3 Reasons for the Event Staffing Shortage in 2023
According to the JOLTS report by BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), the hospitality industry has the highest turnover rates of any sector. The accommodation and food services industry had a turnover rate of 86.3%, per recent figures in 2021.
Despite the event staffing shortage, the demand for events continues to grow. The article below will highlight the three reasons for event labor shortages in 2023 and how to hire more workers using SIN.
1. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the event industry, leading to a shortage of event staff. The outbreak resulted in the cancelation or postponement of numerous events, leaving many event professionals without work.
Many individuals previously employed in the industry had to seek alternative employment or pursue other career paths due to the uncertainty surrounding event planning and management. As a result, the pool of available event staff has significantly diminished.
Moreover, due to the lack of events, aspiring event staff needed more chances to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. Training of new event staff and their development also became stagnant, resulting in fewer talented event staff entering the field.
2. Increased Demand for Events
While the pandemic initially resulted in event cancelations, the gradual reopening and easing restrictions have led to a surge in event demand. People are eager to attend conferences, trade shows, weddings, and other social gatherings that got put on hold for an extended period.
However, the sudden increase in demand has outpaced the availability of event staff.
Organizers are now faced with the challenge of finding and hiring a sufficient number of qualified individuals to meet the demand. This has led to intense competition among event companies for a limited pool of skilled staff.
3. Skill Shortage and Retention Challenges
The event industry requires a diverse range of skills. These include:
- Event planning
- Logistics management
- Audiovisual expertise
- Hospitality
- Customer service
- And more
However, there is a need for more individuals with the necessary skill set to meet the industry’s demands. Skilled event staff are often in high demand, making it challenging for event organizers to attract and retain talent.
Additionally, the nature of event work often involves irregular schedules, long hours, and physical demands. This can make it difficult to retain staff in an industry where burnout is prevalent.
Many event professionals face high levels of stress and pressure during peak seasons, leading to a higher turnover rate.
The quit rates in these industries are higher than the hiring rate, resulting in a staffing shortage.
Make Sure You Don’t Suffer From Event Staffing Shortages
If you are at your wit’s end in dealing with event staffing shortages, contact us at SIN. We support meeting planners and event organizers planning conferences and tradeshows by aiding their staffing efforts.
Request a quote here by telling us about your staffing needs and event goals. Don’t delay; contact us now.