University of Technology Sydney

21962 Venue Management

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2020 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject examines the principles of venue design, planning, management and operations for public assembly venues. Venues covered in the subject include stadia; tourist attractions; performing art centres; museums; multipurpose arenas; and convention and exhibition centres. The subject covers the historical significance of venues, governance, ownership, feasibility, triple bottom line sustainability, asset management, revenue streams, risk management, safety and security, market segmentation/customer service, performance benchmarking, and traffic management. The subject utilises guest speakers from iconic venues, case studies, site visits, industry and linked assessment.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1. differentiate the main components of venues and their development in both local and global environments
2. analyse processes associated with the feasibility, design and planning of venues
3. assess key practices in the management and operations of venues through the application of state, national and international standards
4. develop a critical viewpoint on a venue’s feasibility, design or planning and justify and communicate that position to stakeholders

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject provides an overview of the venue management sector for postgraduate students undertaking a Master of Event Management or Master of Sport Management. In doing so it contributes to the graduate attributes of business knowledge through exploring experience economy, planning and feasibility, design principles, life-cycle costing, risk management, revenue streams, relationship management, venue supply chains and value creation. The subject assessments are based on operations management skills through an industry linked project that requires individuals to undertake an in-depth report based on academic and industry best practice compared and contrasted with venue practice. This individual assessment requires both critical thinking and applying analytical skills. The group assessment requires a combination of creativity in the poster and video development, critical analytical skills with respect to an assessment of operational practice and high-level audio-visual and verbal presentation skills. As such, this subject also contributes to the development of the graduate attributes of communication and interpersonal skills and business practice-oriented skills.

This subject also contributes specifically to develop the following Program Learning Objectives for the Master of Event Management:

  • Communicate information clearly and fluently to a diverse range of stakeholders (3.1)
  • Apply professional knowledge, including Indigenous business values, and technical skills within event management practice (5.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject involves a variety of teaching and learning activities, which may include: lectures, case study presentations; expert panel discussions; student presentations; and directed readings. This subject adopts aspects of flipped and collaborative learning that requires students to accept learning responsibility of preparing for workshops through engagement with pre-class exercises/readings and pre-class tests, or contributing to online pre-class exercises. Key concepts from pre-class activities will be reviewed in an interactive approach to lectures together with weekly case studies. The workshop environment will involve understanding key concepts and case studies through collaborative learning based on video reviews and site visits. Students are expected to actively participate in these collaborative exercises and report on the outcomes of such exercises. In addition to the lecturing staff, selected practitioners with direct experience in one or more areas related to venue management will present on particular topics. The underlying learning strategy employed in this subject is one of linking theory, concepts, ideas and techniques associated with venue and facility management to actual practice. Students receive informal feedback based on the workshop exercises, class quizzes and reflective case study/site visit activities; and formal feedback on group venue selection approval form, individual report and poster/video presentation.

Content (topics)

  • History and governance in a global context - from ancient Rome to First Nations people within servicescape, trends, demand, needs & feasibility
  • Types of venues - Facility planning, design, construction and management process
  • Management and administration of venues
  • Venue operations and services
  • Asset management
  • Costs, revenue streams and market segmentation through the business canvas
  • Risk, emergency and security management
  • Performance, benchmarking and evaluation

Assessment

Assessment task 1: In-Class Test (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1 and 2

Weight: 40%
Criteria:
  • Understanding of key concepts covered in this subject;
  • Ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios

Assessment task 2: Feasibility Plan or Venue Critique (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

2, 3 and 4

Weight: 30%
Criteria:
  • Extent, depth and relevance of research undertaken
  • Critical analysis of the processes associated with the feasibility, design or planning of the venue
  • Assessment of the key practices in the management and operations of the venue
  • Professional written presentation

Assessment task 3: Group Presentation (Group)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

2, 3 and 4

Weight: 30%
Criteria:
  • Quality of analysis and appropriateness of the poster as a standalone communication of the feasibility plan or venue critique
  • Cohesion of the group delivery
  • Clarity and effectiveness of presentation including the use of visual aids

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

Mahoney, K., Esckilsen, L. A., Geralds, A., & Camp, S. (2015). Public Assembly Venue Management: Sports, Entertainment, Meeting, and Convention Venues. Dallas, Texas Brown Books Publishing Group

Recommended texts

  • Alexander, K. 2003, Facilities management: innovation and performance, Spon, London.
  • Appleton, I. 2012, Buildings for the performing arts: A design and development guide: Architectural Pr.
  • Atkin, B. & Brooks, A. 2005, Total facilities management, 2nd ed., Blackwell Pub., Oxford.
  • Barrett, P. & Baldry, D. 2003, Facilities management: towards best practice, 2nd ed., Blackwell Pub., Malden, MA.
  • Bennett, R. 2009, 'Perceived importance of performance management metrics among UK theatre companies: An empirical investigation', International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 58(7), pp. 670-693.
  • Conte, D., & Langley, S., 2007, Theatre management: Producing and managing the performing arts. Entertainment Pro., and imprint of Quite Specific Media Group, Ltd., Hollywood, CA.
  • Cotts, D. G., & Rondeau, E. P., 2004 The facility manager's guide to finance and budgeting, New York ; London: American Management Association.
  • Daly, J. W, 2000, Recreation and sport planning and design, 2nd ed., Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
  • Darcy, S., Dickson, T. J., & Benson, A. M., 2014, 'London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Including volunteers with disabilities: A podium performance?' Event Management, 18(4), pp. 431-446.
  • Darcy, S., Frawley, S. & Adair, D., 2017 Managing the Paralympics, Houndmills, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Darcy, S., & Taylor, T., 2013, 'Managing Olympic venues' In S. Frawley & D. Adair (Eds.), Managing the Olympics (pp. 99-126). Houndmills, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Davidson, R., & Rogers, T., 2012, Marketing destinations and venues for conferences, conventions and business events Routledge.
  • Doukas, S. G., & Daphne, A., 2006, Crowd management: Past and contemporary issues. The Sport Journal, 9(2).
  • Eager, D., 2007, 'Life-cycle costing applied to playgrounds'. Australasian Parks and Leisure, 10(3), pp. 18-20.
  • Edwards, D., Foley, C. T., & Schlenker, K., 2011, Beyond tourism benefits: Measuring the social legacy of business events. Sydney University of Technology Sydney in collaboration with Business Events Sydney.
  • Esckilsen, L. A., Russo, F. E., Stewart, R. J., Graham, P. J., Ward, R., Hancock, D., & International Association of Assembly Managers (Coppell Tex), 2009, Public assembly facility management: Principles and practices (2nd ed.). Coppell, Tex.: International Association of Assembly Managers.
  • Event Manager Blog, 2016, The venue of the future - How technology is changing the way that event professionals select all venues Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/groups/60415/60415-6107858194686631940
  • Fainstein, S. S., & Stokes, R. L., 1997, Spaces for Play: The Impacts of Entertainment Development on New York City. Center for Urban Policy Research, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.
  • Fenich, G. G., 2008, Meetings, expositions, events, and conventions : An introduction to the industry, 2nd ed., Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
  • Finch, E., 2007, Front-of-house design and management, Blackwell, Oxford.
  • Fried, G., 2005, Managing Sport Facilities. Human Kinetics.
  • Gamage, A., & Wise, B., 1993,Tourism infrastructure & facility planning & development. Melbourne: Victoria University of Technology.
  • Hassanien, A., & Dale, C., 2011, 'Toward a typology of events venues.' International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 2(2), pp. 106-116.
  • Hume, M., Sullivan Mort, G., Liesch, P. W., & Winzar, H., 2006, 'Understanding service experience in non-profit performing arts: Implications for operations and service management.' Journal of Operations Management, 24(4), pp. 304-324.
  • John, G., Sheard, R., & Vickery, B. S., 2007, Stadia : A design and development guide, 4th ed., Oxford ; Burlington, MA: Architectural Press.
  • Johnson, C. A., 2009, Sustainable theatre: An analysis of theories and practices. Master of Arts, Humboldt State University.
  • Lawson, F. R., 2000, Congress, convention and exhibition facilities: planning, design and management, New ed., Oxford: Architectural.
  • Llorella, A., 2006, Stadium design. Köln ; London: Daab.
  • Liu, T., & Wilkinson, S. 'Large-scale public venue development and the application of public–private partnerships (ppps).' International Journal of Project Management (0).
  • Lord, G., & Lord, B., 2009, The manual of museum management. Walnut Creek, CA: Altamira Pr.
  • Mari, M., & Poggesi, S., 2011, 'Servicescape cues and customer behavior: A systematic literature review and research agenda.' The Service Industries Journal, pp. 1-29.
  • Mark, S. R., & Carolyn, M., 2011, 'An expanded servicescape perspective.' [DOI: 10.1108/09564231111155088]. Journal of Service Management, 22(4), pp. 471-490.
  • Mencarelli, R., 2007, 'Conceptualizing and measuring the perceived value of an arts venue as applied to live performance.' International Journal of Arts Management, 11(1), pp. 42-59.
  • Nixdorf, S., 2008. StadiamAtlas: technical recommendations for grandstands in modern stadia. Berlin: Ernst & Sohn.
  • Pine, B. J., & Gilmore, J. H., 2011, The experience economy Updated edition. Boston: Harvard Business Review Press.
  • Rondeau, E. P., Brown, R. K., & Lapides, P. D., 2006, Facility management, 2nd ed., Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
  • Roper, T., 2006, 'Producing environmentally sustainable Olympic Games and “greening” major public events.' Global Urban Development Magazine, 2(1), pp. 1–6.
  • Russo, F. E., Esckilsen, L. A., & Stewart, R. J., 2009, Public assembly facility management: Principles and practices, 2nd ed., Coppel, TX: International Association of Assembly Managers.
  • Sawyer, T. H., 2005, Facility Design and Management for Health, Fitness, Physical Activity, Recreation, and Sports Facility Development, 11th ed., Sagamore Pub. LLC.
  • Shah, S. S., 2006, Sustainable practice for the facilities manager. Oxford, UK ; Malden, MA, USA: Blackwell Publ.
  • Sheard, J.G., & Vickery, B. S., 2007, Stadia: a design and development guide, 4th ed., Oxford ; Burlington, MA: Architectural Press.
  • Stevens, A., & SportBusiness Group., 2009, Stadia and arenas: Advanced commercial strategies. London, England: SportBusiness Group.
  • Swarbrooke, J. & NetLibrary Inc., 2002, The development and management of visitor attractions, Butterworth-Heinemann, http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/cgi/goto.cgi?url=http://www.netLibrary.com/urlapi.asp?action=summary&v=1&bookid=86091
  • Tulla, K., Suomen Rakennusinsinöörien Liitto., & Valtion teknillinen tutkimuskeskus., 2005, Facilities business and its management. [Helsinki?]: Technical Research Centre of Finland ; Association of Finnish Civil Engineers.
  • Uhrich, S., & Benkenstein, M., 2010, 'Sport stadium atmosphere: Formative and reflective indicators for operationalizing the construct.' Journal of Sport Management, 24(2), pp. 211-237.
  • Veal, A. J., Darcy, S., & Lynch, R., 2013, Australian leisure, 4th ed., Sydney: Pearson Educational
  • Walker, J. R., 2010, Introduction to hospitality management, 3rd ed., Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall.
  • Westerbeek, H., Smith, A., Turner, P., Emry, P., Green, C., & van Leeuwen, L., 2005, Managing sport facilities and major events. Sydney: Allen & Unwin
  • Williams, B. & Purdey, B., 2005, Facilities economics in Australia, 1st edn, International Facilities and Property Information, Bromley, England.
  • Williams, J., & Anderson, H., 2005, 'Engaging customers in service creation: A theater perspective.' Journal of Services Marketing, 19(1), 13-23.
  • Zhang, Q., Liu, M., Wu, C., & Zhao, G., 2007, 'A stranded-crowd model (scm) for performance-based design of stadium egress.' Building and Environment, 42(7), 2630-2636.

References

A text has been prescribed for the subject together with electronic readings. However, these are a starting point for
your reading depending upon the individual report component chosen for the group presentation assignment. A list of
other references is provided on UTSOnline. Bear in mind that:

a) this list is not exhaustive; you are free to refer to other sources, but keep note of the sources’ currency, integrity,
theoretical basis and/or perspective, and the soundness of its research base.

b) This list does NOT include journal articles; these are too numerous to mention. Again, be critical in your choice
of selected material keeping in mind the above-mentioned aspects.

Berners, P. 2018, The practical Guide to Managing Event Venues, Routledge, London

Darcy, S., & Taylor, T., 2013, 'Managing Olympic venues' In S. Frawley & D. Adair (Eds.), Managing the Olympics (pp. 99-126). Houndmills, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Mohoney, K. 2016, The IAVM Blue Print: Event Management, International Association of Venue Managers, Texas.

Smith, A. 2015, Events in the City: Using Public Spaces as Event Venues, Routledge, London.

Schwatz, E., Hall, S. and Shibli, S., 2015, Sport Facility Operations and Management: A global Perspective, Routledge, New York

Other resources

The following journals and collections of papers may also be of interest:

Australasian Leisure Management: http://www.asianleisure.biz/

Business Events Sydney: www.businesseventssydney.com.au/index.cfm

Carbon reduction institute: www.noco2.com.au/

CERM performance indicators: www.unisa.edu.au/cermpi/

Event Connect: www.eventconnect.com

Destination NSW: www.destinationnsw.com.au

IAVM Facility Manager: http://www.iavm.org/facility-manager

Meetings & Events Australia: www.meetingsevents.com.au/

Panstadia and Arena Management: http://www.psam.uk.com/

Sustainable Event Alliance: http://sustainable-event-alliance.org/

Sydney’s Unique Venues: www.suva.com.au

Venue Magazine: http://www.venue.net.au/

Waste Wise Events:

http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/business-government-recycling/waste-wise-events

JOURNALS

Aesthetex

Annals of Tourism Research

Bulletin

Business Review Weekly

Culture & Policy

Curator

European Sport Management Quarterley

European Journal of Cultural Policy

Facilities

Festival Management and Event Tourism: An International Journal

Group & Organization Management

Harvard Business Review

Human Relations

International Arts Manager Magazine

International Journal of Cultural Policy

International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing

International Journal of Project Management

Journal of Applied Recreation Research

Journal of Arts Management, Law & Society

Journal of Cultural Economics

Journal of Nonprofit and Public Sector Marketing

Journal of Physical Education and Recreation

Journal of Service Management

Journal of Sport and Social Issues

Journal of Sport Management

Journal of the National Museum of Australia

Journal of Tourism Research

Journal of Travel Research

Journal of Vacation Marketing

Journal of the World Leisure and Recreation Association

Management (Australia)

Management Today (UK and Melbourne)

Managing Leisure

Media International incorporating Culture & Policy

Museum Management & Curatorship

Museum National

Museum News

Museums Journal

Nonprofit Management & Leadership

Organizational Behaviour & Human Decision Processes

Recreation Research Review

Sloan Management Review

Sport Management at UNB http://www.unb.ca/SportManagement/

Sport Management http://www.sportmanagement.com/

Sport Management Review

The Journal of the Leisure Studies Association

Tourism Economics The business and finance of tourism and recreation

Tourism Management

Tourism Recreation Research

Training & Development in Australia

Training & Development Journal (USA)