Planning for the Unexpected: Crisis Management Practices in the KARETA Event at Medan Tourism Polytechnic

Crisis management in the organization of educational events has become a strategic issue that requires well-structured planning to anticipate potential disruptions that may affect the smooth execution of the event. This study aims to examine crisis management planning practices during the KARETA (Kampung Kreasi Kita) event at Medan Tourism Polytechnic, as a form of experiential learning implementation. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. The primary focus of this research is to identify how crisis management planning, execution, and evaluation are carried out by the event organizers, comprising students and academic supervisors. The findings reveal that, although the organizers are not the direct cause of the crises that may arise, they bear full responsibility for managing the impacts, ensuring the safety of participants, and protecting the institution’s reputation. The study also found that effective crisis management planning involves risk identification, the establishment of an emergency response team, and the implementation of clear and structured communication strategies. These findings highlight the critical importance of preparedness within tourism vocational education, where field-based practices often present real-world challenges that require quick and competent managerial responses. The implications of this study emphasize the need for the integration of crisis management into the tourism education curriculum and the strengthening of students’ capacities as future professionals capable of responding to unexpected situations in an effective and professional manner.