Supporting the Wellbeing of Our Show Secretaries and Teams

Posted: 11th May 2026

Mental Health Awareness Week gives us an important moment to pause and reflect on the emotional realities of working within the agricultural show world. For many of our Show Secretaries, Managers, Trustees and show teams, the pressures of the role are immense and often invisible to those outside our industry. At ASAO, we want to shine a light on these challenges, open up conversations and remind you that you are never alone in this work.

The Hidden Emotional Landscape of Show Work

Agricultural shows are built on passion, tradition and community spirit, but behind the scenes, the emotional load can be heavy.

For Secretaries of one‑day shows, the winter months can be particularly isolating. Many work from home or from small show offices, often juggling other jobs alongside their show responsibilities. Without colleagues nearby, it’s easy to feel alone with the workload, the decisions and the worries. Larger shows with on-site teams face different pressures: office dynamics, constant communication demands and the shared intensity of the pre-show period. While there is camaraderie, there is also the risk of burnout as the workload grows and the expectations rise.

Across all show types, there is a distinct pressure to continually improve; to innovate, to grow, to stay relevant, and this can weigh heavily. Add to this the ever-changing legislative landscape, from biosecurity concerns like bluetongue and avian influenza to the emerging requirements of Martyn’s Law, and it’s no wonder that stress levels climb.

One of our Council members recently shared that when she asked several show teams how their event went, the most common response was: “Well, I survived.” Survival should never be the benchmark for success.

The Show Cycle: A Year of Emotional Peaks and Troughs

The rhythm of the show year brings its own mental health challenges:

• Winter: A quieter period, but often isolating for lone-working Secretaries.
• Spring: The pressure begins to build as deadlines loom and planning intensifies.
• The final four weeks: A sprint. Long hours, constant decisions and the physical demands of the show build.
• Show week: High adrenaline, high stakes and very little rest.
• The days after: A warm afterglow; relief, pride and gratitude.
• The weeks after: A crash. The buzz fades, exhaustion hits and the long wait until next year can feel daunting.
• For larger teams: Additional events may keep the momentum going, but they also reduce opportunities for rest.

This cycle is demanding and acknowledging its emotional impact is essential.

Self-Care Strategies for Show Secretaries and Teams

Self-care isn’t indulgent, it’s essential for sustaining the passion and energy that make our shows thrive. Here are some practical strategies tailored to the realities of show life:

• Micro-breaks during peak weeks – even five minutes to breathe, stretch, or step outside can reset your mind.
• Buddy systems for lone workers – pair up with another Secretary/Manager for weekly check-ins; ASAO can help you to find a buddy!
• Set communication boundaries – not every email needs an immediate reply.
• Pre-show wellbeing planning – schedule rest days, delegate tasks and identify your ‘pressure points’ early.
• Hydration and nutrition reminders – especially during build week and show days.
• Post-show decompression – plan something restorative for the week after your show.
• Peer support – talk to other Secretaries; chances are they’ve felt the same way.
• Use ASAO networking opportunities – our online sessions, regional events and annual conference are designed to combat isolation and build community.

How can we support you?

ASAO exists to support you; not just professionally, but personally. We offer:

• A friendly voice at the end of the phone when you need to talk or ask for advice
• Guidance and resources to help you navigate challenges
• Networking opportunities that remind you that you’re part of a wider community
• A space to share experiences, frustrations and successes
• A commitment to developing more wellbeing focused support in the months ahead

Pam and Jenna are always here if you need a chat. A problem shared truly is a problem halved.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own wellbeing. What small steps could you take to look after yourself? How can you support your colleagues and volunteers? And if you’re struggling or simply need to talk, please reach out to us.

You give so much to your shows. You deserve support, care and connection in return.