Key Takeaways
Recruiting now for 2026 event roles gives businesses a head start and ensures the best talent is secured before demand rises.
Top talent starts exploring new roles before the year ends
Teams must be prepared for 2026 event growth forecasts
Notice periods and long hiring cycles cause delays
Early hiring avoids the intense new year talent competition
Strategic talent planning builds long term capability
Recruitment often gets pushed down the priority list during the busy event season, but when it comes to planning for 2026, the time to act is now. Too many businesses wait until the last minute, only to find themselves competing for the same candidates as everyone else. Those who get ahead early will not only secure the best talent but also put themselves in a stronger position to deliver on growth plans and client needs.
Here’s why our team at Live Recruitment believe starting the process now matters:
1. Stay ahead of the competition
Top talent doesn’t stay on the market for long – that’s why they are top talent. By engaging candidates early, you reduce the risk of losing them to competitors who are already ahead in their hiring cycle.
2. More business, more capacity
Many organisations like yours are already winning new accounts and projects for 2026. But with new work comes new demands – and without the right people in place, delivery becomes a challenge. Planning recruitment early ensures your team has the capacity to take on these opportunities with confidence.
3. Candidates are already considering their next move
As the year closes, many professionals begin thinking about a fresh start in the new year. This is the optimal time to connect with them. Whether they’re motivated by new challenges, better progression opportunities, or simply a change of pace, the best candidates are open to conversations now.
4. Factor in notice periods and recruitment processes
Recruitment doesn’t happen overnight. From shortlisting and interviewing to offers and negotiations, the process takes some time. Add in notice periods – particularly for senior hires who may have three months or more – and starting now becomes essential if you want people in seat for the start of 2026.
For Employers
Recruiting now secures talent before demand rises and prevents last minute hiring pressure.
For Candidates
This is the ideal time to move because competition is lower and roles for 2026 are being scoped now.
How to get started
Making recruitment a priority now will save you time and stress down the line. Here’s the simple process to follow with us at Live Recruitment to get ahead:
Submit an enquiry using our Brief Us form or drop us an email to hi@live-recruitment.co.uk
We’ll book in a briefing call so we understand you’re the role and your business.
Let us do the rest – from sourcing and pre interviewing to presenting you with the right shortlist
Start today, and set your business up for a successful 2026.
FAQs
Why recruit now for 2026
Because demand will rise next year and businesses that start early will access better candidates with less competition.
Are candidates already looking for new roles
Yes many event professionals begin career conversations in Q4 to plan ahead for the new year.
Which roles are best to hire early
Project Managers Event Producers Account Managers and Event Directors are commonly secured ahead of time.