Martin Robertson
martin robertson

Dr Martin Robertson BA (Hons), MA, PhD, FHEA

Associate Professor

 0131 455 4613

  M.Robertson2@napier.ac.uk

   

Biography

Dr Martin Robertson's passion for teaching and learning application and excellence has been applied successfully in his HE teaching and leadership roles in both the UK and in Australia. His involvement in academic quality assurance has also seen him sit in an executive capacity on a number of related university councils (UK & Australia). He has also been an active contributor to national (Scotland) and state (Victoria, Australia) government academic quality actions. In addition, Martin has both lead and contributed to public consultations (UK and Australia).

Martin has maintained his contact with the industry environment through supportive involvement in related agencies and non-executive directorship or committee roles. This applied activity drives his continued desire for providing a learning, teaching and research experience that is professionally and socially useful, and wherever possible allows for future directions. Sustainability, resilience, regenerative capacity, and social justice are key components of this work.

Martin's has led or co-lead 11 consultations projects for providers of large events (arts, agriculture and sport). As well as having been programme leader for 7 HE degree programmes (UK and Australia), he has also designed and led or co-led the following short professional development courses: 1) 'Leadership Development for Large Charity organisations' (Edinburgh); 2) a certified upskilling short course 'Sustainable, Entrepreneurial & Innovative Tourism Business Management' (Edinburgh) ; 3) an Honours (Research) degree in Business Management (Melbourne), and 4) a certificated Event Management training course for industry (Melbourne).

Martin is Adjunct Associate Professor, Victoria University Business School, & Research Associate, Institure of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia (2025-2028). In 2019 he completed 5 years as Adjunct Associate Professor, for the School for the Visitor Economy & the Institute of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University. Martin was Co-Chairperson of the Event Studies SIG for the Council for Australasian Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) for 8 years. Martin is Associate Editor of three peer review journals. He has co-edited 8 academic journal special issues and has also co-edited 6 published books. He has over 80 related articles , chapter publications and reports.

School

Research Groups

Themes

Research Areas

Esteem

Advisory panels and expert committees or witness

  • ICCA Certification Curriculum Academic Committee Member (2021 - 2022)
  • Business Tourism Group Member, Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (2019-present)
  • Advisory Committee Member, Arts & Cultural Matters, City of Maribyrnong Council, Victoria (2010-11)
  • Forum Member, National Sustainable Events, Sustainability Victoria & Sustainable Living Festival (2009)
  • Founding Committee Member, Associate of Event Management Educators (AEME) (2004-8)
  • Group Member, Scottish Tourism Framework for Action, Scottish Executive (2003-4)

 

Conference Organising Activity

  • Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2022
  • Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2021
  • Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2020
  • Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2019
  • Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2018
  • Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2017
  • Review of transformative festival leadership – a learning and teaching discussion (Cardiff Metropolitan University, AEME 2017)
  • Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2016
  • A game of two halves: the value of field trips in event management education. Case studies of Dublin & Lisbon (team) (University of Derby, AEME 2016)
  • Visioning the future city – a discussion on the narrative of sustainability through events and festivals’ (Bournemouth University, LSA 2015)
  • Creative Approaches to Teaching (team) (Falkirk University, AEME, 2015)
  • Co-Chair Event Studies Special Interest Group CAUTHE Conference 2015
  • Developing a standard instrument to assess intangible event outcomes from the Ambassador perspective (team) (Flinders University (Adelaide), Global Event Congress IV) (2014)
  • Doing the right thing? Festival leadership and sustainability: the case of literary events Global Events Congress IV (2014)
  • Seeing the future of events and festivals as a conceptual framework (team) Global Events Congress IV (2014)
  • Bringing down the fourth wall: co-creation of event performance & space (team) Advancing Event Research Series - Events in Society (Victoria University, Melbourne, 2014)
  • Duplication of Purchase Law in Sport Event Markets: New Zealand case study (team) ANZMAC 2014 (Griffiths University, Brisbane, 2014)
  • Mountain Bike Sport Tourism: Mediating Space and Visitor Perception – A case study (team) (University of West Scotland, LSA, 2014)

 

Editorial Activity

  • Co-editor: Special issue - ‘Repurposing and Repositioning Events: Real, Responsible and Revolutionary Futures'’ International Journal of Festival and Event Management (2023 publication)
  • Associate Editor - Event Management (an international journal)
  • Special Issue co-editor: 'Can Sport, Leisure, Tourism & Events be Powers for Good?' (Frontiers in Sports and Active Living - Sport, Leisure and Tourism)
  • Associate Editor, Frontiers in Sport and Active Living (Sport, Lesure and Tourism) (2020-Ongoing)
  • Co-editor: Special issue - ‘Events futures: innovation, creativity and collaboration’ International Journal of Festival and Event Management Vol 9 (2018, Issue 2)
  • UK Editor, Event Management - an international journal (2016-21)
  • Lead co-editor: ' Special issue - 'Critical Event Studies – Issues and Perspectives' Event Management - an international journal Vol 22 (2018, Issue 6)
  • Editorial Board Member, Journal of Tourism Futures (2015-2018)
  • (Co-editor) The Future of Festival and Events (Advanced Series on Events: Research - Routledge)
  • Co-editor: Special Issue - 'Events in Society' Event Management - an international journal Vol 19 (4) (2015)
  • Lead co-editor: Special issue - 'Professionalisation and Event Management' Event Management - an international journal Vol 18 (1) (2014)
  • Co-editor: Special Issue - ‘Emerging knowledge and innovation in event management’ International Journal of Festival and Event Management Vol 4 (3) (2013)
  • Associate Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Event & Festival Management (2010-current)
  • (Co-editor) International Perspectives of Festivals and Events (Advances in Tourism Research - Elsevier Publication)
  • (Co-editor) Events and Festivals: Current Trends and Issues (Routledge)
  • Co-editor: Special Issue - ‘Festival and Events – beyond economic impacts’ Event Management - an international journal Vol 11 (1-2) (2007)
  • (Editor) Sporting Events and Events Tourism (LSA publication)
  • (Co-editor) Festival and Events Management: an international arts and culture perspective (Butterworth-Heinemann)
  • (Co-editor) Managing Tourism in Cities; policy, process and practice (John Wiley and Sons Ltd)

 

External Examining/Validations

  • External Examiner (PhD) - Leeds Beckett University (2023) (Teresa Moore)
  • External Examiner (PhD) - Victoria University, Melbourne (2022) (Abdullah Abonom)
  • External Opponent (PhD) - Mid-Sweden University (2022) (Martin Wallstrom)
  • External Examiner(PhD) - University of Chichester (2021) (Emma Nolan)
  • External Examiner (PhD) - Sheffield Hallam University (2020) (Emma Abson)
  • External Panel Member (MSc Tourism Validation/Approval) - University of Highlands and Islands (2020)
  • External Examiner (PhD) - Leeds Beckett University (2019) (Alistair Palferman )
  • External Examiner, Master of Tourism, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia (2014)
  • External Advisor, BSc (Hons) Sports Events Management, Leeds Metropolitan University (2011-12)
  • External Advisor: BA (Hons) Event & Festival Management, Buckinghamshire New University (2009)
  • External Examiner, BA Tourism Management & BA Tourism & International Tourism, Glasgow Caledonian University (2006-8)
  • External Advisor, BA Tourism Management, University of Highlands and Islands, Perth (2004)

 

Fellowships and Awards

  • ATHE Award for Innovation - Building Leadership and Management Capacity in the Visitor Economy (2018-2019)
  • Bournemouth University VC Award (Qualification achievement) (2017)
  • Student/ Student Union 'Your briliant' Award (x2) (Bournemouth University) (2017)
  • Honorary Fellow, Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University
  • Award for Teaching Excellence (Victoria University, Internal) (2011)
  • Highly Commended Certificate (Miles Clark Business Events Communication Award) "The Business of Teaching Business Events" (Team) (2010)
  • Best Education or Training Programme (Team award) Australian Events Awards (2010)
  • Fellow, Higher Education Academy (HEA) (2002-current)

 

Invited Speaker

  • Measuring Business Events Shaping Tommorow (BEST) (2023) (Convention Bureau Edinburgh )
  • "Mega-events: the ethical, environmental & social cost" - Online seminar for the Law Society of Scotland (2022)
  • "Applying Blooms Taxonomy in the development of event management curricula (in challenging times) - a personal future reflection" - at Event Education Symposium, Hochschile Hannover, University of Applied Sciences and Arts (2021)
  • "Destination Events: the Success of Edinburgh Festivals", for University of Bagiou, Philippines (2021)
  • "Major events and legacy: women and social change" Victoria University/ Women's T20 World Cup - at Melbourne Cricket Ground (2020)
  • Visit Britain Keynote Presenter and workshop facilitation, ‘Ambassador Programmes & Competitive Resilience’ (2018)
  • Conference Discussion Panel Member, 'Critical Event Studies', Associate of Event Management Educators Form (2017)
  • Presented 'The future of major events', at Tourism in Tomorrow's World/ Stenden University, Qatar (2014)
  • Discussion Panel Member, ‘Event studies: extending the knowledge’ at Events in Society Symposium, Victoria University (2014)
  • Presentation of results for International Conference and Convention Association (ICCA) “Investigating Ambassador Programmes: Motives for Bidding for International Meetings and Events Bureaus” at 51st ICCA Congress (Puerto Rico) (2012)
  • Melbourne Writers Festival 2009: 'UNESCO City of Literature: Creative Collateral and Cultural Evaluation of Festivals: Edinburgh and Melbourne' (to Directors of 22 International Writers Festivals)

 

Media Activity

  • Wisdom Wednesday (for members of SITE ) - by Edinburgh Napier University (May 2020)
  • The Knowledge effect of conferences (Convention Edinburgh News Event) August, 2019)
  • Expert comment on “Future technology and soccer” UEFA Direct April 2017, p6-10
  • ‘Common ground: how mountain biking will leave a lasting legacy’ in The Conversation, 30th July, 2014
  • Expert comment in ‘Ballarat’s Asian Cup Wish List’ The Courier (Ballarat) - 12th Feb, 2014
  • Expert Comment in ‘Open for debate? Taxpayers’ big investment in a fortnight of tennis’ (Crikey.com.au) 15 Jan, 2014
  • Expert interview on “21st century spectator sports” in article ‘Global gathering’ in Vision (Fresh perspective from Dubai), p27-31. Sept, 2013
  • Article: ‘Australian Open: why the tennis works but the Grand Prix struggles’ in The Conversation. Jan 16th, 2012
  • Discussion of Australian Grand Prix success on ABC Radio. Jan 17th, 2012

 

Membership of Professional Body

  • Member, Regional Studies Association
  • Member, The Tourism Society
  • Business Event Committee Member (Edinburgh Tourism Action Group)
  • Association of Event Management Education (member)
  • Member, Leisure Studies Association
  • Associate Member (& Co-chair of Event Studies SiG), CAUTHE

 

Non-executive Directorship

  • Board of Directors/ Committee Member, b-side Multi-Media Arts Festival, Portland (2016-2018)
  • Co-chairperson, Event Studies SIG, CAUTHE (2015-Feb 5th, 2022)
  • Committee Member, Western Melbourne Tourism (2012-2015)
  • Secretary, Tourism Society Scotland (2002-2005)

 

Public/Community Engagement

  • Measuring and Awards for Postive Impacts: Business Events Shaping Tommorow (BEST) (2023)
  • Edinburgh Business Tourism Providers - Community Calculator (Community Consultation and Matrics Creation) (2021-22)
  • #ILovePortland 2019 - A public consultation on the Isle of Portland, UK (2019)
  • b-side Arts Festival Non-Executive Director (Sustainability) (2017-2018)
  • Committee Member (and Logistics Manager) Yaraville Arts Festival (2008-2011/2)

 

Visiting Positions

  • Adjunct Associate Professor, Victoria University Business School, & Research Associate, Institure of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia (2025-2028)
  • Adjunct Associate Professor, Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne (2019-2021)

 

Filter by

Date


83 results

Evaluating the benefits of professional events and venues for academic scholars and institutions & their host cities

Report
Robertson, M. (2025)
Evaluating the benefits of professional events and venues for academic scholars and institutions & their host cities. Edinburgh: Edinburgh International Conference Centre
This study is response to a gap in knowledge regards higher education institutions – and their subject or discipline areas - and the motivations for hosting conferences in pr...

Exploring safety at mass gathering events through the lens of three different stakeholders

Journal Article
Hutton, A., Robertson, M., & Ranse, J. (2025)
Exploring safety at mass gathering events through the lens of three different stakeholders. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, Article 1451891. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1451891
Introduction: The work here reviews the role of those with responsibility in managing people and their safety at Mass Gathering Events (MGE); event managers, police, and medic...

An investigation of the rotation patterns of international association meetings and events

Presentation / Conference Contribution
Drake, C., Lockstone-Binney, L., Robertson, M., & Thi Phuong Dung, L. (2024, February)
An investigation of the rotation patterns of international association meetings and events. Presented at The 34th Annual Council for Australasian Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) Conference, Hobart, Tasmania
International association meetings and events (IAMEs) are a significant segment of the business events sector. Noting the dearth of longitudinal research to confirm how these ...

Preparing Tourism, Hospitality and Events graduates to be industry ready: Extending the three-factor model of authentic learning

Journal Article
Kitchen, E., Goh, E., Steriopolous, E., Harkison, T., Drake, C., Robertson, M., Losekoot, E., & Waterston, L. (online)
Preparing Tourism, Hospitality and Events graduates to be industry ready: Extending the three-factor model of authentic learning. Studies in Higher Education, https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2024.2420868
Authentic learning is a critical pedagogy and curriculum requirement in higher education to better prepare students for future workforce requirements. As such, educators adopt...

Guide for Business Events Shaping Tomorrow (SDGs measurement and evaluation guide)

Other
Robertson, M. (2024)
Guide for Business Events Shaping Tomorrow (SDGs measurement and evaluation guide). [PDF]
This guide is for Business Event client (UK or International) hosting conference, convention or other large business-related event in Edinburgh. It is a guide for application ...

An investigation of the rotation patterns of international association meetings and events

Journal Article
Lockstone-Binney, L., Robertson, M., Drake, C., & Le, J. D. (2024)
An investigation of the rotation patterns of international association meetings and events. Event Management, 28(3), 351-363. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599523X17025088793829
International association meeting and events (IAMEs) are a significant specialist segment of the business events sector. Noting the lack of longitudinal research available to ...

Authentic learning in higher education environments: Teacher insight into student experience – a reflection of process and purpose (Stage 1 – with focus on Edinburgh Case)

Presentation / Conference Contribution
Kitchen, E., Drake, C., Goh, E., Harkison, T., Losekoot, E., Robertson, M., Steriopolous, E., & Waterston, L. (2023, May)
Authentic learning in higher education environments: Teacher insight into student experience – a reflection of process and purpose (Stage 1 – with focus on Edinburgh Case). Poster presented at Council for Hospitality Management Education 2023, Annual Conference, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
Authentic teaching and learning is a critical pedagogy and curriculum requirement in higher education to better prepare for the future workforce. As such, educators adopt a su...

A critical review of the efficacy of the UN SDGs as conduits for collaboration in business tourism provision. Case Study Edinburgh & Melbourne

Presentation / Conference Contribution
Robertson, M., Pyke, J., & Drake, C. (2023, February)
A critical review of the efficacy of the UN SDGs as conduits for collaboration in business tourism provision. Case Study Edinburgh & Melbourne. Presented at 33rd Annual Conference of the Council for Australasian Universities Tourism and Hospitality Education, Fremantle, Western Australia
Business events can support the needs of access, equality, and learning for work and social inclusion, and determine a greater range of benefits than had been previously consi...

Authentic learning in higher education environments: Teacher insight into student experience

Presentation / Conference Contribution
Kitchen, E., Steriopoulos, E., Harkison, T., Drake, C., Goh, E., Robertson, M., Waterston, L., & Losekoot, E. (2023, February)
Authentic learning in higher education environments: Teacher insight into student experience. Presented at 23rd Annual Conference of the Council for Australasian Universities Tourism and Hospitality Education, Fremantle, Western Australia
This paper focuses on the factors that influence the authentic learning practices in the Tourism, Hospitality, and Events (THE) education context from a teacher’s perspective....

Active design pedagogy to support international students’ engagement with - and increase staff understanding of the cultural nuances around - sustainability

Presentation / Conference Contribution
Robertson, M., Brodie, J., & Illingworth, S. (2023, May)
Active design pedagogy to support international students’ engagement with - and increase staff understanding of the cultural nuances around - sustainability. Paper presented at CABS LTSE 2023 Conference, Newport, Wales

Pre-Napier Funded Projects

  • Arts Council England Catalyst Small Grant Application (Bournemouth University & b-side Multimedia Festival CIC) (Awarded 2018)
  • Pathways to sustainability: festival leaders and transformative futures (leader/ internal) (2017)
  • Developer, Coordinator and Trainer: Professional Diploma in Event Management, Office of Knowledge Exchange, Victoria University (leader) (2013-14)
  • Sport events and rural destination narrative. UCI MB Championship (leader/ internal) (2012-13)
  • ICCA Commission (team member): Investigating Ambassador Programmes: Motives for Bidding for International Meetings and Events Bureaus’ (2012-2013)

Current Post Grad projects

Previous Post Grad projects

Non-Napier PhD or MSc by Research supervisions

  • PhD (Victoria University, Melbourne): Micaela Joy Spiers (Families with adolescents: vacation decision making) (Professor AM Hede, Dr R. Garma & Dr. M. Robertson) (Awarded 2017)