CEF’s podcast ‘InsideEvents’ invites inspiring people and thought leaders to talk about hot topics; cutting-edge research and science; share stories of success and failure; and interrogate some of the pressing issues and biggest challenges we face across the event and festival industry.
ATMOSPHERE IS A SOCIAL CONTRACT: WHY ORGANISERS, FANS, AND CITIES MUST CO-CREATE IT TOGETHER
An electric event atmosphere can’t be manufactured—it emerges organically from rituals, participation, and shared emotion. Yet too often, organisers mistake spectacle for atmosphere, investing in grand visuals and pyrotechnics while overlooking what truly makes events memorable and meaningful. In this episode, we unpack why fans are not passive consumers but co-creators of atmosphere before, during, and long after an event ends. From fan traditions and local culture to inclusive design choices and city-wide activations, authentic atmospheres are built, not bought. We explore how event organisers can foster the conditions for collective energy to flourish—bridging the gap between inside the venue and the wider urban experience. By prioritising participation, belonging, and emotional connection, organisers can create events that leave lasting impressions on audiences, cities, and communities alike, turning one-off moments into shared cultural memories that resonate long after the final whistle.
25 Aug 2025
THE OTHER WORLD CUP: WHERE DISPUTED NATIONS FIGHT FOR RECOGNITION
For millions living in unrecognised or contested regions, football offers more than sport—it’s a powerful tool to assert identity, belonging, and visibility beyond the boundaries of statehood. In this episode of Inside Events, we explore the role of the Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA), which provides vital platforms for communities excluded from mainstream global sporting systems like FIFA. Despite claims of neutrality, these tournaments are inherently political, revealing how sport intersects with contested nationhood and the struggles of marginalised communities seeking recognition. Hosting location also matters: events in global cities like London amplify visibility, while those in disputed territories often remain invisible to international audiences. We discuss how leaders, policymakers, and organisers can build pathways, partnerships, and policies that move beyond symbolic inclusion towards tangible, real-world impact. This episode sheds light on how football becomes a stage for identity, power, and belonging in a fragmented world.
25 Aug 2025
DRIVING REAL SOCIAL IMPACT BY CO-CREATING A THEORY OF CHANGE
Despite growing expectations for events to deliver lasting legacies, most organisers still rely on economic metrics while overlooking the harder-to-measure social outcomes that matter most to communities. In this episode, we explore how Flanders is pioneering a more evidence-based, co-created approach to embedding social impact into event planning from the outset. By using Theory of Change models and adapting proven tools from other policy sectors, Flanders is redefining how events plan, measure, and communicate their broader societal contributions. The conversation highlights why overpromising outcomes erodes trust and why managing expectations through credible, evidence-based planning is critical. We also tackle the need for honest evaluation, recognising both positive legaciesand negative consequences, including environmental and social costs often ignored in headline reporting. This episode offers practical insights for event professionals, policymakers, and researchers seeking to design more accountable, people-centred events.
Who has been a guest on CEF's Podcast: 'Inside Events'
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Trudy Barber
Dr Michael Duignan
Dr Gjoko Muratovski
Dr Judith Mair
Dr Brian McCullough
Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100
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