Martin Robertson

Dr Martin Robertson BA (Hons), MA, PhD, FHEA

Associate Professor

M.Robertson2@napier.ac.uk

About me
Activity
Outputs
Projects
Post Grad

Biography

Dr Martin Robertson's passion for teaching and learning application and excellence has been applied successfully in his HE teaching and leadership roles in both the UK and in Australia. His involvement in academic quality assurance has also seen him sit in an executive capacity on a number of related university councils (UK & Australia). He has also been an active contributor to national (Scotland) and state (Victoria, Australia) government academic quality actions. In addition, Martin has both lead and contributed to public consultations (UK and Australia).

Martin has maintained his contact with the industry environment through supportive involvement in related agencies and non-executive directorship or committee roles. He has also been involved in research related to tourism, events and social and/ or market development, sustainable place development, event resilience, and event leadership. This applied activity drives his continued desire for providing a learning, teaching and research experience that is professionally and socially useful.

Martin has completed 5 years as Adjunct Associate Professor, for the School for the Visitor Economy & the Institute of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne (completion November, 2021). He has recently (02/2022) stepped down as Co-Chairperson of the Event Studies SIG for the Council for Australasian Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE). Martin is Associate Editor of three peer review journals: 'Event Management', 'International Journal of Festival and Event Management', and 'Frontiers in Sport and Active Living' . He has co-edited 8 academic journal special issues and has also co-edited 6 published books. He has over 80 related articles , chapter publications and report.

Martin's has led or co-lead 10 consultations (evaluation) projects for providers of large events (arts, agriculture and sport). As well as having been programme leader for 7 HE degree programmes (UK and Australia), he has also designed and led: 1) a certificated event management training course for industry (Melbourne); 2) a certified (Master degree level) short course 'Sustainable, Entrepreneurial & Innovative Tourism Business Management'; 3) an Honours degree in Business Management (Melbourne).

School

Business School

Research Groups

Tourism Research Centre

Themes

Research Areas

Esteem

Advisory panels and expert committees or witness

ICCA Certification Curriculum Academic Committee Member (2021 - 2022)
Business Tourism Group Member, Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (2019-present)
Advisory Committee Member, Arts & Cultural Matters, City of Maribyrnong Council, Victoria (2010-11)
Forum Member, National Sustainable Events, Sustainability Victoria & Sustainable Living Festival (2009)
Founding Committee Member, Associate of Event Management Educators (AEME) (2004-8)
Group Member, Scottish Tourism Framework for Action, Scottish Executive (2003-4)

Conference Organising Activity

Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2022
Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2021
Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2020
Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2019
Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2018
Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2017
Review of transformative festival leadership – a learning and teaching discussion (Cardiff Metropolitan University, AEME 2017)
A game of two halves: the value of field trips in event management education. Case studies of Dublin & Lisbon (team) (University of Derby, AEME 2016)
Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2016
Visioning the future city – a discussion on the narrative of sustainability through events and festivals’ (Bournemouth University, LSA 2015)
Creative Approaches to Teaching (team) (Falkirk University, AEME, 2015)
Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2015
Doing the right thing? Festival leadership and sustainability: the case of literary events Global Events Congress IV (2014)
Seeing the future of events and festivals as a conceptual framework (team) Global Events Congress IV (2014)
Bringing down the fourth wall: co-creation of event performance & space (team) Advancing Event Research Series - Events in Society (Victoria University, Melbourne, 2014)
Developing a standard instrument to assess intangible event outcomes from the Ambassador perspective (team) (Flinders University (Adelaide), Global Event Congress IV) (2014)
Duplication of Purchase Law in Sport Event Markets: New Zealand case study (team) ANZMAC 2014 (Griffiths University, Brisbane, 2014)
Mountain Bike Sport Tourism: Mediating Space and Visitor Perception – A case study (team) (University of West Scotland, LSA, 2014)

Editorial Activity

Co-editor: Special issue - ‘Repurposing and Repositioning Events: Real, Responsible and Revolutionary Futures'’ International Journal of Festival and Event Management (2023 publication)
Associate Editor - Event Management (an international journal)
Special Issue co-editor: 'Can Sport, Leisure, Tourism & Events be Powers for Good?' (Frontiers in Sports and Active Living - Sport, Leisure and Tourism)
Associate Editor, Frontiers in Sport and Active Living (Sport, Lesure and Tourism) (2020-Ongoing)
UK Editor, Event Management - an international journal (2016-21)
Co-editor: Special issue - ‘Events futures: innovation, creativity and collaboration’ International Journal of Festival and Event Management Vol 9 (2018, Issue 2)
Lead co-editor: ' Special issue - 'Critical Event Studies – Issues and Perspectives' Event Management - an international journal Vol 22 (2018, Issue 6)
Editorial Board Member, Journal of Tourism Futures (2015-2018)
Co-editor: Special Issue - 'Events in Society' Event Management - an international journal Vol 19 (4) (2015)
(Co-editor) The Future of Festival and Events (Advanced Series on Events: Research - Routledge)
Lead co-editor: Special issue - 'Professionalisation and Event Management' Event Management - an international journal Vol 18 (1) (2014)
Co-editor: Special Issue - ‘Emerging knowledge and innovation in event management’ International Journal of Festival and Event Management Vol 4 (3) (2013)
Associate Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Event & Festival Management (2010-current)
(Co-editor) International Perspectives of Festivals and Events (Advances in Tourism Research - Elsevier Publication)
(Co-editor) Events and Festivals: Current Trends and Issues (Routledge)
Co-editor: Special Issue - ‘Festival and Events – beyond economic impacts’ Event Management - an international journal Vol 11 (1-2) (2007)
(Editor) Sporting Events and Events Tourism (LSA publication)
(Co-editor) Festival and Events Management: an international arts and culture perspective (Butterworth-Heinemann)
(Co-editor) Managing Tourism in Cities; policy, process and practice (John Wiley and Sons Ltd)

External Examining/Validations

External Examiner (PhD) - Leeds Beckett University (2023) (Teresa Moore)
External Opponent (PhD) - Mid-Sweden University (2022) (Martin Wallstrom)
External Examiner (PhD) - Victoria University, Melbourne (2022) (Abdullah Abonom)
External Examiner(PhD) - University of Chichester (2021) (Emma Nolan)
External Panel Member (MSc Tourism Validation/Approval) - University of Highlands and Islands (2020)
External Examiner (PhD) - Sheffield Hallam University (2020) (Emma Abson)
External Examiner (PhD) - Leeds Beckett University (2019) (Alistair Palferman )
External Examiner, Master of Tourism, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia (2014)
External Advisor, BSc (Hons) Sports Events Management, Leeds Metropolitan University (2011-12)
External Advisor: BA (Hons) Event & Festival Management, Buckinghamshire New University (2009)
External Examiner, BA Tourism Management & BA Tourism & International Tourism, Glasgow Caledonian University (2006-8)
External Advisor, BA Tourism Management, University of Highlands and Islands, Perth (2004)

Fellowships and Awards

Adjunct Associate Professor, Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne (2019-2021)
ATHE Award for Innovation - Building Leadership and Management Capacity in the Visitor Economy (2018-2019)
Bournemouth University VC Award (Qualification achievement) (2017)
Student/ Student Union 'Your briliant' Award (x2) (Bournemouth University) (2017)
Honorary Fellow, Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University
Award for Teaching Excellence (Victoria University, Internal) (2011)
Best Education or Training Programme (Team award) Australian Events Awards (2010)
Highly Commended Certificate (Miles Clark Business Events Communication Award) "The Business of Teaching Business Events" (Team) (2010)
Fellow, Higher Education Academy (HEA) (2002-current)

Invited Speaker

Measuring Business Events Shaping Tommorow (BEST) (2023) (Convention Bureau Edinburgh )
"Mega-events: the ethical, environmental & social cost" - Online seminar for the Law Society of Scotland (2022)
"Applying Blooms Taxonomy in the development of event management curricula (in challenging times) - a personal future reflection" - at Event Education Symposium, Hochschile Hannover, University of Applied Sciences and Arts (2021)
"Destination Events: the Success of Edinburgh Festivals", for University of Bagiou, Philippines (2021)
"Major events and legacy: women and social change" Victoria University/ Women's T20 World Cup - at Melbourne Cricket Ground (2020)
Visit Britain Keynote Presenter and workshop facilitation, ‘Ambassador Programmes & Competitive Resilience’ (2018)
Conference Discussion Panel Member, 'Critical Event Studies', Associate of Event Management Educators Form (2017)
Presented 'The future of major events', at Tourism in Tomorrow's World/ Stenden University, Qatar (2014)
Discussion Panel Member, ‘Event studies: extending the knowledge’ at Events in Society Symposium, Victoria University (2014)
Presentation of results for International Conference and Convention Association (ICCA) “Investigating Ambassador Programmes: Motives for Bidding for International Meetings and Events Bureaus” at 51st ICCA Congress (Puerto Rico) (2012)
Melbourne Writers Festival 2009: 'UNESCO City of Literature: Creative Collateral and Cultural Evaluation of Festivals: Edinburgh and Melbourne' (to Directors of 22 International Writers Festivals)

Media Activity

Wisdom Wednesday (for members of SITE ) - by Edinburgh Napier University (May 2020)
The Knowledge effect of conferences (Convention Edinburgh News Event) August, 2019)
Expert comment on “Future technology and soccer” UEFA Direct April 2017, p6-10
Expert comment in ‘Ballarat’s Asian Cup Wish List’ The Courier (Ballarat) - 12th Feb, 2014
‘Common ground: how mountain biking will leave a lasting legacy’ in The Conversation, 30th July, 2014
Expert Comment in ‘Open for debate? Taxpayers’ big investment in a fortnight of tennis’ (Crikey.com.au) 15 Jan, 2014
Expert interview on “21st century spectator sports” in article ‘Global gathering’ in Vision (Fresh perspective from Dubai), p27-31. Sept, 2013
Article: ‘Australian Open: why the tennis works but the Grand Prix struggles’ in The Conversation. Jan 16th, 2012
Discussion of Australian Grand Prix success on ABC Radio. Jan 17th, 2012

Membership of Professional Body

Member, Regional Studies Association
Member, The Tourism Society
Business Event Committee Member (Edinburgh Tourism Action Group)
Association of Event Management Education (member)
Member, Leisure Studies Association
Associate Member (& Co-chair of Event Studies SiG), CAUTHE

Non-executive Directorship

Board of Directors/ Committee Member, b-side Multi-Media Arts Festival, Portland (2016-2018)
Co-chairperson, Event Studies SIG, CAUTHE (2015-Feb 5th, 2022)
Committee Member, Western Melbourne Tourism (2012-2015)
Secretary, Tourism Society Scotland (2002-2005)

Public/Community Engagement

Measuring and Awards for Postive Impacts: Business Events Shaping Tommorow (BEST) (2023)
Edinburgh Business Tourism Providers - Community Calculator (Community Consultation and Matrics Creation) (2021-22)
#ILovePortland 2019 - A public consultation on the Isle of Portland, UK (2019)
b-side Arts Festival Non-Executive Director (Sustainability) (2017-2018)
Committee Member (and Logistics Manager) Yaraville Arts Festival (2008-2011/2)

Filter by

71 results

Results:

First

Last

Sort:

Festivals and events: Beyond economic impacts

Journal Article

Carlsen, J., Robertson, M., & Ali-Knight, J. (2007)

Festivals and events: Beyond economic impacts. Event Management, 11(1-2), 1-2. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599508783943200

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...

Access—A Research Agenda for Edinburgh Festivals

Journal Article

Carlsen, J., Ali-Knight, J., & Robertson, M. (2007)

Access—A Research Agenda for Edinburgh Festivals. Event Management, 11(1), 3-11. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599508783943237

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...

Juxtaposing the timeless and the ephemeral: Staging festivals and events at World Heritage Sites

Book Chapter

Smith, M., Carnegie, E., & Robertson, M. (2006)

Juxtaposing the timeless and the ephemeral: Staging festivals and events at World Heritage Sites. In A. Leask, & A. Fyall (Eds.), Managing World Heritage Sites. , (110-124). Amsterdam: London: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780080461755

The aim of this chapter is to explore the complex relationship between World Heritage Sites (WHS) and temporary festivals and events, analysing some of the impacts and implica...

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

Book Chapter

Robertson, M., & Wardrop, K. M. (2004)

Events and the destination dynamic: Edinburgh festivals, entrepreneurship and strategic marketing. In I. Yeoman, M. Robertson, J. Ali-Knight, S. Drummond, & U. McMahon-Beattie (Eds.), Festival and Events Management. , (115-129). Oxford: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-7506-5872-0.50013-2

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

Festival and Events Management: an international arts and culture perspective

Book

Yeoman, I., Robertson, M., Ali-Knight, J., McMahon-Beattie, U., & Drummond, S. (Eds.)

(2004). Festival and Events Management: an international arts and culture perspective. Oxford, UK: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann

Festival and Events Management: An International Perspective is a unique text looking at the central role of events management in the cultural, tourism and arts industries. W...

Pre-Napier Funded Projects

Arts Council England Catalyst Small Grant Application (Bournemouth University & b-side Multimedia Festival CIC) (Awarded 2018)
Pathways to sustainability: festival leaders and transformative futures (leader/ internal) (2017)
Developer, Coordinator and Trainer: Professional Diploma in Event Management, Office of Knowledge Exchange, Victoria University (leader) (2013-14)
Sport events and rural destination narrative. UCI MB Championship (leader/ internal) (2012-13)
ICCA Commission (team member): Investigating Ambassador Programmes: Motives for Bidding for International Meetings and Events Bureaus’ (2012-2013)

Current Post Grad projects

Previous Post Grad projects

Non-Napier PhD or MSc by Research supervisions

PhD (Victoria University, Melbourne): Micaela Joy Spiers (Families with adolescents: vacation decision making) (Professor AM Hede, Dr R. Garma & Dr. M. Robertson) (Awarded 2017)

Edinburgh Napier University