Category: PhD

Meet the TRC Alumni – Dr Angelo Sciacca

Welcome to “Meet the TRC Alumni”, a section dedicated to finding out what our TRC PhDs are doing after successfully completing their PhD. This is an opportunity to learning more about the multiple careers offered after doing a PhD with us, as well as catching up with our brilliant researchers.

Today, Dr Angelo Sciacca gives us an update of his career after graduating in 2023 and how the PhD has helped him shape his career. Congratulations are in order for Angelo as he has recently joined the TRC not only as a proud alumnus but as Visiting Senior Fellow! We look forward to seeing what this collaboration will bring in the future!

“I held diverse roles across Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar, and Europe. My work focused on advancing circular entrepreneurship in tourism, fostering community-based and ecotourism in coastal and island destinations, and researching smart tourism ecosystems.

I chose Edinburgh Napier University for my PhD because I had already completed my master’s degree there and was highly familiar with the university’s strong reputation for quality research and teaching in the subject.

The focus of my PhD on circular economy and island tourism aligned with my interest in how island territorial dynamics influence the tourism sector’s transition toward more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive models.

My PhD has been instrumental in supporting my career by deepening my expertise in circular economy and island tourism, which are critical areas for the sustainable future of the ecosystems the sector relies on.

I work as a Senior Research Fellow on Blue Tourism at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) where I coordinate the Blue Tourism Initiative, a global initiative that aims to improve the governance of coastal and marine tourism to ensure sustainability, focusing on three marine regions: the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Western Indian Ocean.

To new PhD students, I suggest to embrace challenges as part of the learning process, and stay committed to making a meaningful impact with your research.

 

Meet the PhD – Homa Rahimi

Welcome to “Meet the PhD”, a section dedicated to introducing to you our PhD candidates, where you will have the opportunity to get to know them and their research and find out how why they have chosen Edinburgh Napier University, and what excites them the most about their PhD journey.

Today, we have Homa Rahimi, a PhD candidate originally from Iran, who is currently in her 2nd year. Her PhD title is “The Implications of lean Talent Management on Optimising Strategic Value of People in the UK Hotel Sector” with supervisors Prof Paul Barron, Prof Anna Leask and Dr Kelsy Hejjas. Many of you might agree with Homa’s words, when she says that she originally started her PhD for academic reasons, to later find out that a PhD is much more than that, the skills you learn throughout the PhD journey are extremely valuable not only for a future career but also in life. Homa is also the 2024 winner of best poster at the Edinburgh Napier University Business Conference. Congratulations Homa!!

PHD student with conference poster

If you would like to know more about Homa’s research or if you have any questions, you can contact Homa here: homa.rahimi@napier.ac.uk

If you’re interested in undertaking a PhD with us, please email the Tourism Research Centre Lead, Prof. Anna Leask – a.leask@napier.ac.uk

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“I’m Homa Rahimi from Iran, currently in my second year of PhD studies at Edinburgh Napier University. My academic journey in the UK began with a focus on governance and public policy, sparked by my second master’s degree. This experience provided a foundation for my deeper investigation into organisational management, especially through the lens of New Public Management (NPM). As a result, I developed a keen interest in Human Resource Management (HRM), particularly in the areas of talent management, employee development, and capability building. These interests became central to my MSc degree in HRM at Napier University, reinforcing my enthusiasm for understanding how organisations can best manage and enhance their most valuable asset—people.

My PhD research focuses on the application of Lean thinking to Talent Management within the hotel industry. I chose this topic due to the success story of Lean thinking, which has effectively improved efficiency and performance in various sectors. I am particularly interested in how these principles can be adapted to enhance talent management practices in the hospitality sector, which is crucial to the UK’s employment and economy. The hotel industry relies heavily on human capital and addressing issues like talent spillage—where skills and potential are underutilised—can reduce talent-related waste and optimise people management.

Edinburgh Napier University was the perfect choice for me due to my previous positive experience during my master’s degree, the supportive environment, and the student-friendly atmosphere of the institution. Its strong focus on tourism and hospitality management, coupled with its excellent reputation in these fields, made it an ideal fit. Additionally, the opportunity to work with distinguished supervisors like Professors Barron and Leask, and Dr. Hejjas was an exciting draw.

What makes my PhD research particularly significant is its potential to reshape both academic thought and practical approaches. The hotel industry continually grapples with challenges in managing and retaining talent, and my research aims to address these issues with innovative solutions. By applying Lean principles to Talent Management—an area still underdeveloped in this context—I seek to uncover new insights that could lead to more efficient and effective human resource practices. This exciting endeavour promises to make a meaningful impact on both the theoretical and practical aspects of talent management in the hospitality sector.

When I first considered pursuing a PhD, I saw it primarily as an academic pursuit—a way to delve deeper into my areas of interest. However, as I have progressed, I have come to realise that a PhD is much more than that. It is a journey of personal growth, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to making a meaningful contribution to my field. My understanding of the PhD process has evolved, and I now see it as an opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making a tangible difference in the real world. Being part of the PhD community has been pivotal to my journey. The support, collaboration, and shared experiences within this group have given me the motivation and encouragement needed to overcome challenges and remain focused on my goals. The sense of belonging to a network of like-minded individuals, all navigating similar paths, has been invaluable. Additionally, I’ve found lifelong friends along the way, enriching my experience both personally and professionally.

In my experience, three essential skills for a PhD student are critical analysis, time management, and adaptability. Critical analysis is vital for assessing existing literature and contributing original research. Time management is crucial for balancing the various demands of PhD life, including research, writing, networking, and professional development. Adaptability is key to navigating the unexpected challenges that arise during the PhD journey, requiring flexibility and resilience to stay on track and achieve research objectives.

Looking ahead, I am most excited about the potential impact of my research. I am driven by the prospect of transforming talent management in the hotel industry, contributing to more effective and sustainable HR practices. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the opportunity to effect positive change keeps me inspired and motivated. Additionally, I am eager to enhance the industry’s image, showing it as a viable and rewarding career path rather than one that is often overlooked.”

PhD Stories – Judith Spaargaren

Welcome to “PhD Stories”, a section where our PhD candidates tell you more about their research, and what they aim to achieve and discover.

Today, we have Judith Spaargaren, who started her PhD in 2023, and whose title is “The Role of Prison Museums in Public Culture: The Case of Peterhead Prison Museum”, with supervisors Dr. Craig Wight, Prof. Anne Schwan, and Dr. Renata Osowska.

If you would like to know more about Judith’s research or if you have any questions, you can contact Judith here: judith.spaargaren@napier.ac.uk.

If you’re interested in undertaking a PhD with us, please email the Tourism Research Centre Lead, Prof. Anna Leask – a.leask@napier.ac.uk

When planning your holidays, have you ever thought of putting a prison visit on your itinerary? More people than you think would answer yes. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but prison tourism has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. In Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, the Peterhead Prison Museum has become one such popular visitor attraction.

When HMP Peterhead closed down in 2013, a community effort allowed for the building to reopen as a museum in 2016, which has since become a major tourist draw to the area. The museum aims to tell the stories of the prison’s 125 year long operation, and show visitors “what real prison life was like”. Unlike visiting an active prison, where the visit is rarely for leisure, prison museums allow for visitors to explore what the prison system is like with their freedom kept intact. But how do you do that?

My academic background lies in heritage studies, and I have a particular interest in how the stories we do and do not tell about our past affect our present and future. My PhD research focuses on the opportunities and challenges that prisons museum face in telling their stories. Prisons, in particular, are places of difficult and sometimes painful histories. This means there are opportunities to educate and inform visitors about prison life and the justice system, but also challenges we must face: which stories do we tell, and how? How can we allow for everyone’s voice to be heard, even when some of those voices belong to those we morally disagree with? What do visitors want to hear, and should that matter? Where do we draw the line between prison museum exhibit and gratuitous tableau of human suffering?

I am not the first person to ask questions like these, but there is a real lack of a Scottish perspective in this discussion, which I hope to contribute through my research. I am privileged to be carrying out this research in direct partnership with the Peterhead Prison Museum. In working directly with the museum, I hope to not only identify what visitors want, but also what the community of Peterhead might need from a prison museum as a visitor attraction. The story of the prison is tied directly to the story of Peterhead itself, and acknowledging this connection is not only important to the museum, but also to my research, which would be incomplete if it left out the town of Peterhead and its community.

This will not be an easy task, as I spent my first year of PhD research discovering. I’ve spent most of my time compiling and creating a framework of academic concerns about, and solutions to, issues that prison museums face. Next year, I’ll be heading up to Peterhead to gather specific visitor and Scottish perspectives to add to this framework. At the end of this PhD, I hope to develop a set of strategies to tell the stories of Peterhead Prison to as many visitors as possible.

Meet the TRC Alumni – Dr Shemroy

Welcome to “Meet the TRC Alumni”, a section dedicated to finding out what our TRC PhDs are doing after successfully completing their PhD. This is an opportunity to learning more about the multiple careers offered after doing a PhD with us, as well as catching up with our brilliant researchers.

Today, Dr Shemroy Roberts talks about his PhD journey and his career after successfully discussing his PhD in November 2023. From St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Scotland, let’s find out about Shemroy Roberts’ Journey of growth, and resilience.

Dr Roberts is also organizing together with ENU colleagues “Roots Revived: Memory, Legacy, Heritage and Tourism Conference”, taking place on October 17, 2024, at our Craiglockhart Campus. The conference provides a platform for exploring the complex dynamics of difficult and dissonant heritage within the broader context of memory, legacy, heritage, and tourism. Recognising the lasting impact of historical traumas, contested narratives, and marginalised voices, this conference seeks to promote dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. The conference also seeks to explore the ethical, social, and cultural complexities involved in commemorating and engaging with painful histories. If you would like to know more, and send an abstract, please visit the following webpage: https://lnkd.in/eDCFVkJb

“I am Shemroy Roberts, hailing from the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines—a chain of islands covering 150 square miles and home to approximately 104,000 people. I come from a very large family, with seven siblings on my mother’s side and twelve on my father’s, as far as I am aware. My mother was a shopkeeper, while my father was a politician, drove delivery trucks, tilled the soil, cultivated fruits and vegetables, and raised pigs. I am the only one of my mother’s children to have attended university—a milestone made possible by the unwavering support of my parents. Their influence has been instrumental in my educational journey and subsequent successes, and I am grateful for their contributions.

In 2012, I earned an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Studies from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. This achievement was just the beginning of a journey that would take me far beyond the shores of my homeland. I went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the University of the West Indies, graduating in 2018. It was during my time in this programme that I stumbled upon Scotland—quite serendipitously—while writing a paper on sustainable tourism practices. Intrigued by Scotland’s approach to tourism and its rich history, I was able to visit the country. What I discovered completely captured my heart.

My interest in Scotland led me to research universities offering advanced tourism programmes, and I discovered Edinburgh Napier University through a YouTube video featuring Dr. Ross Tinsley discussing International Tourism and Destination Marketing. That same year, I embarked on a Master of Science in International Tourism Marketing at Edinburgh Napier University. I knew immediately that this was the place for me. The programme offered everything I was looking for—the tools and resources to help me understand how to develop tourism products and services that could elevate my home country, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as a premier destination in the Caribbean.

My academic interests have always been driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to my home country’s development, to educate visitors about our destination and its culture and history, and to enhance the socio-economic well-being of local communities. I began my PhD at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time marked by significant global events such as the tragic death of George Floyd, Black Lives Matter protests, the controversial removal and defacement of statues linked to the transatlantic slave trade, and, more recently, the far-right riots in the UK and Europe, have continued to fuel discussions on racism, fascism, and Islamophobia. These events underscored the relevance of my research, which focused on visitor engagement with UK slavery heritage museums. My work has provided valuable insights for academics, museum professionals, and society at large, contributing to a broader understanding of how we engage with our shared history. It is, therefore, important that we stay mindful of our history, including the transatlantic slave trade and other significant events that have shaped our present. By reflecting on these past injustices, we can work together to avoid repeating them and address issues like war, racism, fascism, and enslavement. As a scholar, I have a role to play in shaping the society we want through research, open discussion, and mutual respect —a society that values peace, freedom, democracy, inclusivity, and development for all.

As a person of mixed race, I have always been aware of the nuances of my identity but never really fixated on them. However, I frequently face questions about my identity from friends and even family. My PhD research, however, led me to a deeper understanding of my heritage, revealing that I am connected to both the enslaved and the enslavers. My mother is a descendant of the enslaved, while my father’s lineage traces back to the enslavers. This discovery was both profound and enlightening, allowing me to embrace the duality of my heritage and appreciate the complexities of my identity.

My PhD journey was not without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, a volcanic eruption in my home country, and my mother’s battle with type 2 diabetes, which led to the amputation of her left leg—took a considerable toll on my mental health. With self-determination, I forged ahead amidst these adversities to complete my PhD on time. I am immensely proud to have reached this summit and overcome the many obstacles. I was fortunate to have the guidance of Associate Professor Craig Wight and Professor Anna Leask, whose constructive feedback and support were invaluable throughout my studies. I am deeply grateful to them for their mentorship. I also leaned on a strong support network, including family and friends, who provided encouragement and kept me grounded during difficult times.

Before pursuing my PhD, I worked in various roles in my home country, including as an insurance salesperson, a secondary school teacher in Food and Nutrition and Family and Human Resources Management, and a hotel receptionist. During my PhD, I had the opportunity to teach several modules in research, tourism, hospitality, and festivals and events at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at Edinburgh Napier University. My experience in academia has been immensely rewarding. Currently, I serve as the Course Coordinator in Culture and Heritage Tourism and as a research supervisor for the management programmes at the University of the West Indies Global Campus, where I have been in these roles for the past four years. Additionally, I have been an Assistant Chief Examiner with the Caribbean Examinations Council for the past eight years.

My PhD has equipped me with the skills to succeed in any workplace and has provided me with the tools to make meaningful contributions to research. It has also expanded my professional network, allowing me to connect with scholars worldwide, some of whom I now collaborate with as an editor for the Journal of International Tourism Policy. I have been fortunate to receive several awards at conferences, a testament to the strong presentation skills my PhD has honed. Additionally, my PhD has supported my grant-writing efforts, enabling me to secure funding for community projects, with more initiatives on the horizon.

My hobbies and interests include listening to classical music, cooking, baking, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. And yes! I must confess, Scotland has left its mark on my culinary skills and salivary glands. I absolutely love haggis!

Dr Shemroy holding flag

To new and prospective PhD students, my advice is simple: start writing early, value your supervisors’ guidance, and engage actively in diplomatic and constructive discussions. Make use of university resources, set realistic deadlines, learn from others, and remember to balance work with self-care. Most importantly, be kind to yourself, stay humble, and above all, enjoy the experience.

“Bidh àite sònraichte aig Alba agus Oilthigh Napier Dhùn Èideann an-còmhnaidh nam chridhe,” meaning “Scotland and Edinburgh Napier University will always hold a special place in my heart.” The lessons I have learned and the connections I have made here will stay with me forever.

“Nisi sapientia frustra,” meaning “without knowledge, all is in vain.”

The Scottish Tourism Alliance Autumn Conference 2023 – PhD Student Perspectives

On 31st October 2023, five PhD students (Jack Pedersen, Christopher Barnes, Mahendrran Selvaduray, Homa Rahimi and Judith Spaargaren) from the Tourism & Languages Subject Group attended the Scottish Tourism Alliance Autumn Conference. This blog contains our reflections on the event.   Exploring the conference through the lens of academia from PhD student’s perspective as this blog sheds light on the vibrant discussions and insights shared at this noteworthy event. In approaching this blog, we found the focus to be the intersection of sustainable tourism and digital marketing, vital topics in our ever-evolving industry. In discussing what topics and presentations we found notable, we hope to share some of the experience with you, the reader.

Sustainable Tourism – Bridging the Gap, Mahendrran Selvaduray 

The vision for sustainable tourism was inspiring, emphasising the fusion of practices with unforgettable experiences. This session not only enlightened attendees but also highlighted the transformative power of responsible travel. Another compelling talk by Stephen Whitelaw centred on digital marketing in the tourism landscape. The speaker, an expert in the field, shared groundbreaking strategies to engage travellers authentically. In the era of social media dominance, their insights into digital storytelling and online engagement were invaluable, resonating strongly with our tech-savvy audience.

The new traveller segments discussed by Caroline Bremner of Euromonitor explain that people seeking luxury are known for wanting fancy experiences. In the social aspect, 72% of luxury seekers choose to travel with their partner, perhaps to feel more comfortable. This choice may stem from their desire to share these fancy experiences with loved ones and create special memories together. While a smaller 4% opt for solo journeys, the reason could be to enjoy a relaxing session on their own. This suggests two groups implies the presence of based on spending preferences. Some priorities personal enjoyment and independence, while others emphasis shared family experiences, reflecting diverse values and priorities.

Scotland’s Tourism Strategy, Jack Pedersen

Sustainability plays a prominent role in the national tourism strategy. Marc Crothall (MBE), the conference host, examined the Scotland Outlook 2030 strategy which looks to position Scotland as the world leader in 21st-century tourism and has at its core “responsible tourism for a sustainable future”.

Set up in November 2022, the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group (THILG) is the leading industry body for this strategic plan. As the co-chair, Crothall reflected upon the THILG’s first year of operation. Its evidencing endeavours, including stakeholder and activity mapping and international best practice guidelines, have uncovered common themes which he proposes will impact the national strategy. Sustainability, technological advances, transport infrastructure, and Scotland’s communities and people were at the heart of much of Crothall’s presentation. The THILG now looks to develop its missions in supporting recovery, driving investment, and growing a sustainable tourism sector.

The Minister for Small Business, Innovation, and Trade, Richard Lochhead, (MSP) also co-chairs the THILG. His enthusiastic and effusive ministerial address at the conference asserted that the Scottish government is taking the industry seriously. Notably, amid recent Commons debates on the King’s Speech, this support was corroborated by Drew Henry (SNP Economy Spokesperson) who lamented the absence of measures to support the tourism and hospitality industries at a Westminster level.

During his address, Lochhead reiterated the government’s commitment to growth deals of £150 million, further to the £250 million already invested, and praised its impressive economic figures: Scottish tourism and hospitality accounts for 8% of employment and 4% of the country’s GDP. Despite the challenges of the financial climate, skills shortages, and wider geopolitical instability, he reminded us that the growth of the industry is outstripping the growth of the Scottish economy as a whole and that there is a case for optimism.

Our Proud and Passionate People: Tourism Rising Stars and Hospitality Heroes, Judith Spaaragen

 Sustainability was a word which came up often, but to me, no presentation made it a more tangible concept than Kelly Johnstone’s. It can be easy, as an academic, to overlook the actual people involved in the industries we write about.

Tourism is often spoken about in figures and faceless masses, but Kelly, COO at the Springboard Charity, placed people front and centre. The Springboard Charity provides opportunities for young and disadvantaged people to develop hospitality and tourism careers, and in her presentation she made clear exactly how important this was not just to the people the charity helps, but also the industry to which they contribute. If Scotland is to be the sustainable tourism destination of the world, then we must make sure that sustainability flows reaches the people working in it. This talk was thus a welcome look at that how that future might look.

Deciphering Communication Codes in Hospitality, Homa Rahimi  

Embarking on the intricate journey of personal and professional well-being, the recent Scottish Tourism Alliance Conference brought to light a compelling discourse spearheaded by Cathy MacDonald, centred around addressing fundamental emotional concerns. Amidst the formidable challenges posed by market competition and workforce scarcity in the dynamic tourism and hospitality sector, the recognition and fulfilment of employees’ emotional needs emerge as a strategic imperative.

Organizations finely attuned to the emotional well-being of their workforce yield substantial returns in terms of commitment, heightened productivity, and talent retention. Nurturing a culture of transparent communication, where employees authentically feel acknowledged, not only mitigates turnover but also lays the groundwork for organizational justice, serving as a potent talent attraction strategy. This approach, particularly pivotal in the aftermath of the Covid-19 era, acts as a linchpin in cultivating a resilient and contented team.

In an industry where reputation and word of mouth wield considerable influence, prioritizing employee well-being becomes a cornerstone of an effective human resource strategy. By fostering a workplace culture that places a premium on its staff, organizations not only elevate their sector reputation but also optimize return on investment, thereby fostering a positive and efficient work environment.

Edinburgh Napier University’s Aspiring Tourism Alumni, Christopher Barnes 

After previous years of online conferences, where morning networking sessions were mere button on the edge a computer screen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee from Leith’s Catering in the EICC foyer, on the morning of, The Scottish Tourism Alliance Autumn Conference, was a welcome reminder that the days of our industries face to face restrictions, are slowly becoming a thing of the past! Tourism and hospitality in Scotland, is ready, and is about to thrive! Inspiring visions of industry officials and testimonies of young rising stars were only a fragment of the exciting and news put forward in a day of collective industry buzz!!! One thing is certain, Edinburgh Napier and more importantly the Tourism and Languages Subject Group, plays a significant role in producing emerging industry talent, in both the tourism and festival and events sectors. Both inspiring and motivating, were the testimonies of Edinburgh Napier University alumni of recent years, projected on the screens for a conference suite filled of Scottish Tourism Industry Officials. The hall witnessed how Edinburgh Napier University’s Tourism Research Centre, produces highly qualified tourism management personnel and offering degrees, both at undergraduate and post-graduate level, filled with both academic and practical content relevant for an everchanging and immersive tourism industry!

Closing Thoughts:

This blog serves as a testimony to the impactful ideas exchanged and the collaborative spirit that defines our tourism industry. With each presentation, we found inspiration and motivation, underscoring the potential for positive change within our tourism community.

Once again, thank you, the TRC, for this opportunity to share our unique perspective on the TRC webpage. As PhD students, we stand at the intersection of academic inquiry and practical innovation, embodying the spirit of continuous learning and growth. Let us continue this journey together, shaping the future of tourism one insightful conference at a time. Hope we can attend more conferences in the future.

Festivals as networked communities, and a PhD journey to Tilburg University

By Dr David Jarman

In the world of festivals and communities, relationships matter. Festival managers and producers understand the overlapping links, both professional and private, amongst their colleagues. Freelancers and graduates developing their careers appreciate that opportunities may come by way of personal connections. The future success of entire festival organisations can depend on forging, maintaining and exploiting associations with collaborators, suppliers and allies.

Academic literature in the field of festival studies has sought to better understand the interpersonal dimension of these events, from different conceptual standpoints, in a range of contexts. However, in this festival environment there remains an opportunity, if not a need, to establish the place of network-based research methods and perspectives in the development of academic and industry understandings of social relationships. Networks underpin these connections and communities, from simple ties between pairs of people, to complex webs spanning hundreds of individuals, venues, performing companies, supply chains and audience members.

Earlier this summer, just before the beginning of term, I headed over to The Netherlands to complete my doctorate. The research is a response to the question: “What can social network analysis, and a network-orientated perspective, contribute to understanding the relationships within festival and creative communities?”

My PhD was with Tilburg University, where I had been a student for three years through the period of Covid lockdowns. The empirical work that contributed to it was built up over a number of years though, through a range of different journal articles, conference presentations and book chapters. It has been a privilege and an interesting journey over that time to complete this range of different projects, and to work with different people along the way. Taking this “by publication” route meant that I was able to focus on different projects, involving an array of primary data types, and various research methodologies. I was also able to find different homes for my work, with the support of many editors and colleagues along the way. Presenting my work at different conferences and events allowed me to tell people about my work and generate some interest in the network approach that I’ve been taking.

Throughout my work I’ve been focusing on different types of social network analysis. SNA is a growing area of academic research, partly driven by the opportunities that it presents, but also because of the interest in networks that has developed over the past 20 years. This interest is partly driven by widespread use of social media and communications technologies, but also through the shared experience of the Covid-19 pandemic and its spread across the globe. I was able to take this interest and apply it to the context of festivals and events, showing that there is a lot to be learnt and concluded from a network focused approach.

Going through the Dutch system was very interesting and rewarding, and very different from the experiences of colleagues who went through a UK system. My trip to Tilburg in late summer was primarily for a public defence of my PhD: I was given an hour on stage in which to present my work, and then to answer questions from a panel of assembled professors. It was a good experience, and my supervisors were confident that I would get through it, so I was happy to have my family with me to see it! I also produced a public publication so to speak: this took the form of multiple copies of a printed book with a shiny cover, that people who attended the event were free to take away with them. It has been an interesting journey to turn my PhD thesis into something which can quite comfortably sit on a bookshelf in a library, or in someone’s study.

The publication of the book in this form, and also as a PDF freely available from the Tilburg University repository, means that the various publications that I collected over the years are now in one place. If anyone wants to know what I’ve done over the past 10 years or so, they can head to the Tilburg University website and there it will be.

The journey to Tilburg was fantastic, and the good weather really helped. I was also very happy that one of my colleagues at Napier, Professor Jane Ali-Knight, was one of my supervisors, and therefore also at the public defence. Working with her, and my director of studies Professor Greg Richards, has been a really rewarding and valuable experience in itself. Greg and I, for example, published a special issue of the Event Management academic journal in 2021. We also collaborated on some events through the ATLAS group of academics, and we shall continue to build on this.

Final thanks from me must go to two groups of people. One is my family, my partner and young son who came out to the Netherlands with me. We enjoyed some lovely days in Amsterdam, Tilburg, and nearby Breda. The other group of people are the various administrators, support staff and Beadles who helped me at Tilburg University. They are a fantastic team, and I was really lucky to work with such great people through the six-month journey from thesis submission to public defence and book publication. The Tilburg campus is beautiful, the atmosphere is lively, and I was very well looked after by everyone I met.

In terms of my work as an academic at Edinburgh Napier, I am now in a position to tell anyone that there is a collected body of my work in that book. I’m also very happy that I can now call myself Dr. This will open up future opportunities to me in terms of research and other work, with additional freedoms to treat each project on its own merits rather than being part of a bigger endeavour. I will, of course, retain my interest in festivals, networks, and communities, and I will continue to share this with people at every opportunity that comes my way.