

After the panel, we began our ‘Meet the Mentor’ session, which allowed students to ask any questions and start a dialogue with the festival professionals. This section of the conference was a great opportunity to make connections and start to build a network. We had ample opportunity to meet with all of the mentors as well as Fiona Goh of BAFA and lecturers in attendance from Manchester Metropolitan University. The sense of the community this conference adopted in such a short time, built upon shared experiences and genuine connections, was definitely an asset of the event.

A Festival Career

Overall, the BAFA Student Conference provided a valuable and inspiring experience for students considering a career in the festival industry. From insightful presentations to practical advice from seasoned professionals, the event highlighted both the challenges and rewards of working in this dynamic field. The networking and mentorship opportunities allowed students to connect with industry leaders and peers, building a foundation of support and insight to guide their career paths. This unique event underscored the possibilities within the festival industry and empowered students to envision and shape their own futures in the arts.

Professor Kerr gives Keynote Lecture on ‘Business of Science Festivals’ in Mexico

Professor Gary Kerr, an academic within the Tourism Research Centre, has given the Keynote Lecture at the Association of Mexican Museums and Centres for Science & Technology (AMMCCYT) Annual Colloquium 2024, hosted by Centro de Ciencias Explora in León de los Aldama, Guanajuato, Mexico, from 29-31 August 2024.

AMMCCYT brings together science centres and museums from across Mexico. It aims to strengthen the effectiveness of science centre and museums to promote science and technology culture throughout Mexico.

The Annual Colloquium brings together academics, science centre & museum professionals, students and the general public to engage in dialogue, reflect, and exchange ideas, experiences and proposals related to museum spaces and cultural institutions.

During the colloquium, many presentations focused on engaging non-specialist audiences with science & technology and promoting a culture of science and technology across Mexico. The role of science centres and museums in promoting informal science learning was discussed heavily. The colloquium also discussed how science centres and museums can be inclusive spaces for a range of audiences with different needs.

I used my keynote lecture to discuss the ‘Business of Science Festivals’ and how science centres and museums could utilise science festivals as a means to strengthen existing audiences and reach new audiences. I also spoke about the power of science festivals in addressing inequity within the science, technology, engineering & maths (STEM) sectors.

During my keynote, I drew upon my research and practitioner roles in curating science festivals. In the UK, the term ‘science festival’ has been around since 1989, when the Edinburgh Science Festival was first launched. However, public science & technology events date back to the days of the Ancient Greeks when philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle would speak about their theories in public to the masses. The British Association for the Advancement of Science (now the British Science Association) has been holding annual meetings around the UK each year since 1831, and these have evolved into the contemporary British Science Festival – a festival that moves around the UK each year.

Despite 35-year the coming of age of UK science festivals, the STEM sector remains inequitable. There is a gender imbalance in the STEM sector with 65% of the UK’s STEM workforce being white men (Keith & Kerr, 2022). The lack of diversity in the STEM is not limited to gender, but runs through multiple strands of diversity (Keith & Kerr, 2022). There is also an inadequately trained STEM workforce, with around 40% of STEM vacancies difficult to fill (Keith & Kerr, 2022).

In my keynote, I spoke about the value of science festivals, but did go on to highlight that they do not provide a silver bullet to solve all the problems of the STEM sector. I spoke about the value of other types of festivals – including literature, film, music and arts festivals – and how these might provide a platform (albeit limited) for engaging non-specialist audiences with science. I also discussed the need to take into account socio-cultural issues when communicating science at festivals with diverse audiences. These include demonstrating appreciation for religious, cultural and historical sensitivities when communicating with audiences.

My invitation to deliver the Keynote Lecture at AMMCYT further strengthens Tourism Research Centre’s strong links with Mexico, which include delivering the Creative Leadership Programme on behalf of British Council Mexico in 2023 and 2024.

Reference

Keith, L. and Kerr, G. W. (2022). ‘Levelling the playing field: lessons from sport on re-framing science engagement as a benefit to the individual’. JCOM 21 (04), A03. https://doi.org/10.22323/2.21040203

ENU and Texas A&M Study Exchange 2024

During the spring 2024 term, four of our students went to Texas A&M University on a study exchange trip. The students are on Edinburgh Napier’s Festival & Event Management, Tourism Management, and Hospitality Management programmes. They spent some time working alongside a business in Texas as part of the Live Project Module, and likewise some Texas A&M University students spent some time in August in Edinburgh.

The project team consisted of Dr Afiya Holder, Dr David Jarman, and Slawek Staniszewski, Global Mobility Officer in International Operations from ENU. Dr. Donna Lee Sullins and Prof. Brian King coordinated and led the project on behalf of Texas A&M University.

So what is it like to travel to Texas for a Live Project? Hear directly from the four ENU students who shared with us their thoughts on the experience below. Thanks to Bethany Tait (International Hospitality Management with Festivals and Events), Claudio Pigozzo (International Tourism Management), Cerys Fitzgerald (International Festival and Events Management), and Dean Jenkins (International Festival and Event management).

Question: Why did you apply and how did you secure for such an amazing opportunity?

Bethany: “I knew that I had to apply as it would be such an amazing experience and a great way to gain knowledge of the industry within a different country.”

Claudio: “The opportunity to work closely with an organization in Texas and Texas A&M college students came suddenly. I didn’t think twice before applying and immediately started writing my application form.”

Cerys: “I was given the opportunity to apply for the live project in partnership with Century Square in Texas [a multi-use retail and leisure facility] in Texas at the start of 3^rd year. In order to be considered I had to write a short essay which explained why I would be a good fit for the trip and how it could benefit myself and my experience.”

Dean: “I was reading the IFEM bulletin which I would normally do as it always has great opportunities then I spotted that there was a project and a trip to Texas being organised as part of the live project module which I had chosen. I applied but I wasn’t expecting to be a part of the project as there were only four places available so when I got told the news that I got a place I couldn’t believe it as I had always wanted to go to the USA so doing it with university made it even better as I knew that it would be worth something and not just a holiday.”

Question: What are your thoughts on the Live Project module and how has this shaped your learning experience and professional development?

Bethany: “By being given the opportunity to work with and provide recommendations for a business it enabled myself to finally put my degree to use and know that all the hard work over the past three years is paying off and that I do have the skills to work in a real-life environment. This module has enabled myself to develop my professional skills and learn a lot about the inner workings of professional environments.”

Claudio: “The Live Project module is an incredible experience for students who can finally implement what they have previously studied and use and discover their own skills. Working with a live organization puts you in a position to see things from the perspective of the business owner or manager, and experience their stress, to improve or find appropriate solutions for the business.”

Cerys: “I learned how to work well within a team, distributing the work evenly to ensure no one felt under pressure with the workload. In a professional sense I got an insight into what can differ between a business in the US compared to ones in the UK and how they can do things slightly differently.”

Dean: “I found the actual module interesting and challenging at times, but I enjoy a challenge, so I thoroughly enjoyed working on the project. This module has definitely helped my future goals as I have made international contacts in which I can use when I graduate.”

Question: In what ways has this experience inspired your future goals/plans in Tourism, Hospitality, Festival and Events or Marketing?

Bethany: “This experience has taught me that within the industry the most beneficial factor is networking with other students, universities, and businesses to gain knowledge and contacts worldwide.”

Claudio: “This experience made me understand that despite your age, background, or belief, you can achieve incredible things in life. I met so many people, with different experiences and backgrounds, different passions, different paths, but the same desire to learn and make a difference.”

Cerys: “My plans for after graduation has always been to travel and work internationally. Doing this live project has shown me that it is something that is indeed possible and that I would be able to do it with the experience that I have already gained through this opportunity.”

Dean: “This experience has really opened my eyes to what opportunities are out there in terms of different events and universities.”

Question: What were some memorable moments related to the module but also beyond the classroom?

Bethany: “A memorable moment within the classroom would be the initial receival of the project brief, it was exciting as a group to gain information on the company and brainstorm initial ideas for the objectives we had been given. (…) The professors at Texas A&M were incredibly welcoming and also invited us along to the hospitality scholarships banquet.”

Claudio: “I think every minute of this module, the project, the meetings, the trip, was memorable. I will bring these memories forever with me. I met and worked with fantastic people with whom we shared thoughts, discussed and come up with interesting ideas. I had the opportunity to attend class at an American University and understand what life on campus really is, their culture, tradition and the spirit of belonging, something incredible…. Truly an unforgettable experience.”

Cerys: “Some of my most memorable moments from this module have to learning all about Texas and Century Square but then getting to actually experience it. Although my academic experiences come from the classroom, the real life experiences and moments came from the trip itself.”

Dean: “… the banquet that Texas A&M students were hosting, I networked with so many different people from different backgrounds and professions.”

Question: What life skills do you think came to light post-trip?

Bethany: “Improved confidence, adapting to new cultures”

Claudio: “Problem solving, teamwork and organizational skills.”

Cerys: “Communication and collaboration”

Dean: “Teamwork, networking skills and communication”

Question: What advice would you give future students about taking the Live Project module?

Bethany: “The best advice would be to thoroughly communicate with all team members, it is really important to ensure you all have the same work ethic and maintain styles of work throughout the report and presentation. I would also say to just enjoy the experience as much as possible and remember that your supervisor and the other module lecturers are always there to support your experience and make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.”

Claudio: “My advice is to take the Live Project module as a real work experience, never be afraid to express ideas and always listen to criticism and learn from it, you learn by making mistakes.”

Cerys: “Just enjoy it! The live project can become stressful at points as it is a lot to in a short period of time. My advice would be to embrace the experience to its full potential, and all will work out in the end.”

Dean: “…that the dynamic in your project team is crucial so I would recommend getting to know a little more about your teammates outside the classroom.”