5Ws of the event: Questions to ask when creating Event Concept

While doing the preparation work for any event, it’s important to plan how the visitors will experience it. When it comes to planning events of this scale, key elements have to be considered and a clear event concept has to be formulated. Allen et al. (2008).

Event concept

The core task while planning an event is creating a clear Event Concept. Goldblatt (1997) put forth that the process of the event concept can be summed up by posing 5 important questions which he calls as the 5Ws of the event.

The 5Ws are listed as:

1. Why must we hold this event?
2. Who will be the stakeholders for this event?
3. When will the event be held?
4. Where will the event be held?
5. What is the event product that is being developed and presented?

Here are the 5Ws answered with regards to an Hallmark event such as the Olympics.

Why must we hold this event?

Despite huge costs of hosting the Olympics, host cities in the past have witnessed growth in the local economy, tremendous upgrade in infrastructure, leaves a legacy that can be enjoyed by the future generation, and in the case of developing countries (such as Brazil) an opportunity to announce to the world that they have arrived by hosting such a complex event.

Who will be the stakeholders for this event?

According to Allen et al. (2008) people who are involved directly or indirectly and contribute to the event are termed as stakeholders. They are further categorized as primary and secondary stakeholders. The Primary stakeholders for 2016 Rio Olympics will be the Athletes & Officials, Spectators, Government, Local municipal bodies, Sponsors, Security Agencies, Volunteers, Celebrities & Special Guests, Media and Suppliers. The Secondary stakeholders for are Media, Vendors, and Special Interest Groups.

When will the event be held?

The summer Olympics are held once every four years. The 2016 Olympics were held from 5 to 21 August 2016 in Rio, Brazil.

Where will the event be held?

Rio Olympics was held in Rio de Janeiro (former capital city of Brazil).These sporting events took place at various venues in the host city.

What is the event product that is being developed and presented?

The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit. The Olympic games is a multi-sport event where almost all the countries participate in various sports. As the decision-making body, IOC chooses the host city, and helps organise funds as per the Olympic Charter. Today, the Games have grown so much that almost every nation is now represented.