Cost of living impact on salaries for business event planners

The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, UK, shares its survey findings.

The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, UK, the latest venue to open in the city.
The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, UK, the latest venue to open in the city.

Some 37% of associations and 30% of corporate organisers increased salaries in 2023 from around the world. The Eastside Rooms cost of living impact survey covered 125 event professionals from around the world in October 2023 to identify challenges and opportunities faced due to economic challenges. 69% of the respondents were from the UK, 19% from Europe and the remaining 12% from the rest of the world.

Key findings from the survey:

· 28% of associations/not for profits increased staff salaries whilst another 9% increased freelance/consultant fees

· 25% of corporates increased staff salaries whilst another 5% increased freelance/consultant fees

· 83% of organisers saw an increase in event costs last year

· 24% of organisers are providing flexible working arrangements to meet the needs of their team

· Only 2.5% of corporates have seen the need to decrease freelance/consultant budgets, whilst making no changes to their staff compensation.

· 2.5% of associations have also decreased freelance/consultant budgets

· 7.5% have also seen the need to reduce staff salaries or benefits.

“It is clear the industry continues to evolve through the current economic challenges faced by both associations/not for profits and corporates. Staff are the life blood of our industry, so it is a real positive that they are on the whole being looked after,” said Leanne Bladen, director of sales and marketing at The Eastside Rooms.

“We undertook this survey to ensure we truly understand our clients and their current needs. The output has been incredibly powerful, and we are considering many of the key findings in our ongoing communication and activity with our clients – especially how we can help them support their teams.”

The Eastside Rooms is the latest venue located in the city of Birmingham, UK. Being the city’s newest venue, it has state-of-the-art flexible facilities for up to 1,200 pax, and a commitment to sustainability. Located centrally in Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter, the venue has 23 flexible meeting rooms, breakout space and a main suite, the 880-sqm Affinity.

It offers plug and play technology, catering, a dedicated support team and an adjoining 195-bedroomed Aloft, by Marriott hotel.