Ticket sales versus catering challenges for entrepreneurial hospitality workers at international events: A case study of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF)

ABSTRACT: Objective: The objective of the article is to examine the catering challenges for hospitality workers versus ticket sales at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) in terms of their entrepreneurial behaviour. Research Design & Methods: This qualitative conceptual paper is based on interviewing hospitality workers at the MICF. Semi-structured interviews were used to survey venue managers and temporary hospitality workers whilst working at the MICF. Findings: The findings showcase that although some service processes at international comedy festivals can improve, it is unlikely to change in any significant way due to the nature of how comedy festivals are operated and for the duration for the individual shows. It is not feasible to have too many full-time staff or event part-time staff when a temporary or casual work force can service ticket holders even though some people may have a negative experience. Therefore, the workers need to develop entrepreneurial skills in order to succeed in the competitive marketplace. Implications & Recommendations: Investigating the challenges hospitality workers experience at the MICF when ticket sales are continually sold up until the performance is the first attempt at qualitative research in this field of study bridging the gap in event management, festival, and hospitality literature. It highlights the use of temporary hospitality workers as the main labour force of international comedy festivals and showcases some of the challenges hospitality workers experience. It acknowledges the need to think outside the box and to be innovative with work decisions. Contribution & Value Added: This paper adds to the growing body of literature in challenges for the hospitality industry, temporary hospitality workers, international comedy events and last-minute ticket sales and offers practical implications to assist in future large-scale comedy and fringe festivals for the first time.