Major Shortage of Skilled Workers in Germany’s Event Industry

Germany’s event industry is urgently looking for more skilled workers, finds the latest ifo Institute survey. In October, 40% of event organizers reported having difficulties finding suitable staff, down from 45% in July. In summer 2022, the figure was 64%. “Following the slew of cancelations during the coronavirus pandemic, many companies couldn’t afford to keep people on,” says Klaus Wohlrabe, Head of Surveys at ifo. As a result, some festival organizers found it hard this summer to find enough security staff.

The situation no longer poses a threat to most event organizers’ survival, however. In October, only 7% of the companies surveyed said this was the case. In summer 2021, 70% were concerned about their survival in the face of coronavirus measures. The companies are still satisfied with their current business. “But event organizers are worried that the catch-up effects will soon start to peter out,” Wohlrabe says. Expectations slipped from -12 points to -16.8 points in October. Nevertheless, companies still intend to hire new staff and plan to roll out higher admission fees in the months ahead.

Germany does not classify the event industry as a separate sector of the economy in its official statistics. To close this gap, the ifo Institute has been calculating its own business climate and further economic indicators for the event industry since May 2021. At present, the indicator covers a total of some 220 companies. These include a wide range of trade fair and convention organizers, self-employed artists, theater companies, and concert organizers.