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About IAES

The International Association for Events Studies is an international academic network supporting research, education and collaboration across the interdisciplinary field of events studies.

Our story

The roots of IAES go back to 2008, when Dr James Kennell visited China to present events research during the Beijing Olympic Games. The visit highlighted the rapid growth of interest in events research in China and led to new collaborations intended to connect researchers internationally.

Following the Shanghai World Expo in 2010, Dr Kennell and Dr Mingguang Liu began developing plans for an association that could bring together events researchers across institutional and national boundaries. Their aim was to create a community where scholars, students and practitioners could exchange ideas, develop research and publications, and build lasting international partnerships.

These plans were formalised in 2019 during Dr Liu’s research visit to the UK, when IAES was established. Its founding board now brings together events scholars based across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, reflecting IAES’s commitment to building a genuinely international academic community.

Research and knowledge exchange

Support dialogue and collaboration across disciplines, institutions and countries.

Community development

Connect established scholars with students, early-career researchers and participating institutions.

Events and opportunities

Share relevant conferences, seminars, workshops, calls for papers and other opportunities.

Profiles and news

Highlight association developments and the work of members and institutions.

Who IAES is for

The IAES community includes established events researchers, students and early-career researchers, educators, practitioners with a research interest, universities and research institutions.

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