Recruitment
Making moves in 2025
tfconnect MD Miranda Martin marks the employment card with some regional-based advice for those seeking a switch in 2025
he industry is
T gearing up to ‘ make moves ’ in 2025 . From what we ’ re seeing and hearing , almost without exception , the sector is buoyant with opportunity . There is lots of positivity and lots of growth forecast .
We ’ re hearing consistent messages about organic growth particularly . Lots of our clients are doubling down and focusing on identifying opportunities in existing products ; to drive revenues , geo-adapt , bolt on adjacents , add content , use data more effectively and strengthen what they ’ ve got .
For tfconnect , this manifests in anything from clients seeking help to hire strong commercial and leadership expertise to grow existing assets , to looking at how to geo-adapt core product in new territories . When it comes to organisers looking to set up regional divisions or launch machines in locations such as the Middle East and the US , it goes without saying that , to have success in a new or unknown territory , it really is all about having the right people in place , who possess much needed cultural and local knowledge .
Our clients in Singapore seem to be almost exclusively seeking local candidates with connections , knowledge , and the right to work . We ’ re not seeing much opportunity for international candidates in that location currently .
Is this a big year for America ? Lots of our non-US-based
Above : Miranda Martin
“ There is interest in varying formats including one-to-one meetings , confexes and more digital activity ”
clients have been looking at how to strengthen their market presence in the States since 2024 ( and well before no doubt ). But the association-owned events structure makes it hard to find things to buy , especially at the right price . There are also lots of buyers in the market , therefore making it a very competitive landscape .
Much of the discussion is about launching new or geo-adapting existing products , and / or moving away from the focus on traditional trade show models . We ’ re seeing an interest in varying formats including one-to-one meetings , confexes and more digital activity , which can be more affordable to operate and have fewer restrictions . There ’ s also ongoing debate as to whether businesses should be hiring Europe-based personnel to run product in the US . Stateside salaries continue to be almost double those in the UK . In speaking with Simon Kimble of Clarion fame about ‘ cracking America ’, he said it ’ s all about ‘ buying into the right people ’. We couldn ’ t agree more .
We ’ re seeing clear evidence of business growth and opportunities in Australia where our clients are looking for middle managers , especially launchers , sales , business development and marketing professionals . For those looking to make the lifestyle move , our clients are open to meeting candidates who are genuinely interested in relocating . For 18 – 35-year-olds , the working holiday visa allows individuals to work for up to three years without sponsorship . Salaries are generally in line with the cost of living in the region . A busy start to the year thanks to the vibrancy of our industry . We hotly anticipate lots of big moves in 2025 . EW
50 Issue 1 2025 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk