ENDORSEMENTS

Internationally, across all event sectors, types and roles, CEF has been endorsed by leading industry organisations, experts and professors — here’s a flavour of what they say

  • "The insights gleaned in academia and research can be so valuable to events professionals, but we often forge ahead a hundred miles an hour doing what we've always done. Getting genuine and relevant insights from industry practice into research is essential for their findings to be useful. CEF is the perfect place to bring it all together. I look forward to translating academia-speak into practical action for events professionals and inspiring new ways of working in our discipline."

    — Meegan Jones, ex-Volvo Ocean Race Sustainability Manager; Director, Green Shoot Pacific

  • "For the events to demonstrate their value to society, it is essential to collaborate and innovate. CEF brings together leaders with the best brains and the deepest experience to benefit the whole sector."

    — Iain Edmondson, Non-Executive Director, Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race

  • “Empowering the arts, culture and events sector with the insight, evidence and knowledge to do their best is at the heart of the Fringe Society’s work. CEF’s work to bring creatives, producers and researchers together is invaluable to the sector. I’m committed to ensuring our sector makes the most of this opportunity to bring policy, academia and industry into one space to share knowledge, develop understanding and do great things together.”

    —Lyndsey Jackson, Former Deputy CEO, Edinburgh Fringe; Director, Royal Lyceum

  • “I’m part of the CEF because it’s an inspiring initiative to advance the topic of sport events both in research and practice. I truly enjoy the exchange with excellent colleagues and appreciate the modern format that shares knowledge in a fresh, accessible, and engaging way.”

    —Dr Holger Preuss, Former Head of Evaluation, Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games; Professor, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

  • "I joined the CEF practitioner board because I strongly believe in bridging academic, industry, and real-world practice. Creating spaces where knowledge, experience and impact-driven thinking is essential for the future of experiential marketing and events."

    —Angeles Moreno Vallejo, Managing Director (Iberia), Jack Morton

  • “Being part of CEF’s Practitioner Board offers a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge with international peers, share practical insights from Glasgow’s experience, champion innovation across the events and festivals landscape, and help shape solutions that strengthen the sector’s resilience, creativity and global impact.”

    —Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Tourism and Events, Glasgow Life

  • “CEF offers a great opportunity for me to connect and work with academics, practitioners and policymakers in the events space globally, and share my research findings to create real-world impact.”

    —Dr Judith Mair, Professor, Southern Cross University

  • “I joined the board to explore how events shape cities and collective life, working with others to foster critical dialogue and leave meaningful traces on our urban and social landscapes.”

    —Dr Chris Gaffney, Professor, New York University

  • “The Centre for Events and Festivals (CEF) helps connect the dots—between research and real-world practice, across borders and sectors. Big things happen when we work together. That’s where the magic is.”

    —Dr Carmel Foley, Professor, University of Technology Sydney

  • “I joined CEF’s Practitioner Board to bridge industry and academia, unite communities through sports, and drive lasting social and economic impact by creating innovative, measurable solutions that empower rights holders to thrive.”

    —Gustavo Costa, Technical Manager, LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games

  • "Being part of the CEF's board is a unique opportunity to shape the future of events and festivals. I'm excited to collaborate with enlightened academics and industry experts to redefine new standards and champion a fan-centric approach in every event through proper engagement and innovation. Together, we aim to elevate the spectator experience and drive lasting impact in every event we bring to life."

    — Marco Sansoni, Director of Ceremonies, Mokhouse