Creating a culture focused on team member success

Encore is bringing its values to life by investing in every team member’s growth, belonging, purpose, and success through meaningful initiatives.

The global events industry is projected to reach $2.5 trillion by 2035. At the heart of this growth is one defining factor: people. A 2025 report by the Events Industry Council found that 75% of respondents identified talent as “extremely important” to the industry’s future, underscoring the critical role human capital plays in driving sustained success.

“At the end of the day, it’s our people who set Encore apart,” says Ben Erwin, president and CEO of Encore, a trusted global event production and technology company. “When team members feel supported and valued, they bring their best thinking and expertise to every event, and that shows up in the experience we deliver for our customers.”

In an increasingly digital world, expectations for live events are evolving rapidly—but Encore is doubling down on something more fundamental: human connection. Beyond delivering high-impact productions, the company is focused on fostering a sense of purpose and belonging across its workforce.

That philosophy shows up in how employees experience their roles. “When people understand how their contributions fit into the bigger picture—both within the company and the events they help bring to life—they’re more likely [to feel engaged, connected, and motivated],” says Erwin. In an industry centered on immersive environments and storytelling, that internal alignment becomes essential to creating meaningful audience experiences.

This emphasis on connection also shapes how Encore approaches talent. The company invests heavily in training and career development, taking a deliberate approach not just to attracting skilled professionals but also to helping them grow over time. By aligning employee development with both individual aspirations and business goals, Encore aims to build a workforce that feels valued, which ultimately delivers stronger results across the company.

At Encore, employee programs are intentionally designed to reflect what team members say matters most to them—connection, belonging, growth, and overall well-being. These priorities guide a wide range of initiatives aimed at supporting both personal and professional development. 

Some efforts focus on expanding access and opportunity within the industry. For example, Encore’s Women in Audio Visual Events community helps create clearer pathways for women to build careers, develop leadership skills, and form meaningful connections in a field that has historically been male-dominated. Others, such as the Encore Cares initiative, encourage employees to engage in responsible business practices and give back to their communities.

The company also places a strong emphasis on helping employees build long-term careers. Through a dedicated learning platform, team members can develop new skills, earn certifications, and explore growth opportunities tailored to their goals. More specialized programs, such as the Technician Acceleration Program, are designed to fast-track career progression, enabling full-time technicians to advance into technical lead roles in less than one year.

This focus on growth is complemented by benefits that reflect the realities of the live events industry. Encore’s wellness offerings are designed to support employees’ evolving needs, while its seasonal leave of absence program provides added flexibility, allowing team members to take time off during slower periods without losing benefits or paid time off accrual.

“This can be demanding work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” says Erwin. “There’s real joy in building something together, celebrating the end of a show, recognizing the team behind it, and remembering that Encore exists to bring people together and create moments that matter.”