The report identified the need to present the industry as a more inclusive working environment .
Diversity The exhibitions workforce continues to be disproportionately female in comparison with the UK population ( 59 % vs . 51 %). However , this trend does not continue into senior positions and we have to ask questions around why . Ethnicity continues to be a challenge , although at lower levels we are seeing greater levels of diversity , with 27 % of the workforce from non white backgrounds .
The research also highlighted that the events industry is not age representative of the UK workforce , where typically 42 % of employees are 50 or older . In exhibitions just 28 % are 45 + years old .
In trying to identify why the industry was losing people in the middle stages of their careers , the report highlighted unbalanced opportunities to progress saying that leadership was dominated by commercial strategies , leaving little room for diversity at the top due .
Inadequate remuneration
28 %
Proportion of staff aged 45 + was another issue with staff recognising the sector is not the best paid .
“ For those climbing the career ladder and still not progressing to more significant roles , packages start to reflect on what ’ s available outside of the sector ,” they said .
None of those who had left the industry said they would choose to return , even though most of them were passionate about live events . They said the exhibition sector was not meeting the right level of work / life balance to suit their lives .
“ It ’ s flexibility that the market is looking for . This can include hybrid , but discussions around part time hours and compressed hours are becoming common considerations .”
Flexibility In order to meet the demands of an evolving workforce , a number of other sectors are offering much greater flexibility around working hours , including Tech , FMCG and even the public sector the report concluded .
“ The importance of flexible working and achieving a better work / life balance shouldn ’ t be underestimated , with many prioritising this in line with salary when considering job offers .
“ The pandemic brought with it a shift in attitude towards remote working and people took a step back to review what they really value in life .”
Flexibility was a critical issue . Whilst 18 % of organisers said they had mandated a return to the office , “ some organisers that have implemented this
Clarion Events and the AEO have a shared ambition to make the events industry one of the most attractive career opportunities for people from all backgrounds .
This research comes at exactly the right time and will help us to shape future roles and career development plans , matching wants and needs of both existing and potential employees . We ’ re motivated and excited about the opportunity to transform the way that we attract talent , and if you are too , this is your chance to get involved , learn from the findings and help us grow and sustain the industry for years to come . James McGough , group vice chair
have experienced a negative impact with significant staff loss and big issues recruiting . People don ’ t want to work for organisations that have this attitude ,” the AEO said .
Solutions The survey highlighted key features that make the exhibitions industry an attractive workplace and called for better promotion of the sector to the wider world . Travel opportunities ,
73 %
Organisers operating hybrid workplaces rewarding event delivery , team camaraderie , social opportunities and brand glamour were all identified as the best aspects of working in exhibitions .
In order to address a lack of DEI the AEO has suggested organisers look at candidates attitudes rather than experience or educational requirements .
They called for the industry to recognise the best talent and reward staff accordingly . “ Tangible opportunities should be sought outside of the traditional career path structure and stress on teams should be relieved by staffing accordingly .
“ Staff need to be given opportunities to develop , learn and grow to keep them in the industry ,” they said . EN
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