Future Proofing the Success of Food Festivals Through Determining the Drivers of Change: A Case Study of<i>Wellington on a Plate</i>

In parallel with the growth and popularity of food tourism, increase in food-specific events festivals has been significant. Events have become an important element experience economy; often their economic social benefits related to improvements quality life for communities regions. Food provide opportunity event goers socialize, as by nature they bring people together. However, how do we future proof success such events? Adopting a practice theory position pragmatism paradigm, this article investigates using case study Wellington on Plate (WOAP), which is New Zealand's most successful festival, operated Culinary Trust (WCET). line scenario planning research methods, 12 "remarkable persons" were interviewed identify 22 megadrivers change, including mobility, redefining luxury, technological immersion, capital, demography changes, accessibility. Adapting Yeoman's conceptual framework tourism drivers linking these was derived that considers five factors success: political capital; visionary state; Sense community; The drive affluence exclusivity ; Fluid identity foodies. development framework, links external environment, contributes proofing festivals.