January Hiring Crunch in Events and Venues: Why It Happens and What to Do Now
Why January feels difficult
January looks like a fresh start, but for events and venues it often reveals gaps that were masked during the busy season. Teams that carried Q4 deliveries are fatigued, approvals from late in the year can still be pending, and candidates who considered moving over the holidays may not be ready to commit. For venue teams this timing is especially painful because operational roles are tied directly to upcoming bookings and delivery windows.
Challenges unique to events and venues
- Immediate operational needs: Producers and Event Managers are needed on short notice to secure and deliver shows.
- Narrow skill sets: The best hires combine technical delivery, logistics and client management, which reduces the available pool.
- Seasonal mismatch: Hiring cycles don’t always align with event calendars, creating peaks of demand.
- Retention risk: Staff reassess workloads after peak periods and small changes can trigger movement.
Gemma hires across venue teams and live events roles regularly and sees the same patterns: roles that can be tolerated during busy periods become critical in January.
Practical steps to reduce risk now
Prioritise operational roles: Fill positions that keep events running smoothly first: Producers, Venue Event Managers, and Head of Live Delivery.
Keep a ready shortlist: Maintain a bench of pre‑qualified candidates so you can move in days rather than weeks.
Hire for versatility: Look for people who can bridge tech, production and client liaison to reduce handoffs.
Speed up decisions: Define interview windows and approval thresholds so offers aren’t lost to slow internal processes.
Use short‑term cover: Freelance or interim talent can stabilise delivery while you secure permanent hires.
January exposes structural hiring weaknesses, but it also rewards teams that prepare. If you need a fast, targeted shortlist of Producers, Event Managers, or venue leadership, Gemma can deliver pre‑qualified candidates ready to step in.
Get in touch to receive a talent shortlist!