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Freelancing in America is on the upswing—big time. In 2023, 64 million Americans identified as freelancers, making up 38% of the U.S. workforce and contributing roughly $1.27 trillion to the economy. That’s not small change. And the momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down: Over 85% of freelancers see an even brighter future ahead for contract-based and entrepreneurial work.
As more companies and individuals dive into freelance work, we’re seeing an impressive demographic shift. Gen Z and Millennials are taking the lead, with over half of Gen Z professionals and nearly half of Millennials exploring freelance gigs in fields like computer programming, marketing, IT, and business consulting. In fact, almost 30 million freelancers offer these knowledge-based services. Let’s take a deeper look at how these trends may influence event production, business operations, and the overall marketplace.
1. The Power of Talent Diversity
Freelancing has broken free from traditional boundaries, opening opportunities for professionals across a broad spectrum of industries. In the live events arena, specialized freelance talent is increasingly invaluable. From Production Managers who orchestrate complex show logistics to Deck Managers who keep things running smoothly backstage, live event professionals bring niche skills to make moments memorable.
Whether you need a technical director to handle intricate lighting and sound or a seasoned stage manager to call cues with precision, independent contractors can provide top-tier expertise exactly when and where you need it. With so many freelancers now working in knowledge-based services—and specifically in the events sector—this approach streamlines staffing and ensures you’re matching the perfect role to the right person.
2. Collaboration as the New Currency
Thanks to technology, freelance professionals aren’t siloed to coffee shops or remote corners of the office. Instead, they’re collaborating with teams, brainstorming with in-house staff, and pitching in for on-site event support. This kind of flexibility has made it easier for event producers, production teams, and nonprofits to tap into a pool of ready-to-work freelancers. It’s an agile approach that works well in fast-paced industries where every moment counts. By leveraging vetted freelance networks—like those Tempo Live Events facilitates—event agencies gain access to specialized roles such as A2 audio techs, camera operators, content producers, and more.
3. Upskilling & Specialization
Another intriguing detail: 26% of freelancers hold a postgraduate degree, up from 20% in 2021. As freelancers gain more advanced training and niche knowledge, their contributions become even more valuable. Imagine hosting a tech-focused event where you need an AI specialist for a breakout session or a skilled production coordinator to handle multi-day conference logistics. In these situations, highly educated freelancers can meet—and exceed—your needs.
The event industry thrives when skilled professionals can hop in at a moment’s notice to offer their expertise. Because freelancers are often engaged in multiple projects each year, they bring a breadth of experience that full-time employees might not have the chance to develop. It’s a direct pathway to better, more innovative event solutions.
4. Finding Your Path in the New Economy
For businesses, the uptick in freelancing offers flexibility in staffing; you can scale teams up or down depending on the project. For job seekers, it opens up new possibilities to explore multiple career paths without feeling locked into a single role. From a U.S. labor market standpoint, it’s a testament to evolving workplace models—less “nine-to-five,” more “work from anywhere.”
In the live events realm specifically, being able to hire experienced freelance Stage Managers, Technical Directors, and other specialized roles without the overhead of year-round employment is a game-changer. You get precisely the professionals you need, often local to your event site, saving on travel and accommodation costs. Whether you’re orchestrating a massive corporate expo or a more intimate gathering, the right freelance contractor can elevate every element of the experience.
5. Embracing Freelancers in Live Events
The surge in freelancing isn’t just about personal freedom or side gigs—it’s a structural shift in how companies staff and execute complex projects. Nowhere is this more apparent than in event production. The industry depends on adaptability, creativity, and specific skill sets that can change from one show to the next. Freelancers fill these gaps efficiently, offering an array of roles: from creative directors who shape the overall vision, to A/V specialists who ensure crisp sound and stunning visuals.
Over 17% of U.S. workers now identify as “diversified,” juggling both a traditional job and freelance work. In events, that could mean tapping someone who’s both a writer and an on-site media server operator, giving you more bang for your buck. As these patterns become the norm, it only opens more doors for innovation.
The Future of Freelancing—and Events
Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer, a corporate leader dipping your toes into contract work, or an event professional looking to bring in new talent, the freelancing wave is here to stay. It’s an exciting, ever-evolving frontier of opportunity that’s reshaping not just events, but the broader landscape of how we all work and collaborate.
And for event producers, it all translates into a robust ecosystem of skilled, enthusiastic professionals ready to step in and make magic happen—without the traditional constraints of full-time employment. Embrace the rise of the independent workforce, and you might just find the perfect partner for your next big project.
At Tempo Live Events, we’ve connected organizations with over 1,400 freelance event professionals who each bring something special to the table—whether that’s running the show as a stage manager, capturing key moments as a camera op, or lending creative prowess to content production. As the freelance boom continues, we’re here to ensure event agencies and independent contractors thrive together, making every production a triumph.
Finding the right people makes all the difference! Hire a vetted event professional ready to seamlessly support your team whenever and wherever they are needed.