Exhibitions & Events Careers for Young People

• What the work looks like: A lot happens before the event (planning, marketing, bookings, supplier coordination), and then there’s the on-the-day delivery (set-up, guest experience, troubleshooting, pack-down).
• Growth areas: Experiential marketing, hybrid events (in-person + digital), sustainability in events, and data-driven audience engagement.
• Entry routes: Volunteering, paid casual shifts, trainee coordinator roles, and apprenticeships can be great ways in.

Exhibitions and events is about planning and delivering experiences people remember — from trade shows and conferences to festivals, brand events and community celebrations. Roles can include planning, operations, sales, styling, logistics and venue support.

Vacancies appear to be lower year on year (around -13.4%). That is roughly 12k fewer vacancies than the comparison period. The latest vacancy estimate is still about 77k. A dip does not mean there are no jobs — it usually means being more targeted about applications, training and local opportunities.

• Get experience: help at school/college events, local festivals, sports clubs, charity events, or community groups.
• Build a “mini portfolio”: photos, schedules, budgets, supplier lists, risk plans, feedback quotes — anything that shows what you organised.
• Learn basics that employers love: customer service, timekeeping, teamwork, and clear communication.