The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has announced events recruitment consultancy ESSA Member Expocast as its talent partner for 2022-2024.
The partnership will aim to reset the dial on the industry’s recruitment strategies, using insight to attract talent intelligently and creating a sustainable pool of talent for years to come.
As the official AEO talent partner, Expocast will play an integral role in the planning and activation of the AEO Employee Benchmarking Project.
The Employee Benchmarking Project seeks to highlight and understand the talent challenges facing the industry and will assess the following: the level of skills lost; requirements for new skills/talents; the drivers and motivations for working in the events sector; and requirements for improving diversity.
Additionally, Expocast will host a round table with selected AEO members to discuss the solutions to the findings in the report, advise on recruitment plans, and help to create a focus to drive talent to the industry as opposed to finding the industry by accident.
Chris Skeith OBE, chief executive of AEO, said: "We’re thrilled to be working with Expocast. Their recruitment expertise, knowledge of the events industry and progressive approach will provide us with invaluable support and insight as we work to address the acute challenges our side of the industry faces around talent.
"Once we understand more about the barriers and motivations for retaining and attracting talent, members will be able to use the findings to position themselves more competitively. Please note whilst headline data will be used to support the broader industry, in depth research findings are exclusive to participants, so we actively encourage as many members as
possible to take part."
Mike Frost, co‐founder and recruitment director at Expocast, added: "Expocast is passionate about securing the brightest talent for the exhibitions industry. We’re proud to have many AEO members as clients, so it is an honour to work directly with the AEO Development Board on this important project. The partnership will enable us to help the entire AEO membership, attract and retain more diversity of talent at every level of seniority and, ultimately, strengthen the position of the industry."
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
