• March 9, 2026

Event salaries stabilise but competition for talent intensifies

Event salaries stabilise but competition for talent intensifies

Event salaries stabilise but competition for talent intensifies 1024 683 micebook.

Salaries across the UK events industry have stabilised after several years of sharp increases, but competition for talent remains high as professionals place greater emphasis on benefits, flexibility and company culture.

That’s according to the Live Recruitment Salary Survey 2026, which highlights a candidate-led market where experienced professionals are often considering multiple opportunities at once.

Candidate expectations continue to evolve

The report suggests the balance of power in hiring has shifted. The interview process is increasingly a two-way evaluation, with candidates assessing employers as carefully as companies assess potential hires.

While salaries have, for the most part stabilised, this has not reduced expectations. Instead, it has placed even greater emphasis on the wider employment package.

Employers must increasingly sell the role, the culture, and the long-term opportunity if they want to secure the best talent. Flexibility, benefits, career progression, culture and company values are now critical differentiators – and in many cases, the deciding factor when candidates choose between offers.

Benefits and flexibility now expected

According to the report, private healthcare, enhanced holiday entitlement, parental leave, wellbeing support, and long-service recognition are increasingly viewed as standard rather than exceptional.

At senior levels in particular, candidates expect transparency around progression, leadership opportunities, and longer-term incentives, including share options or routes into senior leadership teams.

Hybrid working has become firmly embedded across much of the event sector, with many organisations operating on a model of two to three days in the office.

However, the report suggests flexibility now extends far beyond location. Candidates are increasingly focused on how organisations support work-life balance, wellbeing and autonomy, particularly in an industry historically associated with long hours and high-pressure delivery. Employers that clearly communicate their approach to flexibility, trust, and support are consistently better placed to attract and retain talent.

Culture and values increasingly influence moves

Event professionals are increasingly unwilling to compromise on alignment with an organisation’s values or leadership style, even when higher salaries are on offer.

The report notes that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) also remains firmly at the forefront of candidate decision-making – however, expectations have evolved. Candidates are increasingly looking beyond statements on websites or inclusive wording in job descriptions and assessing how deeply DEI is embedded within an organisation.

This includes leadership representation, hiring practices, progression pathways, and day-to-day culture. Businesses that treat DEI as a core, lived part of their strategy – rather than a surface-level initiative – are far better positioned to attract, engage, and retain diverse talent in an increasingly values-driven market.

 

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