The future of the live events industry depends on more than technology or innovation. It depends on people.

For PRG Head of People Services Leigh Yeomans, attracting and developing the next generation of talent isn't simply part of the job—it's something he feels personally invested in.

Long before he was helping shape apprenticeship programmes and representing the industry in the House of Lords, Leigh was a 16-year-old leaving school with one clear ambition: to build a career in live events. Looking back, he knows how fortunate he was that someone was willing to give him that first opportunity.

"I left school at 16 knowing this was the industry I wanted to work in. Looking back, I was incredibly lucky that someone was prepared to invest in me and give me that first chance. Not everybody gets that opportunity, and that's something I've never forgotten. If I can help create those same opportunities for other people starting out, then that's something I care very deeply about."

That experience has shaped much of Leigh's career ever since.

Away from PRG, he regularly supports The Power of Events, visiting schools to introduce students to an industry many have never considered. By sharing his own experiences and highlighting the breadth of careers available, he hopes to help more young people discover opportunities they may never have known existed.

For Leigh, raising awareness is only the first step.

Connecting people with the industry is just as important, which is why he is a regular supporter of Production Futures. Bringing together employers, educators and aspiring professionals at careers events across the UK, the initiative allows young people to explore different career paths, ask questions and meet the people behind the industry.

"When I was trying to get into the industry, these events simply didn't exist. Your options were fairly limited—you either approached companies directly and hoped someone would give you a chance, or you followed a traditional education route that wasn't necessarily right for everyone. Production Futures gives people the opportunity to explore what's available and find the route that's right for them."

"The people you meet there genuinely care about creating opportunities. They're not there for personal gain—they're there because they believe in helping the next generation. Young people can see that, and it gives them confidence that this industry wants them to succeed."

Creating opportunities doesn't end there.

Leigh also played an important role in introducing PRG UK's Live Events Technician Apprenticeship, helping establish a practical route into the industry for people who learn best through hands-on experience.

"Apprenticeships are incredibly important because they recognise that not everybody learns in the same way. Our industry is practical by nature, and apprenticeships allow people to continue their education while gaining real experience. Without that pathway, we'd struggle to attract the talent our industry needs."

His commitment to developing future talent has also seen him represent both PRG and the wider live events industry in discussions around apprenticeships and skills development at the House of Lords, building on PRG's long-standing partnership with BOA and its commitment to supporting specialist education.

"It was a real privilege to represent both PRG and the wider industry. It reinforced just how important the relationship between education and employers really is, and it was a great opportunity to show how invested PRG is in helping develop the next generation."

For Leigh, success isn't measured simply by the number of apprentices joining PRG.

It's about creating an industry where more companies are willing to open their doors, where opportunities are easier to find, and where every young person with an interest in live events can see a route into the industry.

"Five years ago, opportunities for young people were much more limited. Today we're regularly contacted by schools and colleges about work experience and placements, and people across PRG are incredibly supportive whenever someone wants to learn. That's what success looks like to me. More companies creating opportunities. More people opening their doors. The more we do that, the stronger our industry becomes."

For Leigh, the future of live events isn't just about the next generation of technology.

It's about giving the next generation the same chance someone once gave him.