The high-wire act of live events

Talk Description
Every event, from a local community gathering to a sold-out concert, is a balancing act. Behind the scenes, organisers are constantly weighing opportunities against risks, creating memorable experiences while preparing for everything that could go wrong. Join Associate Professor Chris Chen to discover how psychology and marketing shape the way events are designed, how crowds behave, and why some events become unforgettable while others fall flat. You'll never look at your next festival, sports match or community event the same way again.
Bio
Dr Ning (Chris) Chen is an Associate Professor in Marketing at the University of Canterbury. His expertise lies in identity and attachment theory in contexts such as place, branding, events, and human interactions on social media. He has taught event marketing and management courses for years, and has worked with various organisations, including ChristchurchNZ, Tourism Industry Aotearoa, Marketing Association, Crusaders, BBNZ, and mega events such as the 2026 Women's Asian Football Cup. Chris has received various teaching and research awards, and was one of ten scientists for the 2023 Leaders New Zealand-China Scientist Exchange Programme nominated by MBIE and the Royal Society.