Mega-Events and Cities: Opportunities, Risks, and Lasting Impact

From the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games to major climate summits and global convenings, cities increasingly serve as stages for some of the world's most visible and consequential events. These moments can bring economic opportunity, infrastructure investment, and global recognition, but they also test a city’s capacity to govern, coordinate, manage risk, and deliver for residents. 

Join Juliette Kayyem for a conversation with city leaders who have planned and hosted major international events. Drawing on their experience, the discussion will explore how cities prepare for complex, high-stakes gatherings; coordinate across agencies, sectors, and jurisdictions; manage public safety and operational risk; and balance immediate demands with long-term civic goals. 

The conversation will also examine what mega-events reveal about the practice of city leadership: how leaders make decisions under pressure, build partnerships, communicate with the public, and plan for impacts that extend beyond the event itself. Attendees will gain practical insights into the governance, operations, and leadership required to turn major events into lasting value for residents. 

Hosted by the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University. 

Lunch will be provided. This is a hybrid event. In-person attendance is limited to Harvard ID holders. Registration is required as space is limited.