Diversity is about people. Inclusion is about impact. And the events industry must now shift its focus from surface-level metrics to deep, meaningful change.
The Live Recruitment Diversity Report 2025 provides one of the clearest pictures yet of who makes up the UK events industry — and where inclusion efforts are falling short. It shows promising representation in gender (59.1% women) and ethnicity (25.1% ethnically diverse professionals), but also exposes consistent disparities in pay, progression, and senior representation. Crucially, the report highlights that without a deeper understanding of why these disparities persist - and how they intersect - progress will remain surface level.
Data is one of the most powerful tools we possess for change. Studies by McKinsey and Deloitte have consistently demonstrated that organisations tracking diversity outcomes perform better in both inclusion and profitability. However, meaningful action relies on more than just headline figures.
That’s why Live Recruitment’s commitment to expanding future reporting to include disability, neurodiversity, caring responsibilities, education, and socio-economic background is so important. When we explore diversity through an intersectional lens, we start to uncover hidden barriers - for example, why ethnically diverse women are the lowest-paid group, or why professionals with caring responsibilities may choose to opt out of progression altogether.
If we want to build an events industry that truly reflects the world we serve — and one where everyone can thrive — we need to get comfortable going beyond the obvious. That means investing in data, listening to lived experiences, and collaborating across agencies, venues, and suppliers to share best practices. The challenges are industry-wide. The solutions should be, too. Let’s work together to build an industry that doesn't just look inclusive — but is.
"Inclusion isn’t a checklist — it’s a commitment to constant improvement. We owe it to all those in the industry now, and the future talent coming through" James Walton, Founder, Live Recruitment
Let’s lead the way - not just in celebration, but in accountability.