Abstract
This conceptual and methodological research note addresses event industry dynamics during armed conflicts, proposing an urgent anthropology approach to document transformations in real time. Using Ukraine as an example, we illustrate how event organizations have adapted to existential threats since the 2022 Russian invasion, demonstrating resilience through cultural initiatives, charitable events, and creative repurposing of resources. We argue that these practices have the potential to sustain cultural identity and to contribute to economic development, social cohesion and morale in conflict settings. To overcome the methodological and ethical challenges of traditional ethnography in war zones, we propose a novel citizen science framework within the urgent anthropology paradigm, leveraging digital technologies, social media, and participatory methods. This approach can decentralize knowledge production, mitigate researcher risk, and create longitudinal archives of industry adaptations. Our proposal supports SDG 16 by suggesting ways to link events and tourism research to peace, justice, and institutional resilience.