Event Matters
Welcome to the Event Matters Podcast, a new podcast from Kershaw Partners about the realities of running, growing and scaling event businesses today.
Hosted by David Watt, each episode keeps things open, honest and practical so you walk away with ideas you can use the same week.
Expect straight-talking updates on the market, candid conversations with expert leaders from across venues, agencies, caterers and suppliers and the wider industry, plus valuable insights and advice you can implement within your own business.
Event Matters
The Importance of Investing in People for Event Business Owners
In this January edition of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Kershaw Partners, Mike Kershaw and Richard Dean, for an honest but optimistic conversation about what the coming year will bring for the events industry.
2025 marked a challenging year for events, and a noticeable strain has been felt across the sector. Despite this, Kershaw Partners are excited for what's to come. In this discussion they tackle some of the challenges facing events businesses, what 2026 will bring for the industry, and how business owners can best use the quieter months to prepare for busy periods later in the year.
They dig into the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI adoption, reminding business leaders of the need to invest in upskilling their people, even with shiny new technology available. The trio reflects on different use cases for AI and asks the question – what does an increasingly online and AI-powered world mean for the future of events?
With a new year upon us, this episode offers a practical and insightful look at the current event landscape, and offers actionable ideas for business leaders to make the best of 2026.
Expect key takeaways about:
- How to use the quieter months of the year to prepare for busy periods
- The pros and cons of AI adoption
- Not neglecting your people when investing in new technology
- How teams and all levels benefit from mentoring and the experience of others
- Why defining a clear business vision is key to success
- The importance of surrounding yourself with good people