Labor Day Focus: Growing Demand for Specialization

How the gig economy is impacting the events industry

In celebration of Labor Day, Smart Meetings caught up with Tracy Judge, founder and CEO of Soundings, to get the latest on current trends emerging in the gig economy for freelance meeting planners.

Smart Meeting What is the gig trend like for freelance meeting planners?

Tracy Judge There is an increasing demand for freelance meeting planners, especially those with specialized skills. There has been a clear shift in the market towards hiring for senior-level positions that require specific vertical experience and technical expertise. This includes positions such as event technology specialists, event registration specialists, meeting and event planners, event marketers, and marketing specialists.

There is a clear trend towards hiring local staff for both international and destination country events, driven by concerns for sustainability, cost-effectiveness and a focus on supporting local communities and preserving culture.

Additionally, the freelance market is evolving in response to regulatory changes aimed at better complying with worker classification rules and providing freelancers with benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Bobcat What types of freelance meeting planner jobs are most popular?

TJ The most popular positions for 2023 and 2024 include:

• Event Technology Expert: Technical experts in hosting and managing live and virtual events.

• Event Registration Specialist: Professionals focus on managing the registration process for attendees.

• Meeting & Event Planners: Coordinator responsible for overseeing the overall planning and execution of the event.

• Event Marketing Role: Experts in promoting and marketing events to target audiences.

• Marketing Expert: Expertise in broader marketing strategies, especially those integrated with campaign promotion and execution.

TJ These positions are highly sought after due to the increasing complexity of events and the convergence of digital and marketing strategies.

Bobcat What are the best practices for managing freelance meeting planners?

When managing freelance meeting planners, best practices include:

• Set clear expectations: Define roles, deliverables, and deadlines ahead of time to ensure everyone is on the same page.

• Open communication: Keep the lines of communication open with regular check-ins and updates. Use tools like Slack or Trello to stay organized.

• Equipped with the right tools: Providing freelancers with all the necessary resources and information they need to succeed.

• Encourage collaboration: Involve freelancers in team meetings and decision-making to foster a sense of belonging and ownership.

• Provides flexibility: Give freelancers the freedom to manage their own time while achieving project goals. Respect their need to balance their time.

• Build Trust and a Positive Culture: Trust freelancers to deliver high-quality work, avoid micromanaging, and show appreciation for their contributions. Recognize achievements and create a supportive environment.

• Document and share processes: Provide clear onboarding and process documentation to help freelancers start working quickly.

Bobcat What legal and financial restrictions do planners need to keep in mind when hiring freelancers?

TJ There are a number of legal and financial issues planners need to be aware of when hiring freelancers:

• Worker Classification: Correctly classifying your employees is critical to avoiding penalties. Incorrectly classifying an employee as a freelancer can result in serious legal and financial consequences.

• Regulatory Compliance: Stay up to date on local and international labor laws and regulations, especially those regarding freelancers and gig workers. Make sure to comply with minimum wage requirements and overtime regulations to avoid legal issues and maintain fair compensation.

• Contracts and Agreements: Make sure all freelancers have signed clear contracts outlining the scope of work, payment terms, and confidentiality agreements.

• Tax implications: Understand the tax obligations associated with hiring freelancers, which may vary by region and country. Make sure you have the appropriate documentation, such as tax forms, ready.

• Insurance and Benefits: While not usually required, offering optional benefits like insurance can make freelance positions more attractive and ensure that freelancers are protected.

Bobcat Is there anything else you think our readers should know?

TJ Here are some interesting updates on the freelance economy/workforce:

• Enterprises’ acceptance of freelance talents: More and more companies are adopting an agile talent model that integrates freelance talent with full-time employees. This approach allows companies to leverage specialized skills to complete specific projects and flexibly expand the workforce based on business needs, thereby improving overall productivity and innovation.

• Increased demand for specialized skills: As businesses become increasingly reliant on technology and digital innovation, there is a growing demand for freelancers with specialized skills, especially as artificial intelligence continues to impact the way we work.

• Normalizing remote work: Remote work culture has opened up new opportunities, allowing freelancers to find projects that match their skills and interests no matter where they are located.

• Segment skills and enhance skill matching: Freelancing platforms targeting niche markets are growing in popularity because they make it easier to find the right talent for specialized projects.

• Greater focus on freelancers’ education and skills development: As the industry grows, freelancers are increasingly investing in education and upskilling to stay competitive and expand their expertise.

• ·Regulatory changes and benefits for freelancers: In response to the growing freelance workforce, the government has implemented more regulatory measures and paid more attention to worker classification compliance. For example, the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service have collaborated to improve compliance with laws and regulations. This has provided freelancers with better protections and benefits, including access to health insurance, retirement plans, and other social benefits, making freelancing a more viable and secure career choice. We changed our business model at the end of 2022 to ensure worker classification compliance and now offer many of these benefits.

By understanding these trends and adapting to the changing landscape, freelancers and organizations can better navigate the future of work in the events and meetings industry.