Risk management and contingency planning in events: participants' reactions to the cancellation of ironman New Zealand 2012

Previous event studies on risk and risk management have predominantly been undertaken from the perspective of event organizers, whilst the perceptions of event participants in relation to risks, their eventuation, and management have received less attention. This paper presents an exploratory case study of amateur athletes’ reactions to the cancellation of a participation-based sporting event, with particular reference to their perceptions of risk management and contingency planning initiatives deployed by event organizers. Drawing upon semi-structured interviews with participants of the cancelled 2012 Ironman New Zealand triathlon it was found participants perceived the situation as diligently and competently handled. Some criticism was directed however, towards event organizers’ communication strategies and aspects of their contingency initiatives. This research highlights the role comprehensive risk management and contingency planning can play in preventing damage to an event’s image and reputation if adverse circumstances are encountered.