The future of events starts with people - the key takeaways from the latest MIA insights report

We're lucky enough to work with some incredible people across the events industry and one thing's for sure, there's never a dull moment.

From tight turnarounds and big ideas to unforgettable experiences, our industry thrives on talent, passion and a whole lot of teamwork.

That's why the latest Meetings Industry Association’s (mia) Insights report caught our attention.

Checking the pulse of venues, suppliers, agencies and destinations across the UK, it reveals what's really happening behind the scenes when it comes to recruitment, retention, future skills and employee wellbeing.

The results paint a picture of an industry that's resilient, adaptable and full of ambition, but not without its challenges.

So, what are the biggest workforce trends shaping events right now?

Here's what stood out to the Brighter Events team...

‍

A workforce built for resilience

Despite ongoing economic challenges, there are plenty of reasons for optimism. More than a third (35%) of organisations reported workforce growth over the past 12 months, while 61% expect team sizes to remain stable over the coming year.

However, while overall workforce numbers have remained relatively healthy, the makeup of teams is changing.

More than half (51%) of respondents said their workforce composition has evolved, with businesses increasingly focusing on experienced hires (26%) and multi-skilled employees (26%).

Teams are also becoming leaner, with organisations looking for greater flexibility and efficiency in how they operate.

For the events industry, adaptability is becoming a key competitive advantage. As client expectations continue to evolve, organisations are placing greater value on versatile professionals who can wear multiple hats and navigate an increasingly complex landscape.

Rising costs are impacting recruitment

One of the most striking findings from the report is the impact that rising employment costs are having on recruitment strategies.

An overwhelming 90% of respondents said increased employment costs have reduced their ability to recruit younger and entry-level talent.

At the same time, organisations are dealing with higher National Insurance contributions, rising minimum wage costs and increasing salary expectations from candidates.

When asked about the biggest factors affecting recruitment plans, respondents highlighted:

Difficulty attracting talent (69%)

Reduced client spend (54%)

Increased minimum wage costs (52%)

Higher Employers' National Insurance contributions (52%)

Economic uncertainty (44%)

These pressures are forcing many organisations to think differently about how they attract and retain talent.

For event businesses, this presents a challenge but also an opportunity.

Culture, flexibility, career development and meaningful workplace experiences are becoming increasingly important differentiators when attracting top talent.

The talent pipeline remains a key concern

While the industry continues to invest in its people, confidence in attracting the talent needed for the future remains low.

In fact, 57% of respondents expressed a lack of confidence in the industry's ability to secure the workforce it needs in the years ahead.

That should be a concern for everyone involved in events.

The good news is that organisations are taking action.

Nearly three-quarters (73%) are actively developing younger employees and early-career professionals for future leadership roles, while 38% have increased investment in training and development over the past year.

When asked which skills will be most important over the next three to five years, respondents identified:

Customer experience skills (68%)

Sales and business development (66%)

Communication and interpersonal skills (56%)

Creativity and innovation (52%)

Leadership and people management (47%)

AI and automation (45%)

These findings highlight how the future events workforce will need to balance technical expertise with strong human skills.

While AI and automation are firmly on the agenda, customer experience, creativity and relationship-building remain at the heart of what makes great events successful.

Wellbeing is moving up the agenda

Perhaps the most encouraging section of this year's report focuses on wellbeing.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of organisations now say wellbeing is embedded into their company culture, a significant increase from 42% in 2025.

Employee perceptions are also improving, with 77% agreeing that they have a good work-life balance and 29% rating wellbeing within their organisation as excellent.

What this means for event professionals

The MIA's latest insights paint the picture of an industry that remains ambitious, adaptable and committed to its people.

Businesses continue to invest in workforce development, wellbeing initiatives and leadership programmes, even while facing significant financial pressures.

Yet challenges remain.

Attracting younger talent, building sustainable career pathways and supporting employee wellbeing will be crucial if the industry is to maintain its growth and resilience in the years ahead.

For those of us working across events, venues and hospitality, the message is clear: investing in people is no longer simply a nice-to-have. It is an essential part of future-proofing our industry.

At Brighter, we've always believed that exceptional events start with exceptional people.

As the sector continues to evolve, creating environments where talent can grow, thrive and build long-term careers will be one of the biggest opportunities facing our industry.

Click here to read the full report.

‍