Festivals as strategic tools: exploring the Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insight into the use of festivals as a strategy to position cities as creative hubs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has been prepared by an independent author who provides their views and personal experiences of festivals.

Findings

Festivals are an effective strategic tool for countries to use to engage business audiences and associate themselves with values such as creativity.

Originality/value

This paper shares highlights from the 2016 Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity. Three presentations have been chosen for review, and two of the developmental programmes are discussed. While these provide only a brief insight into the festival, they reflect the quality of speakers and the unique opportunities for professional development offered at this annual Dubai event.

Citation

Turnbull, S. (2017), "Festivals as strategic tools: exploring the Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity", Strategic Direction, Vol. 33 No. 3, pp. 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-10-2016-0136