As we close out 2025 and enter 2026, the events industry has navigated one of its most dynamic years in recent memory - evolving from cautious recovery to confident growth. What began in early 2025 as a renewed chapter of optimism has unfolded into a year defined by innovation, workforce shifts, deepening focus on diversity and inclusion, and the continued blending of physical and digital experiences.
From cautious recovery to market momentum
At the start of 2025, industry sentiment was notably more positive than in the previous two years. After a period marked by constrained budgets, freelance-heavy hiring and economic uncertainty, companies once again began recruiting for permanent roles, signalling longer-term confidence in growth.
Major factors influencing this momentum included:
Healthier event pipelines and stronger client demand
Return of permanent hiring, reducing overreliance on freelance contracts
Smaller startups thriving, prioritising sustainability, flexibility, and modern work culture
Acquisitions and consolidation, particularly in creative and design roles, enhancing service offerings and talent depth.
By midyear, many organisations had repositioned themselves not just to survive, but to grow and innovate.
Workforce transformation: skills, fluidity & flexibility
One of the most defining industry shifts of 2025 was the evolution of workforce expectations:
Employers expanded hiring criteria beyond traditional event experience, valuing transferable skills like project management, digital fluency and client engagement.
Hybrid and flexible working models became more common with professionals able to mix remote and onsite roles.
Employers opened talent pools to adjacent sectors e.g. digital marketing, tech, broadcast) to combat shortages in mid-senior event roles.
This shift highlighted an industry valuing adaptability, creativity and potential as much as legacy event expertise.
Diversity, equity & inclusion take centre stage
In 2025, the events industry sharpened its focus on inclusion, not merely representation:
The Live Recruitment Diversity Report 2025 showed improvements in gender and ethnic representation at entry levels but persistent pay and progression gaps, especially in leadership roles.
Thought leadership emphasised that diversity without true inclusion - equitable pay, fair promotion pathways and leadership representation - isn’t enough.
Leaders pushed for accountability and action within organisations, recognising that inclusive workplaces foster stronger teams and better event outcomes.
Event formats & tech: hybrid, immersive & relationship centred
While the early pandemic era drove a boom in fully virtual events, by 2025 the emphasis had shifted:
Hybrid events (blending physical presence with digital audiences) became a norm as organisers sought to maximise reach and engagement.
Immersive experiences, integrating tech, narrative and engagement elements, gained traction as premium, experiential formats for attendees.
Data and digital tools increasingly supported event planning, from attendee insights to sustainability optimisation.
Sustainability & operational trends
Sustainability continued to rise up planners’ priority lists in 2025 and continued to be on candidates’ hot lists when searching for new roles:
Green event practices - including waste reduction, recyclable materials and energy efficient technologies - moved from aspiration to expectation.
Wellness spaces and attendee comfort became strategic design elements, reflecting broader awareness around mental health and holistic event experiences.
These operational shifts not only aligned with client and attendee values but also helped organisations reduce costs and boost engagement.
Challenges & opportunities ahead
Despite 2025’s positive trajectory, the industry continued to face challenges:
Some talent sectors still reported tight hiring markets and skills shortages.
Diversity gaps remained in leadership and pay (Live Recruitment Diversity Report)
Looking forward to 2026
Leaving behind 2025, the events industry stands stronger and more adaptable than at any point in the early 2020s. With deeper talent pools, richer diversity conversations, and hybrid and immersive experiences redefining engagement, the stage is set for continued evolution in 2026. Planning, nurturing inclusive cultures, and embracing technology will be key to unlocking future opportunities throughout the new year.
Here’s to building on 2025’s momentum and making 2026 an even brighter chapter for the UK events industry.