Tech Layoffs and the Question for Event Tech
The headlines have been hard to ignore: wave after wave of layoffs sweeping through the tech industry. From major platforms to fast-growing startups, companies are trimming costs, restructuring teams, and bracing for an uncertain economic future. Naturally, this raises a pressing question for professionals in adjacent sectors: is event tech next?
If you work in or around event technology—whether in software platforms, audiovisual production, or hybrid event infrastructure—you’ve likely already felt some turbulence. But is another wave of layoffs looming, or has the sector already absorbed its biggest shock? In this article, we’ll explore what’s happening in tech at large, how event tech fits into that picture, and what professionals should realistically expect in the near future.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the forces shaping the industry, the likelihood of further layoffs, and how to position yourself strategically in a changing landscape.
The Broader Tech Correction Explained
The broader tech industry has been undergoing a correction phase since late 2022. After years of rapid hiring fueled by low interest rates and abundant venture capital, many companies overextended themselves. When economic conditions tightened—higher interest rates, slower growth, and investor pressure for profitability—layoffs followed.
These layoffs are not random. They reflect a shift from “growth at all costs” to efficiency and sustainability. Companies are prioritizing profitability, reducing redundant roles, and focusing on core products.
In many ways, this is a normalization rather than a collapse. However, the scale and visibility of layoffs make it feel far more dramatic, especially for those watching from adjacent industries like event tech.
Suggested visual: A timeline chart showing hiring growth (2020–2022) followed by layoffs (2023–2025) in major tech sectors.
Event Tech’s Post-Pandemic Reset
Unlike general tech, event tech experienced its most severe disruption earlier—during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic. When in-person events halted globally, companies scrambled to pivot toward virtual and hybrid solutions. This led to a surge in investment and hiring between 2020 and 2022.
But as in-person events returned, the market corrected. Many virtual-first platforms saw demand shrink, and companies that had scaled aggressively were forced to downsize.
This aligns with observations from industry professionals: the “big correction” in event tech has, to a large extent, already happened. Layoffs in this sector were concentrated in the post-COVID transition period, rather than aligning perfectly with the broader tech downturn.
That said, the recovery hasn’t been smooth. Some companies are still operating with limited cash reserves, particularly those that relied heavily on venture funding during the boom years. As one industry observer noted, there are still firms “running on fumes,” though far fewer than during the peak.
A Fragmented Industry with Different Risk Levels
One complication in predicting layoffs is that “event tech” isn’t a single, unified sector. It includes several distinct categories, each with its own economic drivers:
Software platforms: Event management tools, ticketing systems, virtual event platforms
Hardware manufacturers: Companies producing cameras, switching equipment, audio systems
Service providers: Audiovisual technicians, production crews, and on-site support teams
Enterprise tools: IT infrastructure supporting large-scale corporate events
Each of these segments reacts differently to economic pressure. For example, software startups dependent on venture capital may face layoffs sooner than freelance audiovisual technicians, whose demand is tied more directly to event volume.
In fact, some AV professionals report steady work, with seasonal fluctuations rather than systemic decline. Corporate events, trade shows, and live experiences have rebounded strongly in many regions, providing a relatively stable income stream for service-based roles.
Suggested visual: A simple diagram showing the different segments of event tech and how they connect.
Consolidation Over Mass Layoffs
If another wave of layoffs hits event tech, it’s unlikely to mirror the dramatic cuts seen in broader tech. Instead, a more probable scenario is gradual consolidation.
Consolidation happens when stronger companies acquire weaker ones or when smaller players exit the market. This process reduces competition but can also lead to job redundancies, particularly in overlapping roles.
Several indicators suggest this is already underway:
Fewer new startups entering the space compared to 2021–2023
Increased focus on profitability rather than rapid expansion
Mergers and acquisitions among mid-sized platforms
This kind of restructuring tends to be quieter but still impactful. Instead of mass layoffs making headlines, you may see smaller, targeted cuts spread across multiple companies.
The key takeaway: the risk isn’t zero, but it’s different in nature—less explosive, more gradual.
Staying Resilient in a Shifting Landscape
Whether you’re a software engineer, AV technician, or event operations specialist, the best response to uncertainty is preparation. Here’s a practical approach to staying resilient in this evolving landscape.
First, understand where your role sits in the ecosystem. Are you tied to a venture-backed platform, or are you part of a service layer directly linked to event demand? Roles closer to revenue generation—like production and client services—often have more stability.
Second, diversify your skill set. For example, AV technicians who can also handle streaming technology, hybrid event platforms, or basic IT networking are more valuable than those with a narrow specialization.
Third, keep an eye on industry signals. Watch for hiring freezes, funding announcements, and mergers. These often precede layoffs and can give you time to act.
Fourth, maintain a strong professional network. In industries like event tech, opportunities often come through relationships rather than job boards. Staying connected can make transitions smoother if changes occur.
Finally, consider adjacent opportunities. Skills in event tech often translate well into media production, broadcast, corporate communications, and even IT support roles.
Suggested formatting: A numbered list summarizing these steps could improve clarity and usability for readers.
A Sector in Transition, Not in Crisis
While the broader tech industry continues to grapple with layoffs, event tech occupies a different position. Its most dramatic disruption already occurred during the pandemic and its aftermath. What remains is a period of adjustment—marked by consolidation, cautious growth, and selective hiring.
This doesn’t mean the sector is risk-free. Some companies will struggle, and there may be localized layoffs, especially among overextended startups. But for many professionals—particularly those in hands-on or service-driven roles—the outlook is more stable than the headlines might suggest.
The real challenge is not an imminent collapse, but navigating a quieter, more complex shift in how the industry operates. Those who stay adaptable, informed, and connected will be best positioned to thrive.
References and Further Reading
For readers interested in exploring this topic further, consider looking into industry reports and resources such as:
EventMB (Skift Meetings) reports on event industry trends
IBISWorld and Statista data on event services and AV markets
McKinsey and Deloitte analyses on post-pandemic workforce shifts
TechCrunch and Crunchbase for startup funding and consolidation trends
Following these sources can provide ongoing insight into both the risks and opportunities shaping the future of event tech.