IBTM World: Events professionals admit to feeling increased pressure from our new work-from-home Culture

Thursday, November 23, 2023

As the global workforce adjusts to the prevalence of remote work, event professionals are grappling with heightened pressure due to the increased demand for organized face-to-face experiences, according to recent data from IBTM World’s The Culture Creators Report 2023. The survey reveals that an overwhelming 87% of event professionals believe that events are more crucial than ever in the current remote working landscape.

In-person experiences are cited as instrumental in fostering relationships, enhancing team performance, and boosting morale, especially as workplaces become more physically segregated. Nick Nagle, Marketing Manager at IBTM World, acknowledges the resurgence of events post-pandemic but notes a new challenge – burnout. The stress, already a familiar aspect of event planning, is exacerbated by the evolving landscape, prompting the industry to address the increased pressures faced by professionals.

The rise in remote work, escalating fivefold since the pandemic, is a key factor contributing to the stress. While 5% of full-time work was done remotely in 2019, the figure has surged to 25% within just three years. Consequently, 79% of event professionals find their roles more stressful compared to pre-pandemic times. The profession has been ranked as the third most stressful globally, surpassing jobs like teaching and surgery.

The survey highlights that 61% attribute the increased stress to additional responsibilities, emphasizing a greater focus on technology, data, and digital capabilities. Despite the industry’s evolution and an increase in workload (with three-quarters reporting planning more events), a staggering 90% of event professionals report no change to their reward packages, indicating a lack of compensation for the added responsibilities.

This situation poses potential recruitment and retention challenges, as 66% believe that while businesses understand the importance of events, they fail to recognize the individuals behind the industry. This could lead to talent loss, a significant concern given the current importance of in-person experiences in the business sector.

In an effort to address these challenges, IBTM has integrated a ‘ReFuel’ zone into their 2023 event, providing attendees with dedicated time and space for relaxation and mental rejuvenation. The industry’s resilience is evident, with almost two-thirds (64%) still recommending it to friends and family, emphasizing the passion and dedication of event professionals despite the obstacles they face.

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