Why so many event managers aren’t sleeping, and how FMI Agency can change that
Insights from the 2025 “Do You Sleep Well at Night?” Report
If you work in events, you already know the truth: this industry runs on passion, adrenaline… and far too little sleep.
ClinkClink’s new 2025 report, Do You Sleep Well at Night?, captures what many in-house event managers have felt for years: the pace isn’t just demanding, it’s unsustainable. Based on a survey of 150 UK-based in‑house event professionals, the data paints a clear picture of an industry full of talent and dedication, but under increasing strain.
At FMI Agency, we work with internal event teams, across many sectors, every day so none of this came as a surprise. But the report does something important: it gives the numbers, the context and the evidence needed for organisations to rethink how events are resourced, and when external partners should be involved.
Here are the headline findings and how an agency like FMI can help.
- Only 1 in 5 event managers sleep well before an event
A staggering 79% of event managers say they sleep poorly in the week leading up to an event, and 86% get six hours or less the night before.
What’s keeping them awake?
- 81% – Last‑minute changes
- 55% – Logistics complexity
- 53% – Pressure from stakeholders
- 32% – Resource shortages
How FMI helps:
We can step into the process early to help eliminate chaos. By taking ownership of event logistics, third-party supplier management, risk assessments and contingency planning, we absorb the pressure that causes last-minute panic. When we’re embedded from the start so your team can focus on strategy, not firefighting.
- Stress is now a structural, not personal, issue
Stress is deeply embedded in the way events are run:
- Only 1% say their role is not stressful
- 41% rate their workload as very or extremely stressful
- 86% have experienced physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia or burnout
- Nearly 1 in 4 say their workload often affects their mental health or personal life
This isn’t about individuals “coping better”. It’s about systems that need redesigning.
How FMI helps:
Our external event management support changes the structure of the workload:
- We build realistic timelines
- We help set stakeholder expectations before the pressure hits
- We utilise event technology to reduce administrative tasks
- We provide additional hands, experience and leadership where teams are stretched
Better processes = lower stress. It’s that simple.
- Under‑resourcing remains one of the biggest pain points
The report shows:
- 24% regularly feel under-resourced
- 65% feel under-resourced at least occasionally
- “Unrealistic timelines” and “lack of support” rank as primary stress triggers
In other words: most event teams just don’t have the headcount or bandwidth to meet demand.
How FMI helps:
We scale your team without the overhead. Working as an extension of your team for whatever the timeframes needed.
Whether it’s one annual conference or a multi-event year‑round programme, FMI provides role‑specific specialists (event managers, producers, logistics leads, incentive travel planners, creative teams and account managers) who plug seamlessly into your business. We can use your systems and tools so you’re not having to learn new ways of working. No last-minute scrambling, no burnout, no compromises on quality.
- External agencies work, 61% say stress is lower when they’re involved
The survey reveals a powerful insight:
6 in 10 event managers say their stress decreases when working with external partners.
And 78% say they literally sleep better when they know a trusted agency has things in hand.
That single statistic says everything. And our client testimonials do too!
How FMI helps:
FMI’s approach is designed to reduce stress, not add to it. We don’t simply “deliver an event” we collaborate to help protect your time, your headspace and your wellbeing by:
- Bringing senior-level expertise from day one
- Managing all the moving parts behind the scenes
- Acting as the buffer between you and multiple stakeholder demands
- Keeping surprises to a minimum and communication to a maximum
When you know we’re on it, you don’t need to be awake at 2am thinking about transport logistics, delegate attendance or content presentations.
- The events industry is optimistic but ready for change
Despite everything, 64% of event managers are optimistic about the future. That positivity matters. It shows that people love this industry, they just need it to be healthier.
The report outlines what’s required in 2026:
- Realistic timelines
- Better resourcing
- Stronger stakeholder management
- Earlier involvement of external partners
- Wellbeing built into operations, not treated as a perk
FMI’s role in that future
We believe the corporate events industry doesn’t need to be stressful by default. With the right planning, the right processes and the right agency partners, it can be exciting, sustainable and genuinely rewarding again.
That’s why FMI integrates wellbeing-focused planning into every project. Efficient processes aren’t just good for delivery, they’re good for people.
No one should lose sleep delivering great events
The Do You Sleep Well at Night? report shows exactly where the pressure lies and what needs to change for event managers to thrive.
The good news? Agencies like FMI are already part of the solution. We design great events for companies that deliver measurable results.
If your events team is stretched, overwhelmed or simply ready for more structured support, we’re here to help you build event programmes that run smoothly, and give your team their nights back.
Ready to talk?
Let’s make 2026 the year the industry sleeps better.
