Creating Experiences: International Tourism Students Conference 2014 Porvoo
Aro, Anni; Saraste, Sylvia (2014)
Aro, Anni
Saraste, Sylvia
HAAGA-HELIA ammattikorkeakoulu
2014
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201405249758
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201405249758
Tiivistelmä
The research was conducted as bachelor’s thesis work in spring 2014. International Tourism Students Conference (ITSC) is an annual conference for tourism students to network and share ideas about a current topic related to the industry. There are delegations participating from various educational institutions around Europe.The aim of the research was to evaluate the positive experiences created by the organisers during ITSC Porvoo. In addition suggestions for future conferences were drawn from the results of the research.
The theoretical framework of the thesis focuses on both conference and experience management. One of the trends within the conference sector is to create memorable experiences for the conference delegates. The theoretical framework was used when analysing the research results.
The qualitative research method was chosen for the research project to detect the individual opinions of each delegate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted during the ITSC Porvoo on 22th-26th of April. All and all nineteen interviews were gathered during the conference and twenty-three people were interviewed. In addition observation was used as a supportive research method. Post conference survey was conducted week after the conference to detect the long lasting memories.
A great deal of positive experiences were created during ITSC Porvoo. The most memorable programme numbers were the Gala Dinner and the evening programme in Seikkailulaakso. Active participation of the delegates as well as stimulating the senses of the participant were the most effective ways in creating experiences. Moreover these aspects were highlighted when giving suggestions for the future organisers of ITSC and other events and conferences.
The theoretical framework of the thesis focuses on both conference and experience management. One of the trends within the conference sector is to create memorable experiences for the conference delegates. The theoretical framework was used when analysing the research results.
The qualitative research method was chosen for the research project to detect the individual opinions of each delegate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted during the ITSC Porvoo on 22th-26th of April. All and all nineteen interviews were gathered during the conference and twenty-three people were interviewed. In addition observation was used as a supportive research method. Post conference survey was conducted week after the conference to detect the long lasting memories.
A great deal of positive experiences were created during ITSC Porvoo. The most memorable programme numbers were the Gala Dinner and the evening programme in Seikkailulaakso. Active participation of the delegates as well as stimulating the senses of the participant were the most effective ways in creating experiences. Moreover these aspects were highlighted when giving suggestions for the future organisers of ITSC and other events and conferences.