A Microsymposium on “Rethinking Mega Sport Events — Impacts, Legacies, and Future Directions”
as part of the 26th Annual International Conference on Sports: Economic, Management, Marketing & Social Aspects
11-15 May 2026, Athens, Greece
The Sports Unit of the Athens Institute is organizing a Microsymposium on “Rethinking Mega Sport Events – Impacts, Legacies, and Future Directions” as part of the 26th Annual International Conference on Sports: Economic, Management, Marketing & Social Aspects, 11-15 May 2026, Athens, Greece, sponsored by the Athens Journal of Sports.
This microsymposium explores the complex world of mega sport events, such as the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, and continental championships, through critical and interdisciplinary lenses. While these events promise global visibility, economic growth, and urban regeneration, they also raise pressing concerns regarding social displacement, environmental degradation, political instrumentalization, and uneven legacy
outcomes. Bringing together scholars, practitioners, and policy thinkers, this microsymposium will examine the planning, governance, and long-term implications of hosting mega events in diverse contexts. Topics include stakeholder power dynamics, local community impacts, sustainability challenges, post-event urban transformations, and financial and economic implications. Special attention will be given to case studies from emerging economies, shifting geopolitical priorities, and the role of sport in nation branding and soft power. This forum aims to foster debate on whether mega events can be reimagined to serve more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable goals—or whether the model itself needs fundamental reform.
You may participate as a presenter of one paper and/or an attendee.
Please submit an abstract (email only) to: atiner@atiner.gr, using the abstract submission form by 7 October 2025 to: Dr. Spiro Doukas, Deputy Head, Sports Unit, Athens Institute & Associate Professor, American Public University, USA. Abstracts should include the following: Title of Paper, Full Name (s), Affiliation, Current Position, an email address, and at least 3 keywords that best describe the subject of your submission. Decisions are reached within 4 weeks.
Fee structure information is available on www.atiner.gr/fees.
Special arrangements will be made with a local hotel for a limited number of rooms at a special conference rate. In addition, a number of special events will be organized, including a pragmatic symposium (as organized in Ancient Athens but fine-tuned to synchronous ethics), a special one-day educational island tour, a Mycenae and island of Poros visit, an Athens educational walking tour, a day trip to Delphi, and an ancient Corinth and Cape Sounion visit. Details of the social program are available here.
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