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The global major event industry is one of the most thrilling and impactful career paths you can choose. If you’re looking for a career that combines your passion for sports, adventure, and real impact, the major events industry is calling. Alison Giles, Director, Trivandi Academy & Pamela Russel-Smith, Resourcing Manager, Trivandi share 10 reasons why this is one of the best industries to work in.
A Global Industry Full of Opportunity
The global major event industry is one of the most thrilling and impactful career paths you can choose. From sporting events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, and Commonwealth Games, to non-sporting events such as World Expos, and COP summits, these events unite millions of people, create unforgettable experiences, and leave a lasting legacy. As a multi-billion-dollar sector that continues to expand, major sporting events provide a unique opportunity to be at the heart of world-class competition, working behind the scenes to bring iconic moments to life.
For those who thrive on energy, variety, and collaboration, working in events is more than just a job—it’s a passion. Every project is unique, every day brings new challenges, and the sense of achievement when an event comes to life is second to none. With opportunities to travel the world, work alongside inspiring professionals, and develop a wealth of transferable skills, a career in major events can open doors you never imagined.
If you’re looking for a career that combines your passion for sports, adventure, and real impact, the major events industry is calling. Here are 10 reasons why this is one of the best industries to work in.
The world of major events is vast, with a huge range of roles across different sectors – and the joy of working in major events is that there are so many fields to work in – there are of course world-class sporting events, but there are also music festivals, cultural events, or even government summits. You could work in an organising committee, rights holders, venues, suppliers, agencies, freelance – or even set up your own company.
Because the major event industry is so vast, the opportunities to advance your career and to master skills that are transferrable are endless. What’s more, the range of jobs and specialisms is incredible - from roles in operations and venue management to ceremonies, broadcast and accreditation, you can find your niche and grow in ways you never imagined. And of course, there are also the core back of house functions that you might find in any organisation that are equally relevant to a major event such as Finance, HR, Legal, and Marketing. Same roles in a much more exciting context!
If sitting behind a desk from 9 to 5 isn’t your thing, major events are perfect for you. One day you might be planning logistics in an office, the next you’re on-site making sure everything runs smoothly. It’s a career that keeps you on your toes—literally!
The thrill of working in major events is unmatched - you will find yourself in the strangest and most wonderful situations, whether it's rubbing shoulders with the greats, or dealing with issues you'd never imagined. The pressure, the pace, the last-minute problem-solving—it’s all part of the ride. And let’s not forget the stories! Every event comes with wild, unexpected moments that make for legendary memories.
Major events take place all over the globe, giving you the chance to explore different cultures, work in amazing locations, and gain international experience. One year, you could be at the Olympics; the next, a world-famous music festival or global summit. And you’ll work alongside people from different cultures, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds. The opportunities to learn more about our world are endless.
You’ll work alongside experts from all walks of life—seasoned professionals, creative geniuses, and problem-solving pros. The major event industry is packed with inspiring mentors who will help you grow, and you’ll learn something new with every project you take on.
The people in this industry are what make it so special. You’ll be part of high-energy teams that pull together under pressure to make incredible things happen. The bonds you create on-site will last a lifetime, and many colleagues will become close friends. The best part? Events are global, which means you never really say goodbye. Instead, it’s always ‘see you later’ as you cross paths with familiar faces at different events worldwide, sometimes many years later.
Events unite people—whether it’s fans cheering for their favourite athlete, audiences enjoying live performances, or global leaders making decisions that change the world. You’ll play a key role in making these moments happen, and that’s something to be proud of.
Few careers offer such a tangible sense of achievement. When you see a stadium filled with fans, a music festival come to life, or an event running flawlessly, you can say, “I made this happen.” That’s a feeling like no other.
Every event is a learning experience. You’ll pick up new skills, adapt to different challenges, and constantly grow in your career. Whether you specialise in logistics, marketing, or technology, you’ll develop expertise that can take you anywhere.
The work you do in events doesn’t just end when the crowds go home. You help create experiences people will remember forever, and in some cases, leave behind a lasting impact on cities, communities, and even industries. Your influence will continue long after the event is over!
If you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of major events, here are some key tips to help you succeed:
A career in major events is not just a job—it’s an adventure filled with excitement, challenges, and incredible opportunities. If you’re ready to step into a world where no two days are the same and where your work creates unforgettable moments, then this industry is waiting for you!
Alison Giles, Director, Trivandi Academy
As a dedicated ballet dancer, I wasn’t too interested in sport at school. I had always dreamt of a career in the world of theatre. However, when it came to studying it at university, it didn’t feel right. I took a year out and when I saw (what is now) Leeds Beckett University’s Events Management course, I knew it was right for me. What I didn’t appreciate at that time, was how it would open up a world of opportunities to work on events which were, essentially, the biggest ‘stages’ and theatre shows in the world.
My course led me, unexpectedly, to a placement year working in sports administration and from that flowed a series of unimagined opportunities including an exchange programme to Victoria University in Melbourne, the opportunity to volunteer on the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, and a sliding-door moment where I just happened to speak to someone looking for staff to work on the Doha 2006 Asian Games. It was at this moment, working in Qatar, that I realised people made a career out of working on major events – something I had been willing to do for free just to get the experience!
On leaving university I worked for the Rugby Football League, the governing body and rights holder for rugby league in the UK, working in their sponsorship team. I then went on to work for Yorkshire Country Cricket Club at Headingley Stadium managing match days and their community programme during the Michael Vaughan and Darren Gough era, when Joe Root was coming through our Academy. I was involved in founding the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation which is still running today and something I’m very proud of.
In early 2011, I moved to London and enjoyed a long stretch working for a sport presentation company, travelling the world and working on the live production of many incredible sporting events and moments, including the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and a secondment to the Baku 2015 European Games. Sport presentation is high pressure, particularly as a show caller which I trained to be, however, it often means front row seats to the greatest sporting and ‘I was there’ moments and provides a very privileged position to be rubbing shoulders with athletes (moments after their victories), VIPs and sporting greats. I will never forget the sound of the ‘Dorney roar’ at London 2012 and cuing the national anthem for the first British gold medal of the Games, to hear the 10,000 spectators sing at the tops of their voices.
My career to date has led me to work:
Now, in my role as Trivandi Academy Director, I am incredibly passionate about helping to create these opportunities for others, allowing them to embark on and follow successful careers in the world of major events.
If you’re thinking about a career in events, my advice is simple: embrace every opportunity, stay open to new experiences, and build strong relationships. The industry is fast-paced, challenging, and full of surprises—but the rewards, the friendships, and the memories make it all worthwhile
From Zimbabwe to the global stage
I grew up in Zimbabwe, and like many teenagers, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to university, so after my A-levels, I went straight into work—selling jewellery! I was always drawn to the hospitality industry, as Zimbabwe is a major tourist destination, and I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to study hotel management while gaining hands-on experience in Victoria Falls. After 2.5 years, I earned my honours diploma in hotel management.
In 2004, I moved to the UK and quickly realised hotel management was not my calling. I worked in various reception roles and eventually found myself at the main reception of the building where the London 2012 Organising Committee was based. As the team expanded, a separate reception was created just for London 2012 visitors, and I was part of that team. I still remember the excitement of checking in Lord Sebastian Coe when he forgot his pass, or greeting sports stars visiting for events.
After a year, a permanent receptionist role for the London 2012 team opened up—I applied, got the job, and the rest is history! Since then, my journey has taken me to places I never imagined. From being issued a temporary resident card in Azerbaijan to casually walking past Tom Daley in the Aquatics Centre, every step has been incredible. Today, I work for Trivandi, where my behind-the-scenes work enables project teams to create world-class experiences for clients and stakeholders. I’ve truly found my calling.
Finding my path in major events
My major event career started in 2007 with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee. I began as a receptionist, welcoming visitors, answering calls, and managing emails. Soon after, I moved into the Facilities team, working with HR, Security, and Finance to manage staff access to buildings and ensure key bills were paid on time.
From there, I was given the opportunity to join the Technology team as a project coordinator. The Technology team is one of the largest in any major event, covering everything from results technology to IT support. While I wouldn’t call myself a ‘techie,’ I quickly realised that such a large team needed strong workforce support—and that’s where I came in. My role managing over 1,000 full-time staff, contractors, and volunteers at the Water Park on the Olympic Park sparked my passion for event workforce and HR roles.
Since then, I’ve worked across multiple global events, including the Baku European Games (Technology Workforce team), England Rugby World Cup 2015 (Transport team), Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat (Core HR team), Dubai Expo 2020 (Workforce team), and COP28 UAE (HR through an agency). Each event has been a learning experience, and I continue to grow in my role at Trivandi.
If you’re thinking about a career in events, my advice is simple: embrace every opportunity, stay open to new experiences, and build strong relationships. The industry is fast-paced, challenging, and full of surprises—but the rewards, the friendships, and the memories make it all worthwhile.
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