Jane Ali-Knight

Prof Jane Ali-Knight

Professor in Festival and Event Management

J.Ali-Knight@napier.ac.uk

About me
Activity
Outputs
Projects
Post Grad

Biography

Dr. Jane Ali-Knight is a Professor in Festival and Event Management at Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland and a Visiting Research Professor at Curtin University, Perth. She is currently leading and developing the festival and event subject group as well as lecturing at Universities internationally and facilitating training and development in the field. Her core activities fall into three main areas: event and festival related programmes; research and publications and conferences and professional events. She is currently a board member of BAFA (British Arts and Festivals Association), Without Walls, Vice Chair of Women in Tourism and is a Fellow of the HEA and Royal Society of the Arts.

School

Business School

Research Groups

Tourism Research Group

Themes

Research Areas

Events

Esteem

Media Activity

Syn Festival Edinburgh shaping up for success
Business School's Destination Leaders Programme (DLP) recognised
Are giant music festivals at the end of the road?
When it comes to Festivals and Events, 'Scotland is the Perfect Stage'
Mercat Tours professionalise their Tour Guide programme
Boost for Scottish tourism with destination leaders programme

Fellowships and Awards

DLP course awarded ‘Leadership in the Visitor Economy: Most Innovative Project’ by the Association for Tourism in Higher Education (ATHE).
Destination Leaders Programme (DLP) Shortlisted for Times Higher Education Leadership and Management (THELMA) Award in the Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative category.
• Nominated for Event 100 Club, 2016 (100 most influential people in the UK Events Industry).
• Winner, Student Event Category, Scottish Event Awards, October 2015. Commendations 2013 and 2016.
Fellow of the HEA
Fellow ofhe Royal Society of the Arts (RSA)
Congratulations to DLP Graduates!

Conference Activity

Delivery of Cake Fest Edinburgh, 21 June 2015 as part of VisitScoland’s Year of Food and Drink.
Event Manager/Publicity Co-ordination for the Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2007 – 2011
Jane Ali-Knight and Paul Gudgin to deliver Executive Certificate programme to Qatar and Abu Dhabi audiences.
Professional conference and seminar organisation: LSA 2005 International Academic Conference; Festivals and Events: Beyond Economic Impacts. July 4 – 6 2005; Tourism Society Scotland Annual Conference, Aviemore, Scotland June 2007; Realising a Culture of
Community Festival Management experience through organisation of inaugural Stockbridge Village Festival, September 2006, Stockbridge Jumboree, 2011 and Stockfest 2012, 2013.

Advisory panels and expert committees or witness

Committee member for the Tourism Society Scotland

The role of niche tourism products in destination development.

Ali-Knight, J. The role of niche tourism products in destination development. (Thesis)
Ali-Knight, J. The role of niche tourism products in destination development. (Thesis)

Niche tourism refers to how a specific tourism product can be tailored to meet the needs of a particular audience/market segment. Locations with specific niche products are ab...

2010
Access: Developing a research agenda for Edinburgh festivals and events

Carlsen, J., Ali-Knight, J., & Robertson, M. (2007, January). Access: Developing a research agenda for Edinburgh festivals and events. Paper presented at International Event Research Conference., Melbourne, Australia
Carlsen, J., Ali-Knight, J., & Robertson, M. (2007, January). Access: Developing a research agenda for Edinburgh festivals and events. Paper presented at International Event Research Conference., Melbourne, Australia

No abstract available.

2007
Critical event studies – issues and perspective

Robertson, M., Ong, F., Lockstone-Binney, L., & Ali-Knight, J. (in press). Critical event studies – issues and perspective. Event Management, 22(6),
Robertson, M., Ong, F., Lockstone-Binney, L., & Ali-Knight, J. (in press). Critical event studies – issues and perspective. Event Management, 22(6), 

In considering critical event studies, a brief reference to critical pedagogy is made before an initial look at Critical Management Studies (CMS) prior to consideration of Crt...

2018
Salute to the sun: an exploration of UK yoga tourist profiles.

Ali-Knight, J., & Ensor, J. (2017). Salute to the sun: an exploration of UK yoga tourist profiles. Tourism Recreation Research, 42(4), (484-497). doi:10.1080/02508281.2017.1327186. ISSN 0250-8281
Ali-Knight, J., & Ensor, J. (2017). Salute to the sun: an exploration of UK yoga tourist profiles. Tourism Recreation Research, 42(4), (484-497). doi:10.1080/02508281.2017.1327186. ISSN 0250-8281

This paper focuses on exploring yoga tourism as an under researched area where little has been written to date (Ali-Knight, 2009; Lehto, Brown, Chen & Morrison, 2006). Yoga to...

2017
The event and festival life cycle – developing a new model for a new context

Holmes, K., & Ali-Knight, J. (2017). The event and festival life cycle – developing a new model for a new context. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 29(3), (986-1004). doi:10.1108/ijchm-10-2015-0581. ISSN 0959-6119
Holmes, K., & Ali-Knight, J. (2017). The event and festival life cycle – developing a new model for a new context. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 29(3), (986-1004). doi:10.1108/ijchm-10-2015-0581. ISSN 0959-6119

Purpose The events and festivals literature relies on theories and models borrowed from tourism studies which may insufficiently account for the unique characteristics of even...

2017
Aspirations and progression of event management graduates: A study of career development

Barron, P., & Ali-Knight, J. (2017). Aspirations and progression of event management graduates: A study of career development. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 30, (29-38). doi:10.1016/j.jhtm.2017.01.005. ISSN 1447-6770
Barron, P., & Ali-Knight, J. (2017). Aspirations and progression of event management graduates: A study of career development. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 30, (29-38). doi:10.1016/j.jhtm.2017.01.005. ISSN 1447-6770

The provision of event management education in the higher education sector has grown significantly in recent years, yet little is known of the circumstances of the increasing ...

2017
Social network analysis and festival cities: an exploration of concepts, literature and methods

Jarman, D., Theodoraki, E., Hall, H., & Ali-Knight, J. (2014). Social network analysis and festival cities: an exploration of concepts, literature and methods. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 5(3), (311-322). doi:10.1108/ijefm-11-2013-0034. ISSN 1758-2954
Jarman, D., Theodoraki, E., Hall, H., & Ali-Knight, J. (2014). Social network analysis and festival cities: an exploration of concepts, literature and methods. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 5(3), (311-322). doi:10.1108/ijefm-11-2013-0034. ISSN 1758-2954

Social network analysis (SNA) is an under-utilised framework for research into festivals and events. This paper reflects upon the history of SNA, and explores its key concepts...

2014
Events and festivals in Asia and the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region: Opportunities and challenges

Weber, K., & Ali‐Knight, J. (2011). Events and festivals in Asia and the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 3(1), (4-8). doi:10.1108/17582951211210898. ISSN 1758-2954
Weber, K., & Ali‐Knight, J. (2011). Events and festivals in Asia and the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 3(1), (4-8). doi:10.1108/17582951211210898. ISSN 1758-2954

Purpose – This editorial aims to provide a brief overview of recent developments in the events industry in general, and in Asia and the MENA region in particular. The discussi...

2012
Eliciting the dynamics of leading a sustainable event: Key informant responses

Ensor, J., Robertson, M., Ali-Knight, J., Ensor, J., Robertson, M., & Ali-Knight, J. (2011). Eliciting the dynamics of leading a sustainable event: Key informant responses. Event Management, 15(4), (315-327). doi:10.3727/152599511X13175676722483. ISSN 1525-9951
Ensor, J., Robertson, M., Ali-Knight, J., Ensor, J., Robertson, M., & Ali-Knight, J. (2011). Eliciting the dynamics of leading a sustainable event: Key informant responses. Event Management, 15(4), (315-327). doi:10.3727/152599511X13175676722483. ISSN 1525-9951

Within the event management literature relating to network development and festival sustainability there is a paucity of research that analyzes the perception of festival sust...

2011
Dubai's tourism industry and its societal impact: social implications and sustainable challenges

Stephenson, . M. L. & Ali-Knight, J. (2010). Dubai's tourism industry and its societal impact: social implications and sustainable challenges. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change. 8(4), 278-292. doi:10.1080/14766825.2010.521248. ISSN 1476-6825
Stephenson, . M. L. & Ali-Knight, J. (2010). Dubai's tourism industry and its societal impact: social implications and sustainable challenges. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change. 8(4), 278-292. doi:10.1080/14766825.2010.521248. ISSN 1476-6825

This paper initially outlines the principles and strategies underpinning Dubai's ambitious plans to develop a rather unique destination of international distinction. The discu...

2010
Festival management innovation and failure

Carlsen, J., Andersson, T. D., Ali‐Knight, J., Jaeger, K., & Taylor, R. (2009). Festival management innovation and failure. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 1(2), (120-131). doi:10.1108/17852951011056900. ISSN 1758-2954
Carlsen, J., Andersson, T. D., Ali‐Knight, J., Jaeger, K., & Taylor, R. (2009). Festival management innovation and failure. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 1(2), (120-131). doi:10.1108/17852951011056900. ISSN 1758-2954

Purpose – The paper seeks to examine the concepts, types and implications of festival innovation and failure.Design/methodology/approach – A review of extant literature is und...

2010
Introduction: International Perspectives of Festivals and Events : Paradigms of Analysis

Ali-Knight, J., Robertson, M., Fyall, A., & Ladkin, &. A. (2009). Introduction: International Perspectives of Festivals and Events : Paradigms of Analysis. In J. Ali-Knight, M. Robertson, A. Fyall, & A. Ladkin (Eds.), International Perspectives of Festivals and Events : Paradigms of Analysis, xix. Oxford, UK: Elsevier
Ali-Knight, J., Robertson, M., Fyall, A., & Ladkin, &. A. (2009). Introduction: International Perspectives of Festivals and Events : Paradigms of Analysis. In J. Ali-Knight, M. Robertson, A. Fyall, & A. Ladkin (Eds.), International Perspectives of Festivals and Events : Paradigms of Analysis, xix. Oxford, UK: Elsevier

No abstract available

2009
International Perspectives of Festivals and Events.

J. Ali-Knight, M. Robertson, A. Fyall, & A. Ladkin (Eds.), (2008). International Perspectives of Festivals and Events
J. Ali-Knight, M. Robertson, A. Fyall, & A. Ladkin (Eds.), (2008). International Perspectives of Festivals and Events

In a fast-moving industry where new theory and practice is implemented rapidly, this is essential reading for any advanced student or researcher in festivals and events.

2009
Independent theatres and the creation of a fringe atmosphere

Frew, E. & Ali‐Knight, J. (2008). Independent theatres and the creation of a fringe atmosphere. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research. 3(3), 211-227. doi:10.1108/17506180910980528. ISSN 1750-6182
Frew, E. & Ali‐Knight, J. (2008). Independent theatres and the creation of a fringe atmosphere. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research. 3(3), 211-227. doi:10.1108/17506180910980528. ISSN 1750-6182

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish the image and associated impression of atmosphere created by independent theatres at two fringe festivals namely, Edinburgh...

2008
The Dynamics of Successful Events - The Experts Perspective

Ensor, J., Robertson, M., & Ali-Knight, J. (2007). The Dynamics of Successful Events - The Experts Perspective. Managing Leisure, 12(3), (223-235). doi:10.1080/13606710701406550. ISSN 1360-6719
Ensor, J., Robertson, M., & Ali-Knight, J. (2007). The Dynamics of Successful Events - The Experts Perspective. Managing Leisure, 12(3), (223-235). doi:10.1080/13606710701406550. ISSN 1360-6719

Interviews with key leaders formed the basis of this exploratory research to elicit and identify the key factors that festival leaders perceive as the characteristics of creat...

2007
Festivals and events: Beyond economic impacts

Carlsen, J., Robertson, M., & Ali-Knight, J. (2007). Festivals and events: Beyond economic impacts. Event Management, 11(1-2), (1-2). doi:10.3727/152599508783943200. ISSN 1525-9951
Carlsen, J., Robertson, M., & Ali-Knight, J. (2007). Festivals and events: Beyond economic impacts. Event Management, 11(1-2), (1-2). doi:10.3727/152599508783943200. ISSN 1525-9951

Festivals and events have assumed a prominent place in the social and economic fabric of Edinburgh, to a point where it now enjoys a reputation as a leading festival and event...

2007
Access—A Research Agenda for Edinburgh Festivals

Carlsen, J., Ali-Knight, J., & Robertson, M. (2007). Access—A Research Agenda for Edinburgh Festivals. Event Management, 11(1), (3-11). doi:10.3727/152599508783943237. ISSN 1525-9951
Carlsen, J., Ali-Knight, J., & Robertson, M. (2007). Access—A Research Agenda for Edinburgh Festivals. Event Management, 11(1), (3-11). doi:10.3727/152599508783943237. ISSN 1525-9951

Festivals and events have assumed a prominent place in the social and economic fabric of Edinburgh, to a point where it now enjoys a reputation as a leading festival and event...

2007
Edinburgh's Winter Festival.

Wardrop, K. M., & Robertson, M. (2003). Edinburgh's Winter Festival. In I. Yeoman, M. Robertson, J. Ali-Knight, S. Drummond, & U. McMahon-Beattie (Eds.), Festival and Events Management, 346-357. Oxford: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7506-5872-0.50027-2
Wardrop, K. M., & Robertson, M. (2003). Edinburgh's Winter Festival. In I. Yeoman, M. Robertson, J. Ali-Knight, S. Drummond, & U. McMahon-Beattie (Eds.), Festival and Events Management, 346-357. Oxford: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7506-5872-0.50027-2

No abstract available.

2004
Who is the wine tourist?

Charters, S. & Ali-Knight, J. (2002). Who is the wine tourist?. Tourism Management. 23, 311-319. doi:10.1016/S0261-5177(01)00079-6. ISSN 0261-5177
Charters, S. & Ali-Knight, J. (2002). Who is the wine tourist?. Tourism Management. 23, 311-319. doi:10.1016/S0261-5177(01)00079-6. ISSN 0261-5177

Both the wine and tourism industries have achieved high levels of growth within Australia in the 1990s, and are significant contributors to the GDP as invisible exports. In 19...

2002
Intrastate travel experiences in international students and their perceptions of Western Australia (WA) as a tourist destination.

Shanka, T., Ali-Knight, J. & Pope, J. (2002). Intrastate travel experiences in international students and their perceptions of Western Australia (WA) as a tourist destination. Tourism and Hospitality Research. 3, 245-256. ISSN 1467-3584
Shanka, T., Ali-Knight, J. & Pope, J. (2002). Intrastate travel experiences in international students and their perceptions of Western Australia (WA) as a tourist destination. Tourism and Hospitality Research. 3, 245-256. ISSN 1467-3584

This paper presents initial findings from a study examining the impact on Western Australian (WA) tourism of the growing number of international students in the state. Focusin...

2002
The environmental attitudes and practices of family businesses in the rural tourism and hospitality sectors.

Carlsen, J., Getz, D. & Ali-Knight, J. (2001). The environmental attitudes and practices of family businesses in the rural tourism and hospitality sectors. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 9, 281-297. doi:10.1080/09669580108667403. ISSN 0966-9582
Carlsen, J., Getz, D. & Ali-Knight, J. (2001). The environmental attitudes and practices of family businesses in the rural tourism and hospitality sectors. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 9, 281-297. doi:10.1080/09669580108667403. ISSN 0966-9582

This paper examines the environmental goals of rural, family owned/operated tourism business with a viewto evaluating their conservationethic andcommitment to sustainable tour...

2001
Wine Tourism — A Thirst for Knowledge?

Charters, S., & Ali‐Knight, J. (1999). Wine Tourism — A Thirst for Knowledge?. International Journal of Wine Marketing, 12(3), (70-80). doi:10.1108/eb008715. ISSN 0954-7541
Charters, S., & Ali‐Knight, J. (1999). Wine Tourism — A Thirst for Knowledge?. International Journal of Wine Marketing, 12(3), (70-80). doi:10.1108/eb008715. ISSN 0954-7541

Wine tourism is a growing segment of the tourism industry. Wine tourists are not a homogeneous group, but seek differing components of the overall wine tourism experience. Thi...

2000
The Events' Industry In Qatar And Social Behaviour Change Promotion Efforts: Green And Active Living Messaging And Anticipations In Light Of The 2022 Fifa World Cup

Theodoraki, E., Haija, S. A., Ali-Knight, J., Musinguzi, D., Omar, M., Canduela, J. & Bourne, S. (2013). The Events' Industry In Qatar And Social Behaviour Change Promotion Efforts: Green And Active Living Messaging And Anticipations In Light Of The 2022 Fifa World Cup. In Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference Proceedings:
Theodoraki, E., Haija, S. A., Ali-Knight, J., Musinguzi, D., Omar, M., Canduela, J. & Bourne, S. (2013). The Events' Industry In Qatar And Social Behaviour Change Promotion Efforts: Green And Active Living Messaging And Anticipations In Light Of The 2022 Fifa World Cup. In Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference Proceedings:

Qatar's growth, in terms of economic and political influence, is documented extensively in the literature and part of the country's long-term strategy for future development i...

2013
Visitor management for festivals and events

Yeoman, I., McMahon-Beattie, U., & Robertson, M. (2003). Visitor management for festivals and events
Yeoman, I., McMahon-Beattie, U., & Robertson, M. (2003). Visitor management for festivals and events

This chapter draws on a number of models to animate the need for a visitor manage to balance the requirements of demand forecasting and managing capacity with appropriate leve...

2004
Introduction to arts, culture and leisure

Ali-Knight, J., & Robertson, M. (2003). Introduction to arts, culture and leisure
Ali-Knight, J., & Robertson, M. (2003). Introduction to arts, culture and leisure

No abstract available.

2004
Events and the destination dynamic: Edinburgh festivals, entrepreneurship and strategic marketing

Robertson, M., & Wardrop, K. M. (2003). Events and the destination dynamic: Edinburgh festivals, entrepreneurship and strategic marketing
Robertson, M., & Wardrop, K. M. (2003). Events and the destination dynamic: Edinburgh festivals, entrepreneurship and strategic marketing

This chapter addresses the role of image, marketing, brand awareness, commercial partnerships (sponsorship), entrepreneurship, and stakeholder legitimacy as part of an events ...

2004

Qatar National Research Fund - Leveraging the 2022 Qatar World Football Cup for the promotion of green and active living. A multiple stakeholder evaluation of strategic options

Qatar National Research Fund

£40512

Generate an audit of current activities of various Qatari based institutions (public, private and voluntary sectors) linked to the promotion of green and active living via events. Elicit constructive ...

2013 to 2016

Jane Ali-Knight

Prof Jane Ali-Knight

Biography

Events

Esteem

Media Activity

Fellowships and Awards

Conference Activity

Advisory panels and expert committees or witness

The role of niche tourism products in destination development.

Access: Developing a research agenda for Edinburgh festivals and events

Critical event studies – issues and perspective

Salute to the sun: an exploration of UK yoga tourist profiles.

The event and festival life cycle – developing a new model for a new context

Aspirations and progression of event management graduates: A study of career development

Social network analysis and festival cities: an exploration of concepts, literature and methods

Events and festivals in Asia and the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region: Opportunities and challenges

Eliciting the dynamics of leading a sustainable event: Key informant responses

Dubai's tourism industry and its societal impact: social implications and sustainable challenges

Festival management innovation and failure

Introduction: International Perspectives of Festivals and Events : Paradigms of Analysis

International Perspectives of Festivals and Events.

Independent theatres and the creation of a fringe atmosphere

The Dynamics of Successful Events - The Experts Perspective

Festivals and events: Beyond economic impacts

Access—A Research Agenda for Edinburgh Festivals

Edinburgh's Winter Festival.

Who is the wine tourist?

Intrastate travel experiences in international students and their perceptions of Western Australia (WA) as a tourist destination.

The environmental attitudes and practices of family businesses in the rural tourism and hospitality sectors.

Wine Tourism — A Thirst for Knowledge?

The Events' Industry In Qatar And Social Behaviour Change Promotion Efforts: Green And Active Living Messaging And Anticipations In Light Of The 2022 Fifa World Cup

Visitor management for festivals and events

Introduction to arts, culture and leisure

Events and the destination dynamic: Edinburgh festivals, entrepreneurship and strategic marketing

Qatar National Research Fund - Leveraging the 2022 Qatar World Football Cup for the promotion of green and active living. A multiple stakeholder evaluation of strategic options

Current Post Grad projects

The impact of advertising and promotion on the comsumer's behaviour and an organisations' profitability in the financial industry within the Caribbean Region - Vinette Carmeta Rowe, Prof Jane Ali-Knight (Director Of Studies), Dr Christine Band

The London Drury Lane Arts Lab 1967-69 and Jim Haynes: unconventional & influential approaches to art, theatre and culture; and the cyclical nature of the creative communal approach - Martin Belk, Prof Jane Ali-Knight (Director Of Studies), Dr Kirstie Jamieson, Dr Tom Flint, Prof Linda Dryden

Previous Post Grad projects

The role of niche tourism products in destination development - Prof Jane Ali-Knight (Student), Prof John Ensor

Sustainable festivals and events - an enquiry of leadership and futures - Dr Martin Robertson, Prof Anna Leask, Prof Jane Ali-Knight (Second Supervisor)

Tourism at Napier

Jane Ali-Knight at Edinburgh International Festival