At Custard, we’ve proudly been involved with The Meetings Industry Association’s (MIA) Insights from its very first edition. Originally launched during the pandemic, the initial aim was to provide government with real-time data on the position, resilience and recovery of the business meetings and events sector.
Since then, the series has evolved into a powerful tool to not only help shape government policy, but to drive industry progress and provide pertinent industry benchmarks.
The latest MIA Insights, launched at The Meetings Show last month, takes a much-needed deep dive into workforce realities, exploring the root causes behind the sectors long-standing recruitment and retention challenges. Drawing on input from venues, suppliers, agencies and destinations, the findings paint a picture of a workforce under pressure, grappling with burnout, skill shortages, shifting generational expectations and a growing demand for workplace flexibility. As such, the role of retention has never been so important in building long-term resilience.
Some findings at a glance…
- 91% say work-life balance expectations has impacted retention
- 53% have seen an increase in burnout, stress or wellbeing-related issues
- 78% are actively preparing younger and early career staff for future leadership roles
- 50% say industry understanding is one of the most commonly lacking skills when recruiting
- 73% are provided with an employee benefits/perks platform by their organisation
- 55% have witnessed workplace conflicts due to generational difference
To view the full report and its findings, click here.
At Custard we see the real-world impact of these trends every day, through the venues, hotels and destinations we regularly meet with. By staying informed of industry trends and making sense of the data available to us, we’re primed to keep our clients informed, proactive and future-ready in a rapidly evolving environment.
MIA Insights continue to be an invaluable resource for understanding the challenges organisations face and the opportunities available to cease, especially as we shape a more resilient, people-focused future for our industry. We encourage anyone working in or with the business meetings and events sector to explore the full report.