CEF DEBATES
CEF Events offer a vibrant forum for critical thinking and Continuous Professional Development (CPD), where industry leaders, academics, students, and practitioners come together to explore the most pressing issues shaping the events and festivals sector. These lively gatherings blend rigorous discussion with a relaxed social atmosphere—complete with ample time for socialising and networking.
PAST AND FUTURE DEBATES
DO LARGE SCALE CULTURAL FESTIVALS DELIVER MORE SOCIAL VALUE THAN MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS?
5 August, 2025 (15:00 - 17:00pm UK) via RiversideFM studio (online).
Following CEF’s soft launch on the 1 May 2025, on the 5th August 2025, CEF will be hard launching with a short talk and the first event, supported by the University of Edinburgh and sponsored by Cogniziant Communication.
WATCH THE FULL EVENT 👇
HAVE PRIVATE EVENTS TAKEN OVER TOO MUCH PUBLIC SPACE?
15 October, 2025 (16:30-19:00 UK) at Riverside East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London (UK).
Are private events taking over too much public space? From music festivals to fan zones, our parks, streets, and squares are increasingly used for ticketed experiences — but how many events is too many? Are we enriching cultural life or eroding everyday access to shared spaces? This debate explores how cities can balance economic opportunity with public rights, and how we might better harmonise event ambitions with the needs and values of local communities and residents. Who gets to decide what happens in our public spaces, and who benefits most from their use? Join the event and have your say. This event was run in partnership with the London Legacy Development Corporation.
WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS 👇
WATCH THE FULL DEBATE 👇
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS SYMPOSIUM
30 October, 2025 (10:00 - 14:30pm UK) in person at the Logie Lecture Theatre, University of Stirling (UK) - tickets are free. Learn from leaders in the sport and events industry.
Are you interested in a career in the sport events industry or the world of major event operations?
Join our event to hear from a prestigious panel of sport and events industry leaders from the following organisations as they share their career journeys: Formula 1, FIFA, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Games Scotland; The Scottish Premier League Trust; RWS Global; The Scottish Football Association; Visit Scotland.
Network with industry leaders, discover upcoming opportunities and gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the sports events industry.
The event is open to anyone with an interest in major events.
DO MAJOR EVENTS PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE PLATFORM TO TACKLE HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
23 January, 2026 (10:00 - 12:00pm EST) in person in Orlando, Florida (USA) and online via YouTube live stream - tickets are free.
Join a thought-provoking panel exploring how major events can be harnessed as powerful platforms to raise awareness and combat human trafficking in real time. Organised by the Centre for Events & Festivals (CEF) and UCF’s Rosen College and Centre for Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, this discussion brings together global experts to examine how major events can play a positive role in the fight against human trafficking. Gain diverse insights from law enforcement, survivors, researchers, and industry leaders on how technology and cross-sector collaboration can drive meaningful change.
IS FREE VOLUNTEERING FOR PAID AND/OR “FOR PROFIT” EVENTS UNETHICAL?
(and/if when is it appropriate to work for free)
22 April, 2026 (16:00 - 19:00pm UK) in person in London at the University of East London’s Docklands Campus, and online via YouTube live stream - tickets are free.
Is free volunteering for paid or “for-profit” events unethical—or a fair exchange of experience for opportunity?
This timely debate examines the moral, professional, and economic tensions surrounding unpaid work in the events industry. As festivals and major events increasingly depend on volunteer labour, critics question whether this practice exploits enthusiasm and devalues professional skills, while others defend it as a legitimate route into a competitive sector.
Join industry leaders, academics, and students as they explore when volunteering supports development—and when it crosses an ethical line.
