Digital Performance in Event Leadership Management: Assessing the Five Phases in Metro Manila's New Normal

Abstract

This study examined self-reported digital practices among event management practitioners in Metro Manila, Philippines, within the New Normal context. A quantitative descriptive survey involved 100 purposively recruited practitioners and drew on Goldblatt's (2011) five-phase framework: Research, Design, Planning, Coordination, and Evaluation. A researcher-developed survey measured the reported frequency of digital practices, while semi-structured interviews with ten practitioners provided contextual information. The overall weighted mean was M = 4.15, classified as Above Average under the study's predefined scale. Coordination had the highest mean (M = 4.55, Excellent), while Evaluation had the lowest (M = 4.00, Above Average). The 0.55-point difference is descriptive; no inferential test of differences between phases was reported. Interview accounts identified time pressure, limited training in data tools, and the absence of structured evaluation systems as barriers. The findings identify evaluation practices as a relative area for further training-needs assessment among comparable practitioner groups. Professional education and continuing development initiatives may consider post-event analytics, outcome measurement, and the use of findings in planning. Because the study used purposive recruitment and self-reported measures, its findings do not establish population-wide digital competence, objectively observed event performance, or causal effects of digital tools or training.