At Live Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being at the heart of the events industry, leveraging our extensive network and resources to not only support its growth but to also drive meaningful change. As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable sector, we have conducted a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) study. This study, informed by our extensive database and anonymous candidate surveys, aims to shed light on key areas of diversity, including gender, ethnicity, age, and salary disparity, among others.
Current State of Inclusivity Metrics in the Events Industry
The findings from our latest DEI study reveal both progress and challenges within the events industry. While the sector shows signs of leading the way in some diversity metrics, there are still significant disparities that must be addressed:
Gender Representation: The events industry boasts a relatively high proportion of female candidates, outnumbering male candidates by a considerable amount. However, this balance is not reflected at the senior level, where women remain underrepresented compared to their male counterparts. The data suggests a glass ceiling effect that needs to be tackled to ensure gender equity across all levels.
Ethnic Diversity: While there is room for improvement, the events industry demonstrates a higher representation of ethnic groups compared to national averages. However, challenges remain, particularly at senior levels, where minority groups continue to be underrepresented.
Pay Disparities: Pay gaps remain a critical issue, with minority groups and women earning less than their white and male counterparts, respectively. This disparity underscores the need for systemic changes to ensure fair and equitable compensation practices.
Role Distribution: Women are highly represented in junior and middle-level roles but face challenges in breaking into senior-level positions. This trend further underlines the need for initiatives that support diverse career progression.
Commitment to Learning and Change
At Live Recruitment, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goes beyond analysis. We are dedicated to learning about the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups within the events industry and working towards tangible change. By fostering dialogue, implementing inclusive recruitment practices, and championing the development of diverse talent, we aim to support the growth and progression of individuals from all backgrounds. Together, we strive to create an industry where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered.
A Path Forward
While the findings indicate that the events industry is making strides in promoting diversity and inclusion, there is still considerable work to be done. At Live Recruitment, we believe that transparency, targeted initiatives, and continued monitoring are essential to driving change. By using the insights from this study, we aim to raise awareness within the industry that address these disparities and create a more equitable and inclusive future for the events sector. We look forward to sharing more insights from our diversity study throughout 2025; a diversity, equity and inclusion report of the events industry will be released in early 2025.
Together, we can build a stronger, more diverse industry that reflects the richness of the communities it serves.