Jess Shields , director and founder of global production and creative agency Far and Beyond , says that now more than ever the events industry must invest in and nurture the next generation of events professionals .

It may not be sustainable , and one thing is clear – we are all struggling under the lack of infrastructure . It seems to be all we are all talking about at the moment ; not a day goes past where I don ’ t get a desperate text within an industry WhatsApp group from someone asking if anyone knows how to get hold of last-minute toilets , or tentage , or haulage .

But what about lack of human resource ? And experienced humans at that . Everyone is stretched , and there simply isn ’ t going to be enough of us to keep up with the demand .

It ’ s important that we take the time to introduce some new blood into the industry . So where does this new blood come from ? And more importantly , what are we doing to nurture and develop the people who want to learn , instead of just throwing them in at the last minute and seeing if they sink or swim ? For me , the qualifications that someone has are not hugely important when taking on a recruit

Jess Shields

but more so their willingness to get stuck in and learn the hard graft on the ground . I think it takes a certain mindset to be able to leave any expectations of glamour at the door , and embrace the reality of the long hours , literal cabin fever , and ( often ) waterproof trouser life that is working on events . Thrive within that environment and you ’ re a keeper .

As an industry I think we need to ask ourselves ; are we doing enough to

look after our people ? Or are we all so hooked on the fact that any newbies to the game should be grateful to have broken into this in-demand industry so we don ’ t feel the need to nurture them the way that we should ? Are we all so busy that we don ’ t have the time to pay attention to who is doing well , and who ’ s struggling to keep up ? And , are our expectations of people out of date when it comes to the hours we expect them to work ?

The entertainment industry still has a way to go to get up to speed when it comes to culture within the workplace , but developing and retaining good people is a benefit to us all and we need to do our part to make the improvements . Eight months ago , I brought on board a head of people and culture to Far and Beyond , and I can say without doubt that it has been the best investment I ’ ve made as a business owner . As an outsider to the industry , she looks on everything with a fresh pair of eyes . She has brought about changes and introduced regulations to the company that I would not have considered necessary but now would not operate without . It ’ s true that what you put in is what you get out , and by putting the time and resource into looking after the welfare of our team , the results have been unquestionable . There ’ s more to do , and we are by no means ahead of the curve yet , but it ’ s something I ’ m keen to prioritise within Far and Beyond , and the industry as a whole .