Research undertaken by Meeting Allstars on the effect of the pandemic on employment points to a resilience to stay working within the live event sector, despite the catastrophic effects on face-to-face communications.
Meeting Allstars research mirrors the broader situation within the hospitality sector with recruitment stagnant, many businesses being propped up by furlough and headcounts minimised to meet the limited demand levels and previous lack of clarity on when events would return.
The research was carried out between 15th January and 12th February 2021 and drew more than 500 responses from UK based employees of corporate brands, agencies, convention bureaus, venues and ancillary suppliers to the live event sector.
With consumer confidence at an all-time low, and businesses stalled since lockdown, it’s not surprising that up to 1/3 of event personnel have been made redundant during the pandemic with agency and corporate employees faring worse. The responses from caterers show that headcounts have been reduced to 50% of their norm with only central services functions working. Within venues – group and independent hotel, unique venues and exhibition centres – reducing headcount and thereby fixed costs is not as prevalent and 46% of employees are working regular hours.
29% of respondents are looking for new roles due to redundancy and although 60% of these are resilient in their desire to remain in the events industry, 40% are having to look for roles elsewhere.
According to the research, 23% of employees are furloughed either in a part-time or full-time capacity, with those currently working and those awaiting to come back off furlough anticipating big change in their roles in the coming months and foresee significant additions to their roles when they are fully back. Respondents anticipate that their current positions will be merged meaning they will be given additional responsibilities.
Chris Parnham, Owner and co-founder of Meeting Allstars and Owner of Absolute Corporate Events and Absolute Digital Communications says: “The results from this research, coupled with the desire and resilience of MICE professionals to remain within the events industry if the opportunities are there, is one of the reasons Angie and I established Meeting Allstars. There is a major need to safeguard the skills, creativity and relationships held by those displaced from our industry due to the current climate and ensure we don’t see a migration of talent.
“Although the research highlights a growing lack of confidence in the recovery of the events industry, there is still a clear resilience from event professionals to remain in the industry and people are seeking new hiring options. The industry undoubtedly looks different now, but live events are set to return and clients will need to source venues. Meeting Allstars offers an opportunity for anyone who has experience of global venue sourcing and has client relationships needing attention to join the company.
“The focus now must be on making the best from the recovery of our industry and we are dedicated to creating a community of event planners, united by a common goal of delivering a personalised and dedicated service to clients requiring global venue sourcing.”
For more information on Meeting Allstars, visit the website here: https://www.meetingallstars.com
