Kashif Din is the CEO of One World Rental, a global event technology and staffing provider with presence in 12 countries. With 15 years of industry experience, Kashif Din leads the world’s largest short term technology rental business in delivering scalable, tech led solutions for high profile events.
The New Reality of Global Event Logistics
In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, businesses across all sectors are learning to navigate the ripple effects of policy changes, notably visible in the global events industry.
Among the most significant recent developments is the re imposition and expansion of tariffs under the Trump administration, particularly affecting imports into the United States a market that remains central to the global events calendar.
While tariffs have historically been seen as instruments of economic policy, their real world impact is being felt far beyond manufacturing and agriculture. In events, where timing, cost efficiency, and supply chain precision are crucial, these measures are fundamentally reshaping strategies from the ground up.
Why Tariffs Matter to Event Organisers and Suppliers
Tariffs directly impact the cost structure of delivering an event. Duties on imported AV equipment, technology, staging materials, and even consumables such as badges and lanyards are inflating supplier costs. For businesses accustomed to global supply chains and cross border sourcing, this creates significant new risks—both financial and operational.
Without careful planning, organisers may face unexpected budget overruns, delayed shipments, or gaps in service delivery. In an industry where last minute changes are common and timelines are non negotiable, even small supply chain disruptions can have outsized consequences.
But the consequences of tariffs are extending beyond hard costs.
Broader Cultural and Market Shifts
Across Canada, a new ‘buy local’ sentiment is gaining momentum, prompted in part by geopolitical tensions and rising trade barriers. Proud Canadian domestic businesses are winning more contracts at the expense of traditional US suppliers.
Event organisers who once defaulted to cross border procurement are now actively seeking local partners to de risk their operations, reduce exposure to tariffs, and support national industry.
The political climate has also had an impact on staffing and talent mobility.
Reports are emerging of Canadian nationals hesitating to travel to the US for event delivery roles fearing complications at the border, visa delays, or broader political uncertainties. For organisers, this compounds labour shortages already straining the industry and reinforces the need to source event staff domestically whenever possible.
The ripple effects of tariff policies are, therefore, stretching far beyond the cost of imported goods they are influencing staffing models, procurement behaviours, and even the national identity of supplier choices.
Adapting to a Shifting Landscape
One of the most important shifts emerging is a movement toward local sourcing and regional fulfilment.
Event suppliers with strong domestic networks local depots, in country stock, and locally sourced staff are far better positioned to absorb these shocks and maintain service levels.
Diversification has become a crucial advantage. Companies that built robust global supply chains before the resurgence of tariffs are now seeing the value of that foresight. Those who remain dependent on international shipping from a single source face greater exposure to future policy shifts.
The broader lesson for the industry is clear: resilience now depends on regional flexibility, not just global scale.
Hidden Pressures Beneath the Surface
While tariffs dominate headlines, other economic pressures are quietly reshaping event delivery models. Rising fuel costs, increased logistics fees, and persistent labour shortages are all adding layers of complexity and cost to global event operations.
Despite these headwinds, corporate investment in live events continues to grow.
Businesses see enormous value in face to face interaction, particularly in an age of digital fatigue and remote work. This strong demand creates both opportunity and urgency for suppliers to adapt faster, smarter, and closer to the client.
Opportunities in Disguise
While the trade landscape presents new challenges, it also opens new doors.
In Canada, for example, regional partnerships and domestic fulfilment models are thriving. Event suppliers who can pivot quickly, decentralise their stock, and offer complete end to end services within borders are finding themselves in high demand.
The future will belong to suppliers who combine international experience with local responsiveness offering the best of both worlds: global standards with regional delivery.
Preparing for the Future
Success in the new events economy will depend on forward planning, regional autonomy, and strategic partnerships.
The days of relying solely on centralised warehouses and international shipments are fading. Modern event businesses must now factor in real world risks such as tariffs, customs checks, political tensions, and supply chain volatility.
Those who adapt early building flexible, regionally based service models—will not only survive this transition but thrive in it.
Author: Kashif Din is the CEO of One World Rental, a leader in short term IT rental, supporting events across the globe with scalable, tech led solutions.
