Recruitment
Investment is flowing; so is talent
2026 has already been a landmark year for the events industry, says Miranda Martin, MD, tfconnect
e predicted a busy
W year. We expected consolidation. We anticipated significant investment activity, and we are busier than ever.
What perhaps surprised even the optimists was the pace. In just 20 days, the industry witnessed three landmark transactions worth a combined £ 4.2bn. It’ s a powerful endorsement of live events and the long-term confidence investors have in the future of face-to-face.
Despite years of speculation about digital disruption, AI and virtual alternatives, investors continue to back businesses that bring communities together in person. They’ re investing in trusted brands, loyal communities, recurring revenues and, most importantly, the long-term growth potential of our industry.
From where we sit as executive search specialists, that confidence is already creating fascinating ripple effects throughout the talent market.
Whenever a significant transaction completes, people move.
Some leaders stay to deliver the next phase of growth. Others decide they’ ve achieved what they set out to do. New investors bring fresh ambitions, different operating models and, often, new leadership requirements. That movement creates opportunity. Over the past few months, we ' ve had conversations with exceptional executives who, frankly, you wouldn ' t expect to see on the market. Commercial leaders, marketers, product specialists and managing directors with outstanding track records are quietly considering what’ s next.
Not because something has gone wrong. Because timing matters.
A career isn’ t simply about climbing higher. It’ s about recognising which chapter you’ re in.
For some, after spending four or five years scaling a business, driving EBITDA, professionalising operations and preparing for investment or sale, another investment-backed journey is exactly what they want. They thrive on the pace, the challenge and the clear commercial objectives.
Above: Miranda Martin
Others feel differently.
Having experienced one investment cycle, they don ' t necessarily have the appetite to do it all again.
Some take the financial reward they’ ve earned and decide it’ s time to step away.
Some launch the business they’ ve always dreamed of building.
Some seek founder-led organisations where they can have greater influence and more entrepreneurial freedom.
Others prioritise flexibility, family or purpose over another intensive growth cycle.
None of these decisions are right or wrong. They’ re simply reflections of changing priorities.
We’ re also seeing more conversations about succession and legacy than ever before. More founders are thinking carefully about who will lead their businesses through the next stage of growth. More executives are asking not just,‘ What ' s my next role?’ but,‘ What kind of business do I want to help build?’
The result is one of the most fluid senior talent markets we’ ve seen in years.
For employers, it means access to leaders who might not normally be available.
For candidates, opportunities are emerging that simply didn’ t exist 12 months ago. And the story is far from over. The recent headline transactions are unlikely to be the last. Numerous businesses are actively exploring investment, acquisitions or exit strategies, and more deals are expected across the exhibitions and events sector over the coming months.
While the headlines understandably focus on billion-pound valuations, perhaps the bigger story is what ' s happening behind the scenes.
Because every investment ultimately comes down to one thing. People.
Capital may be fuelling the industry ' s next chapter, but it will be people who determine how the story ends. EW
50 Issue 4 2026 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk