Examining the Use of Experienced Learning in a Sports Event Host Organisation: A Case Study on The Alpine World Championships in Åre

Abstract

The Alpine World Championships are held every other year and involves the hosting organisation and external actors (e.g. the International Ski Federation, media, investors) that interconnect with each other to create the best event possible. The Swedish ski-resort, Åre, is chosen to be the host for the upcoming Alpine World Championship in 2019. After hosting the event in 2007, Åre saw many positive effects and the host organisation now aims to go from good to great, making the 2019 event an even greater success. The study will examine how experienced learning gained by the host organisation from 2007 is utilized and adapted in the planning process towards 2019. Therefore, qualitative interviews with the current members of the hosting organisation were conducted in order to further understand this process. The findings of the study reveal how experienced learning facilitates the work of the hosting organisation in the planning process towards the Alpine World Championship 2019. Contributions to the field of sports management are made through examining the impacts of experienced learning in the planning process for a major sporting event.