The events industry thrives on fresh ideas, new perspectives and boundless energy.

Yet, across the sector, we're seeing a growing challenge - many entry-level roles are asking for experience, while aspiring event professionals are struggling to gain that experience in the first place.

It's a contradiction that risks limiting the future growth of our industry.

A recent article in Conference & Incentive Travel magazine highlighted concerns that, without stronger employer commitment to nurturing emerging talent, the industry's talent pipeline could face significant challenges.

The message was simple - if we want the next generation of event professionals to succeed, organisations need to create meaningful pathways into the industry.

At Brighter we are proud to give new talent a chance to shine.

Claire Conboy, Director of Events at Brighter, said: “We have three former apprentices in our team now who play such an important role in our business.

“We also have a new apprentice with us for this academic year. We offer not just entry level apprenticeship opportunities but also higher level courses to enable our established team members to grow and develop too.”

Opening doors, not closing them

The business events sector has always been built on people.

While technology continues to transform how we plan, deliver and measure events, creativity, collaboration and human connection remain at the heart of what we do.

That's why it's so important that we continue to create opportunities for people who are taking their first steps in their careers.

Every experienced event professional started somewhere.

Indeed, three of our team started off as apprentices.

Jo Lake is now our Operations Manager of Special Projects and Events and was named in C&IT’s Agency A-List in 2022 and was a miaList award winner in 2024.

Taylor Greenough has made great strides since starting with us as an apprentice and is currently one of our successful Event Project Managers.

And Annabel Thorlby-Wilson is our latest apprentice who has been made a Project Executive having made a real impact to the Brighter events team.

She was also highly commended in the New Talent of the Year category at last year’s Famtastic Awards.  

They learned by being part of projects, supporting teams, making mistakes and developing confidence through real-world experience.

If entry-level opportunities become increasingly difficult to access, we risk missing out on talented individuals who could become the next generation of industry leaders.

Why apprenticeships matter

At Brighter, we're passionate about supporting future talent, which is why we've welcomed apprentices into our business.

Apprenticeships provide a valuable route into the events industry, combining hands-on experience with structured learning.

They give individuals the opportunity to develop practical skills while working alongside experienced professionals, helping them build confidence and gain a genuine understanding of the industry.

For employers, apprenticeships also bring fresh thinking, diverse perspectives and new ideas that strengthen teams and support long-term growth.

Investing in people isn't simply the right thing to do. It's essential for the future success of our sector.

Supporting The Power of Events

We're also proud supporters of The Power of Events, an initiative dedicated to showcasing the value, diversity and career opportunities available across the events industry.

One of the biggest challenges facing the sector is awareness.

Many young people simply don't realise the breadth of careers available within events, from production and project management to creative design, technology, logistics and client services.

The Power of Events is helping to change that by shining a spotlight on the incredible opportunities our industry offers and inspiring the next generation to consider events as a rewarding career path.

The more we promote those opportunities, the stronger and more sustainable our talent pipeline becomes.

Opportunities to thrive

Neil Wainwright-Farrar, Head of Apprenticeships & Early Careers, said: “I started my career as an apprentice, so I understand the life-changing opportunities apprenticeships can create.

“At Brighter, we're passionate about developing future talent and working with education partners to raise awareness of the exciting careers our industry offers.

“My role as an Ambassador for The Apprenticeship Network in the North West reflects our ongoing commitment to helping young people succeed."

Brighter, and across Clarity Business Travel, has supported 73 apprentices to date, with 19 currently studying.

There will also be a new cohort of 10/11 apprentices joining the business next month too.

A shared responsibility

Attracting and developing new talent isn't something that can be solved by any one organisation alone - it requires a collective effort across agencies, venues, suppliers and industry bodies.

As an industry, we need to continue creating accessible entry points, supporting apprenticeships, championing education initiatives and demonstrating that careers in events are open to people from all backgrounds.

The events industry has built its reputation on bringing people together.

Now, we have an opportunity to come together and invest in the people who will shape its future.

Because today's apprentice could be tomorrow's event director, business leader or industry innovator.

And that's an investment worth making.