Adapting Under Pressure: The Shift Toward Domestic Event Support in North AmericaAdapting Under Pressure: The Shift Toward Domestic Event Support in North America
Kashif Din, CEO of One World Rental, shares how technology rentals and agile staffing models are helping organizers navigate budget pressures, sustainability targets, and last-minute delivery in the current market.
The first half of 2025 was challenging for the events industry. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection enhanced the clearance rules and expanded documentation requirements for temporary labor and tech imports. While rising supply chain costs and tightening sustainability targets continue to pressure budgets, geopolitical tensions and changes in U.S. customs protocols have significantly disrupted how events are planned and delivered, too.
In particular, Canadian event professionals and freelancers are increasingly reluctant to cross the U.S. border because of the increased logistical and legal barriers.
However, the events industry is known for its adaptability, and organizers are finding innovative ways to overcome these obstacles. A key part of the solution is keeping abreast of the evolving political situation (or working with a partner who does) and turning to agile and domestic procurement solutions.
Impact of Border Restrictions and Tariffs
The legal process for entering the U.S. actually hasn’t changed that much. However, the Canadian government and immigration experts have advised travellers to not only prepare the required documents but also be ready for more questioning at the border. According to the U.S. border updates, there will be heightened scrutiny for short-term contractors under B-1 visas and frequent U.S. travellers.
This overzealous due diligence is changing how event organizers and attendees think about cross-border travel. For example, InfoComm, a major audiovisual trade show in North America, saw international attendance drop from 23% to 18% in June 2025. Some other event companies have also reported that international attendance at U.S. events has dropped by up to 30%.
At the same time, new tariffs are being proposed, with further increases expected in early August for certain countries. Tariffs and inflation have increased the cost of every aspect of event execution. Also, customs delays relating to the new tariffs are making it harder to import goods between countries. For instance, sourcing event registration equipment from a U.S. supplier for a Canadian event now requires a temporary import bond and extended clearance wait times, adding 2 to 3 business days and potential storage fees.
The Rise of Local Sourcing in Canada
Due to these geopolitical issues, there is a growing trend across Canada to support domestic businesses. This applies not only to individual customers but also to large buyers who prefer to work with local partners.
Since it has become harder for Canadian organizers to source staff and resources across the border, local sourcing is now a necessity. It helps organizers reduce the impact of tariffs and avoid delays. Some organizers may worry that relying only on local suppliers may not work for larger events. However, suppliers with a global network of depots and staff can still meet those needs, by providing agile staffing models and local tech rentals for faster service, lower risk and greater sustainability––while avoiding unnecessary shipping and travel.
U.S. Demand for Local Support and Sustainability
It’s not only Canadian event suppliers who prefer local support; U.S. clients also want faster and smarter services. Organizers are looking for partners who are flexible and understand their specific needs.
Tech providers are expected to offer more than just logistics; they must support clients’ events with expert industry and technical knowledge, IT setups, and on-site problem-solving. Staffing solutions also need to be more integrated and specialized for clients’ unique wants and needs.
Sustainability is now a major focus for the events industry. Tech hire reduces electronic waste and lowers its carbon footprint as the equipment is used across multiple events and locations during its lifespan. By hiring tech instead of purchasing it, event organizers can scale up and down in line with their changing requirements and improve the efficiency of event planning.
The Future of Event Tech and Staffing
The event industry continues to face new challenges, but it’s also finding smarter ways to adapt. Local sourcing, agile staffing models, and tech rental solutions are now key tools for staying on budget and meeting tight deadlines. By working with suppliers who are nearby, experienced, and flexible, event professionals can reduce risks and keep events running smoothly. As the demand for speed, reliability, and sustainability grows, choosing the right local partners will make the world of difference.
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