Susan Tarver, MD shares market insights and talent profiles.

As we reach the mid-point of the year, it’s encouraging to see recruitment activity picking up—a strong sign the industry is bouncing back. 

The hiring landscape in events and creative sectors is evolving fast. While 53% of organisations plan to increase hiring in 2025, only 41% are raising talent acquisition budgets, and 30% are keeping them flat. Recruiter teams have shrunk from 31 to 24 on average since 2022, yet each recruiter now manages 56% more roles and 2.7 times more applications. 

Success depends on genuine alignment between client, recruiter, and candidate. Time to hire is up 24%, interviews per hire have increased 42%, and candidates are 3 times less likely to get hired than three years ago.

Job boards still generate 49% of applications but only 24.6% of hires. Meanwhile, sourced candidates are 5 times more likely to be hired, and rediscovered talent from CRMs/ATS now accounts for 44% of hires, up from 29.1% in 2021. A clear, collaborative recruitment process builds candidate confidence, speeds decisions, and strengthens your brand. With competition for talent intensifying, agencies embracing partnership and process clarity will win. 

We’re sharing a selection of top talent in events and communications to help you get ahead. We recently asked our clients what they look for when recruiting talent – the results weren’t surprising in that culture fit and communication style come in as the most important with their industry experience second to that!

Our clients said that when working with recruiters, what you want from us is : clear communication (56%), industry experience (25%). Your biggest frustration? Slow recruiter response times—100% of you said so. 

This feedback helps us refine our approach—delivering the communication, expertise, and quality you need, with a commitment to keeping you updated every step of the way.

With the above in mind, we’re excited to share top talent in events and communications to help you get a head start.  

Strategy & Growth 

Chief Growth Officer, Home Counties, or London Hybrid

Salary: £100K+ OTE (Circa £120k).

Notice: Immediately Available

A commercially driven CGO, or Business Development Lead with extensive experience in building and scaling premiership agencies, securing high-value partnerships, and delivering outstanding client engagement. Passionate about refining commercial strategies, winning new business, and fostering lasting client relationships. They have supported organisations from start-ups to established firms, focusing on unlocking growth opportunities and creating long-term value. Skilled in collaborating within innovative environments where commercial insight drives success.

Key achievements include founding and scaling an award-winning creative communications and brand experience agency with industry recognition and a top ranking. They have led over 1,500 successful projects, driving audience engagement and revenue growth, and secured partnerships with major clients across finance, tech, retail, and legal sectors.

With £250 million+ revenue generated, they have also consulted agencies to enhance commercial strategy, client retention, and revenue sustainability. Recognised among the top 100 industry professionals for their impact and leadership. Core strengths include business growth, client development, agency positioning, financial management, leadership, negotiation, operational efficiency, brand strategy, and an entrepreneurial mindset driven by curiosity. Charming, considerate, driven, and accountable.  

Senior Business Development Manager / Lead – London Hybrid.  

Salary: £60k+

Notice: 12 Weeks. 

An experienced and dynamic Business Development leader with over 15 years driving sales growth in the live events sector across the UK and US. Skilled in client acquisition, retention, and innovative sales strategies, he combines strategic vision with creativity to deliver exceptional commercial results. Adept at building long-term client relationships, optimising sales initiatives, and enhancing financial performance, he also excels in leading collaborative teams to achieve sustainable growth.

Currently operating in a senior sales role within a strategic team, he acts as a trusted advisor to clients, managing the full business development lifecycle from lead generation to proposal delivery and client management. His expertise includes event production solutions, with a track record of securing new business and driving consistent year-on-year revenue growth.

Known for strong communication and leadership skills, he fosters cross-team collaboration and inspires creative problem-solving. Key strengths include empathy, relationship building, and developing others, ensuring positive, lasting partnerships. Previous roles include head of business development and senior BD manager positions, where he refined sales strategies, streamlined CRM processes, and represented his agency at industry events.

Available on a three-month notice period and based in London with hybrid working flexibility, he is positioned to bring immediate commercial impact and strategic growth to forward-thinking organisations. 

Experienced Client Experience & Account Management Professional – Hampshire/ Sussex/ Surrey

Salary £50K to £55k

Notice 1 month 

This highly accomplished professional is an engaging and personable individual, holding a First-Class Honours degree in Event Management.

They currently excel as a Client Experience Lead at a highly regarded experiential events agency. In this capacity, they manage a diverse portfolio of accounts, including significant clients in the pharmaceutical, automotive, and luxury sectors. Their responsibilities encompass robust stakeholder relationship management, close collaboration with internal delivery teams, and a proven track record in account growth and development. Notably, they expanded a key account from 10 to 13 brands, increasing revenue from £700k to £1.2 million, a direct result of their investment in client relationships.

This professional is involved in campaigns and projects from inception, consistently managing budgets typically ranging from £200k up to £1 million for larger initiatives. Their expertise spans experiential campaigns, including live events, and they possess strong experience in digital activations. A key driver for them is leading client relationships and communications throughout the project lifecycle and beyond, coupled with a passion for developing and expanding their accounts. They thrive in a collaborative environment, working closely with production, creative, and delivery teams on projects such as experiential campaigns, exhibition stands, and immersive and sustainable events.

Prior to their current role, they gained invaluable client-side experience for nearly two years, managing a large portfolio of events (up to 51 annually). These ranged from pop-ups to large-scale builds, involving significant travel across Europe and the US. This diverse background has equipped them with comprehensive client management experience and a thorough understanding of end-to-end event execution.

Currently seeking a new challenge due to an agency restructure that is shifting their role away from client-facing account management, a core strength and passion. They are actively looking for a hybrid working position, ideally 2-3 days in the office

This individual comes highly recommended for their blend of strategic client management, project execution, and engaging personality. 

Account Development Lead / Senior Account Manager Client Lead –London Hybrid.

Salary £55k+

Notice 4 Weeks. 

Currently a Senior Account Manager focused on client growth for a global, award-winning B-Corp agency known for its strategic, creative, and production expertise in delivering immersive brand experiences.

This candidate brings over a decade of experience in client services, account growth, and event production for leading corporate brands. Prior to this, they progressed through the ranks at a global events agency, delivering high-impact live experiences and building long-term client partnerships. Their earlier experience includes managing over 700 annual events for a major pharmaceutical organisation in Europe, as well as refining premium service skills within the luxury hospitality sector.

They have led client services across a range of industries, including healthcare, energy, retail, and professional services. Fluent in French and German, they bring deep expertise in delivering complex, integrated campaigns across both live and virtual formats. They are experienced across the entire project lifecycle—from strategic briefing through to creative development, production, and final delivery.

Their skill set includes content creation, technical production, venue sourcing, and compliance management (including platforms such as Veeva). They also lead cross-functional teams of 2D/3D designers and developers to deliver a broad range of creative assets, including speaker decks, exhibition booths, HTML email campaigns, and digital platforms using SharePoint and Cvent. Recent projects have involved shaping creative strategy and pitch proposals, producing global virtual events, designing internal communications campaigns, and building scalable content and template systems.

Known for their warm, solutions-focused leadership, they bring integrity, precision, and strong communication skills to every project. Particularly strong in content-led production, they are a valuable asset to any agency or brand looking for excellence in client service and strategic delivery. Empathetic, collaborative, and self-assured, this individual brings a calm and confident presence to every team and client engagement. 

Event Delivery 

Accomplished Senior Project Manager / Event Director – London/Home Counties Hybrid

Salary: £75k

Notice: Short Notice

This highly accomplished Senior Project Manager is a well-regarded professional with extensive experience in the events and exhibition sector. Known for their warm demeanour and gravitas, they have held senior leadership positions at prominent agencies and organizations throughout their career.

Their background includes leading significant exhibition stand projects, notably for international trade departments. In a previous role as Head of Event Production at a global event and exhibition agency, they oversaw substantial international exhibition projects across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

This individual possesses considerable experience in the defence sector, delivering pavilions and exhibition stands at major international airshows and defence expos in various locations including India. They also have a track record of collaborating with maritime defence entities on significant public-facing projects.

Well-travelled, this professional has extensive exposure to working with government departments. As an Event Director for major international contracts, they were responsible for delivering UK pavilions at prominent global congresses and health expos, as well as managing inbound and outbound trade missions. They also successfully led the team responsible for pitching, winning, and delivering large-scale national initiatives on behalf of government departments. Their international government project experience extends to delivering pavilions for countries like Poland and France at defence expos, and exhibition stands for Australian airshows.

They have a passion for integrating technology into visitor experiences at events and on exhibition stands, including the development of VR and touch table experiences for commercial clients. Their portfolio also includes delivering activations for major commercial clients in sports (e.g., a major European football championship, a renowned tennis tournament) and serving as Project Director for the design, installation, and commissioning of client experience centres in Europe.

With a strong background in managing large-format, double-decker stand builds, this professional excels at developing robust relationships with clients and colleagues. They have consistently led teams throughout their career and had responsibility for substantial budgets well in excess of £1 million.

Possessing deep-rooted exhibition project management experience and sector knowledge, this individual has a strong understanding of working with defence and government clients. They have been aware of leading agencies in this space for several years, having often worked for competitors on projects where those agencies were also involved.

Most recently, they served in a Director capacity at an event and association management agency, leaving in February 2025 due to the sale of the business and subsequently engaging in contract work. 

Experienced Senior Project Manager – London and Home Counties Hybrid 

Salary: £55k

Notice: Short notice

This articulate and grounded professional is an experienced Senior Project Manager with significant agency event knowledge, complemented by the gravitas gained from managing teams and projects.

Most recently, they held a senior project management position at an agency, where they led a team and worked across a diverse range of events for various sectors, including automotive and technology. Their versatility is evident in managing a wide array of projects, from digital events and incentive programs to conferences and exhibitions. They are adept at managing third-party suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring sufficient resources across all projects. This individual also has a strong handle on the logistical elements of events, leveraging their attention to detail and ability to see the wider picture. A naturally collaborative candidate, they excel at keeping projects on track and managing challenging situations effectively.

Working end-to-end across projects, this professional has been involved from pitching and proposal writing through to event delivery and team oversight. They are accustomed to managing projects with budgets up to £1.1 million, often with complex elements. This experience has allowed them to hone their skills, consistently delivering high-quality work within tight timelines while maintaining strong relationships.

Most recently, they have been freelancing in a project/producer capacity, working with well-known brands across different industries. This reflects their broad range of experience and their enjoyment in taking projects from inception to successful completion.

Event Production  

Production Lead – Home Counties or London Hybrid.

Salary £55k+

Notice: Immediately Available 

Immensely skilled Senior Production Manager known for integrity, strong leadership, and a positive attitude. Originally from Ireland, they relocated and were quickly headhunted for exceptional abilities. Currently, they manage a team of over six people, demonstrating strong project and people management skills. With over seven years of experience, they have managed budgets up to £1M and worked across sectors including sports, corporate experiential roadshows, and exhibitions. Their focus is on delivering immersive activations, combining event production, onsite project management and delivery, AV, technology, and scenic expertise to create impactful experiences. Their portfolio includes high-profile brand activations and fan engagement projects for major global clients. They are adept at managing all project stages—from planning and contracting to on-site client relations—across the UK, Europe, and the UAE. Confident, humble, and personable, this candidate consistently delivers world-class results and is highly recommended as a standout professional with a genuine, caring nature. 

Experienced Event Producer – London and home counties Hybrid

Salary £45k

Notice : 2 weeks 

This outgoing and highly experienced Producer has a proven track record of success since 2022, primarily with a fast-paced, agile events agency.

They have demonstrated their expertise across a wide spectrum of brand events and activations for prominent consumer brands, alongside managing large-scale corporate events for major companies. This professional's focus has been on leading brand and PR events, ranging from intimate gatherings of around 10 attendees to expansive projects with over 1,000 participants. They have adeptly managed budgets up to approximately £500k, with notable projects including prestigious award ceremonies and high-profile sporting galas.

Thriving in a dynamic agency environment, this individual is naturally creative and has actively contributed to pitching processes. They excel at managing projects end-to-end, building strong relationships with both clients and suppliers. Possessing a keen eye for detail, they are highly skilled in the logistical aspects of event production while maintaining a creative edge. They are described as a true team player who collaborates effectively within small creative teams, demonstrating a positive energy and a willingness to fully immerse themselves in a role.

Having recently relocated to London in January of this year to be closer to friends and family, they are currently undertaking freelance projects for London-based agencies. 

Experiential Producer – Home Counties or London Hybrid

Salary: £42k+

Notice: 4 weeks

An experienced Experiential Producer with an architectural background, specialising in the integration of built environments with immersive technologies such as AR, MR, and VR. With expertise spanning architectural design and digital workflows, they have a strong record of delivering innovative projects that blend physical and digital experiences.

Skilled in ideation, pitching, concept and technical design, and production management, they translate briefs into compelling creative directions using presentations, animations, films, and immersive VR content. They collaborate closely with clients and teams to finalise concepts, oversee technical documentation, and manage budgets and schedules—often contributing on site to ensure quality delivery.

Key projects include leading a $1 million museum exhibition combining physical and digital elements for a major space center, and delivering a £5 million innovation hub for a FTSE 100 sports and entertainment company integrating MR and VR into architectural spaces. They have also developed immersive theatre, mental health VR environments, and UX/UI designs for clients such as major tech and entertainment brands.

Proficient with SketchUp and Blender, they excel at creating impactful visualisations and mood boards and are eager to contribute to innovative experiential projects. 

Creative Event Producer, FULLY REMOTE or London Hybrid.

Salary £45k+

Notice 4 weeks 

A highly capable and calm creative agency event producer, who brings strong planning, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with experience delivering live, digital, and hybrid events for global clients in the tech, telecoms, retail, and advertising sectors. Recent work includes serving as lead producer for over 20 activations at a major global conference, delivering international conferences and branded exhibition stands, managing a global partner registration platform, and producing a high-profile screening event on a three-week turnaround that achieved a 36% gross profit. They also oversaw brand-aligned office and stadium refurbishments and led the delivery of live-streamed leadership kick-off events in Europe. In a previous role, they held senior responsibility on a nationally significant royal event, coordinating the official Event Management Plan and over 130 appendices, liaising with numerous stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery. They’ve managed budgets up to £3M, contributed to wider programmes exceeding £15M, and consistently exceeded profit margin targets. They also played a key role in onboarding and training international teams on internal processes and financial systems. With experience across roles including producer, project lead, guest manager, and budget lead, they are confident managing suppliers, leading teams, and acting as the primary client contact. They combine creative thinking with operational precision and are commercially aware, collaborative, and well-suited to high-stakes, fast-paced environments. Super lovely personality, attentive, professional, calm, and assured. 

Communications 

Communications Lead, FULLY REMOTE or London Hybrid.

Salary: £60k

Notice: 4 Weeks. 

A senior communications professional with over 15 years’ experience across both agency and client-side roles, this candidate is results-driven and highly skilled at aligning communications with business values and culture to deliver impactful change. Their industry expertise includes not-for-profit, pharmaceutical, construction, and food & drink sectors.

Currently leading internal global communications campaigns for a major independent pharmaceutical company, they create content that drives meaningful organisational change across multiple internal and external channels. They excel at building strong stakeholder partnerships to develop, coordinate, and execute strategic campaigns aligned with business objectives.

Experienced in managing cross-functional teams, they collaborate closely with in-house creative studios on graphic design, presentations, event production, digital, copywriting, video, and post-production to ensure seamless asset delivery. They also oversee project financials and budgeting, ensuring work is completed on time, within scope, and budget.

Proficient in tools such as Trello, HubSpot, Xero, Miro, Asana, and various SaaS platforms, this candidate combines strategic insight with hands-on execution. Their educational background includes A-Levels in Business Studies, Art & Design, English Literature, Psychology, and Project Management.

A strong leader and communicator, they are well positioned to drive creative corporate communications that inspire change and deliver measurable business impact. 

Sales & Marketing 

Creative Services / Studio / Campaign Manager

Salary: £48k+

Notice: 8 Weeks 

An experienced campaign manager with a strong background in marketing, project, and people management within creative and client services. Skilled at overseeing campaigns from concept to completion, optimising workflows, and ensuring seamless delivery across multiple projects. Proven success coordinating cross-functional teams and managing day-to-day studio operations for high-profile clients including major entertainment and consumer brands.

Currently leading the full lifecycle of creative campaigns—managing timelines, budgets, and expectations—while proactively identifying and resolving workflow blockers to maintain efficiency. Acts as the central communication hub for internal teams, stakeholders, and external partners, ensuring clarity and momentum throughout all project stages.

Experienced managing a diverse team of designers and contractors, collaborating with creative leads to prioritise tasks and adapt plans as needed. Skilled in running key meetings such as kick-offs, work-in-progress sessions, and post-project reviews to keep projects on track.

Responsible for budgeting, spend tracking, and financial accountability throughout production phases. Utilises performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in delivery and operational efficiency. Oversees pre- and post-production coordination with studios, photographers, and creative teams to ensure flawless campaign execution.

Strong communicator and presenter, adept at creating compelling presentations for internal stakeholders and sales teams. Passionate about fostering creativity while maintaining operational excellence to deliver impactful campaigns consistently. 

Sales & Marketing Executive, London Hybrid.

Notice: 1-2 Weeks

Salary: £32k+ 

Fabulous development candidate who interviews exceptionally well, with a tenacious, clear, and confident communication style beyond their years. A Criminology graduate who, after fulfilling a life goal of traveling around Asia, joined a prestigious hospitality venue where they developed strong customer service and relationship skills. Facing a tough post-Covid job market, they shifted to a corporate role to refine administration, marketing, and sales skills. They quickly proved their work ethic, winning several lead generation awards.

Though they enjoyed the role, their true passion was always events. When the market rebounded, they secured a competitive position at an experiential marketing agency, driving new business and client engagement across both B2B and B2C sectors. The company’s small size and lack of structure made it a challenging fit, as they prefer a more structured environment with clear KPIs.

Despite this, they excelled by identifying new business through targeted campaigns, cold calling, and strategic pitching at senior levels. Recently, they secured multiple new clients and delivered high-profile events, managing relationships with Marketing Directors and senior teams using CRM tools like Apollo and Pipedrive. They also led a creative influencer product launch campaign developed through a month-long business development process.

Confident in pitching, skilled in storytelling and social media marketing, they are organised, detail-focused, and thrive in fast-paced live event settings. Having completed rigorous training at a specialist agency, they consistently meet or exceed KPIs and are eager to build a long-term career combining sales, creativity, and passion for experiential marketing. Above all, they have a high-energy personality, a strong work ethic, and a desire to join a fast-paced, vibrant agency with a thriving culture. 

Dynamic Comms & Campaign Project Executive.  Midlands

Notice: 1 month

Salary:30k

This dynamic professional is a Junior Marketing Executive with a strong appetite for growth in experiential event marketing. They've successfully supported and led campaigns for key B2B and B2C clients, including managing a creative campaign project valued at circa £20k end-to-end.

Their expertise spans account management, project planning, and on-site coordination for activations and installations. They handle quotations, market research, social networking, and contribute to event design. Proficient in Microsoft 365, they also have experience in budget management and live events, including exhibitions at major automotive racing venues.

Thriving in fast-paced environments, this individual is a natural communicator with creative flair, eager to develop their skills within a collaborative agency. They are seeking a new role due to internal changes limiting growth opportunities in their current position.

Available with one month's notice and seeking circa £30,000, they prefer hybrid working (2 days in office) and live within easy commuting distance to Leicester. They come highly recommended. 

Creative 

Experienced Mid-Weight 3D Designer

Notice: 1 month

Salary: £40k

This accomplished professional holds a degree in Interior Design and a Master's in Product Design, providing a strong foundation for their career.

For the past three years, they have excelled as a 3D Creative Designer for an agency specializing in events and exhibitions. In this role, they expertly blend creative thinking with technical expertise across a wide range of projects, from recent work at a major F1 event to a significant Air Show in 2023. They have produced over 120 3D renders, and designed immersive VR walkthroughs and hospitality structures.

Accustomed to a fast-paced environment, this individual often manages up to 10 live projects concurrently. They are involved from the pitching process through end-to-end project management, and also have experience in managing and mentoring 3 Junior Designers.

They possess a strong technical skill set, confidently utilizing SketchUp, AutoCAD, Twin Motion, Figma, and Autodesk Visual, and are fully conversant with 3D Visualization. While not extensively using Cinema 4D, they are confident in their ability to quickly master it.

Exhibition work and event structures are a core part of their role, including a wide range of international events. A standout example of their work includes successfully designing and presenting 7 bespoke hospitality structure concepts for a major automotive client under pressure, involving 3D modeling, presentations, and troubleshooting. This project was delivered successfully, on time, and within budget, with high client satisfaction regarding both creative outcome and technical precision.

This professional is a natural communicator – warm, a true team player, yet capable of independent work when required. They consider their ability to juggle multiple projects while maintaining high-quality output to be their greatest strength.

Ideally seeking a Mid-Weight 3D Designer role within a larger agency, they are eager to develop their skills and experience further. They are currently on a Skilled Worker Visa until 2027 and intend to independently apply for a further visa at that stage, requiring no sponsorship. 

Looking forward to hearing back from you to discuss your plans and how we can support you.

Best Wishes, 

Susan