In today’s fast-changing world, leisure is more than just a break from work, it is a space where people create meaning, strengthen communities, and explore who they are. From debates around fireworks bans to the decline of community centres, leisure touches on many urgent societal issues. In the general track of Leisure & Events Management (LEM-GEN), we believe that leisure has the power to shape both individual lives and society as a whole. That’s why our programme encourages students to explore how leisure connects to emotional well-being, inclusion, business, and social responsibility. More than ever, students are driven by a desire to make an impact and not just to build skills, but to contribute to a better, more connected world.

The theme parks and attractions fields comprise a sector of the leisure industry that caters to large masses of people. The top 20 theme and amusement parks in Europe welcome over 60 million visitors combined annually (TEA/AECOM, 2023). Catering to large crowds provides memorable experiences to many and enhances subjective well-being for many in turn. Nevertheless, being popular also comes with significant demands from the local environment, society and government structures. These structures are not inexhaustible. Sustainability is therefore one of the top priorities for the themed entertainment and attractions industry.

Events have long been powerful tools for driving social change and fostering community engagement. By bringing people together around a common cause or interest, events can raise awareness, inspire action, and create lasting impacts. One of the key strengths of events is their ability to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. When people gather in support of a cause, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and commitment to that cause. In addition, events can have a direct economic impact on communities. This economic boost can be particularly significant for marginalised or underserved areas, helping to address inequalities and promote social equity (Events – dossier on Social Impact, November 2023, Gerritsen and Van Olderen, 2020). In this article we show perspectives and examples of this development from the perspective of the business event industry, the educational programme of Events for Business, and from the student perspective.

Students are experiencing more and more problems to meet the expectations held by society, and are struggling to find ways to cope with the associated mental health issues. Higher education tries to provide guidance on this, but it usually does not tackle the root of the problem. The Social Innovation specialisation has been taking a different approach to education for twenty years, and with Resilience LABs is taking the next step towards education that aligns with today’s needs.

In 2020, the Urban Life and Placemaking (ULP) specialisation was launched as part of the Academy for Leisure & Events portfolio. From the start, ULP has focused on the dynamic nature of urban contexts and the role leisure and events can play within them. With the vast majority of the world’s population living in cities - a number that continues to rise - urban areas are increasingly the places where people shape and experience their everyday lives. Cities are also sites of contrast: they offer vibrant leisure opportunities that cater to diverse lifestyles, yet they simultaneously struggle with pressing societal issues. It is precisely this dual nature that positions leisure and events as powerful tools for urban transformation. At ULP, we view leisure and events not only as experiences, but as instruments for building more inclusive, just, and joyful cities - or, as we say, loveable and liveable cities. Since the programme was launched, nearly 100 students (20-25 annually) have joined ULP. Five years in, we are reflecting on what has been achieved, what is changing, and what lies ahead - for both the programme and the urban contexts we aim to shape. In an ever-changing world, reflection is key to staying relevant and impactful.

Can urban design truly make people healthier and more connected? The concept of healthy placemaking suggests it can, and that thoughtfully designed spaces can enhance physical well-being, mental resilience, and social interaction. Rather than focusing on aesthetics or adding green spaces - healthy placemaking argues for deliberate strategies to create environments that foster positive health. This extends beyond the mere absence of illness, as it also incorporates helping people feel in control, adapt to challenges, and form meaningful connections. Hart van Zuid, Rotterdam, is putting this concept into practice with several interventions; to see to what extent a redesigned urban space can truly empower residents, improve well-being, and strengthen social bonds, or whether healthy placemaking is likely to be yet another buzzword.