First published in Exhibition World Issue 1 - February 2025 / March 2025

tfconnect MD Miranda Martin marks the employment card with some regional-based advice for those seeking a switch in 2025

The industry is gearing up to ‘make moves’ in 2025. From what we’re seeing and hearing, almost without exception, the sector is buoyant with opportunity. There is lots of positivity and lots of growth forecast. As such, tfconnect is already very busy this year helping to resource this growth for our clients.

We’re hearing consistent messages about organic growth particularly. Lots of our clients are doubling down and focusing on identifying opportunities in existing products; to drive revenues, geo-adapt, bolt on adjacents, add content, use data more effectively and strengthen what they’ve got.

For tfconnect, this manifests in anything from clients seeking help to hire strong commercial and leadership expertise to grow existing assets, to looking at how to geo-adapt core product in new territories. When it comes to organisers looking to set up regional divisions or launch machines in locations such as the Middle East and the US, it goes without saying that to have success in a new or unknown territory, it really is all about having the right people in place, who possess much needed cultural and local knowledge.

Our clients in Singapore seem to be almost exclusively seeking local candidates with connections, knowledge, and the right to work. We’re not seeing much opportunity for international candidates in the location currently.

Is this a big year for America? Lots of our non-US-based clients have been looking at how to strengthen their market presence in the States since 2024 (and well before no doubt). But the Association owned events structure makes it hard to find things to buy, especially at the right price. There are also lots of buyers in the market therefore making it a very competitive landscape. A number of our clients are actively looking at opportunities in the region now. Much of the discussion is about launching new or geo-adapting existing products, and/or moving away from the focus on traditional trade show models. We’re seeing an interest in varying formats including one to one meetings, Confexes and more digital activity, which can be more affordable to operate and have less restrictions. There’s also ongoing debate as to whether businesses should be hiring Europe based personnel to run product in the US. Stateside salaries continue to be almost double those in the UK. In speaking with Simon Kimble of Clarion fame about ‘cracking America’, he said it's all about 'buying into the right people'. Naturally we couldn’t agree more!

We’re seeing clear evidence of business growth and opportunities in Australia. Our clients are looking for middle managers, especially launchers, sales, business development and marketing professionals. For those looking to make the lifestyle move, our clients are open to meeting candidates who are genuinely interested in relocating. For 18–35-year-olds, the working holiday visa allows individuals to work for up to three years without sponsorship. Salaries are generally in line with the cost of living in the region.

In China, the jury is very much still out on opportunities and developments!

As is typical at this time of the year, we are already working hard on projects for partners that started last year. Plus, we’ve received several new briefs at the start of this year. In addition, many have used the break over the festive period to reflect, and we’ve had an influx of candidates who wish to explore opportunities. A busy start to the year thanks to the vibrancy of our industry. We hotly anticipate lots of big moves in 2025!