The Dark Side of Events

The events industry is a multi-million dollar fast-moving industry, ergo it is a key target for corruption. With multiple revenue sources, complex logistics, a strict deadline and the need for quick decision making, it is vital the organisers are fully aware of all ways and means events can leave themselves vulnerable. In The Dark Side of Events: Navigating Corruption and Risk Management, William O’Toole takes the reader through all the stages, identifying the ‘weak spots’ and opportunities, and advising how to identify and prevent corruption. He describes the development of corruption prevention from the United Nations as it filters down to the event sponsors and local government. His core thesis is that in the immediate future, all events will be required by sponsors and governments to develop a prevention policy and guarantee. The book shows how it can be done simply and, at the same time, improve the management and future of the event and its team. Ultimately it depends on people, on trust and integrity. The Dark Side of Events applies the advanced tools of risk management found in the International Standards ISO31010 ,31000, 37001 to the prevention of corruption in events. It includes a schema on how the text can be used as a training manual, teaching textbook and guide for events and event teams. The final chapter includes an ‘exposure to corruption assessment’ table. This provides events with a series of questions to assess their exposure to corruption. It will rate the event and event organisation and can be used in event tendering (bids) and proposals. International law increasingly requires all major companies, such as event sponsors, to only deal with other companies that have an anti-corruption policy. Written in a clear and user-friendly style, each chapter is designed to explore different aspects of the event process and where to be aware of risks of corruption. With over thirty real stories and examples from around the world, the reader will be fascinated by the depth and breadth of this dark side of events. Part of the Event Management Theory and Methods Series. This series examines the extent to which mainstream theory is being employed to develop event-specific theory, and to influence the very core practices of event management and event tourism. With online resource material, this mix-and-match collection is ideal for lecturers who need theoretical foundations and case studies for their classes, by students in need of reference works, and by professionals wanting increased understanding alongside practical methods. Series editors: Vassilios Ziakas, Consultant & Independent Scholar in Events Management, UK and Donald Getz PhD., Professor Emeritus, University of Calgary, Canada.