Associate Professor Sunny Son

Associate Professor Insun Sunny Son (née Lee) is the Program Director for Tourism & Event Management, Sport & Recreation Management, and Art & Cultural Management at UniSA Business, University of South Australia. She also serves as the Research Ethics Advisor at UniSA Business. Dr. Son is an active member of the Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies (C-EDGE) and the CERM Performance Indicators® (CERM-PI) at UniSA Business.

Dr. Son holds a PhD in Tourism, a Master of Business (Advanced) in International Event Management from the University of Queensland, and a Bachelor of Business in Hospitality Management and Event Management from Victoria University in Melbourne.

Her research and teaching expertise lie in event management, visitor experiences, and the impacts of events. She has conducted extensive research on both local and international festivals and sports events, employing a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Her work provides valuable insights for governments and industries, helping them to leverage events for a variety of objectives and develop strategies for achieving sustainable, successful outcomes. Currently, her research focuses on the strategic use of events for community development, destination management, public diplomacy, well-being, and placemaking. Dr. Son is actively engaged with local councils and government agencies, offering consulting services, and regularly speaks at workshops and conferences for both government and industry professionals.

Dr. Son's research has been published in leading journals in the field of Tourism and Event Management, such as 'Tourism Management' and 'Event Management'. She is member of the Editorial Board of 'Event Management', the 'International Journal of Event and Festival Management,' and 'Frontiers in Sports and Active Living'.

Read the media release and case study about my recent research:

• Attending events is the ticket to happiness
• Attending local events strengthens neighbourhood bonds
• New Placemaking guide gives SA councils a planning edge
• Real connections trump virtual gatherings – the magic of in-person events
• Events shaping positive perceptions of place

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (Tourism Management) The University of Queensland

• Master of Business (Advanced) International Event Management The University of Queensland

• Bachelor of Business(Hospitality Management/Event Management) Victoria University

• Diploma in Hospitality Kangan Institute

Work history

Program Director (Tourism & Event Management, Sport & Recreation Management, and Art & Cultural Management), University of South Australia, 2022 - present

Senior Lecturer, School of Management, University of South Australia, 2017 - present

Research Ethics Advisor, School of Management, University of South Australia, 2014 - present

Lecturer, School of Management, University of South Australia, 2012 - 2016

Research Assistant, School of Tourism, University of Queensland, 2008 - 2012

Tutor, School of Tourism, University of Queensland, 2009 - 2011