Four Factors to Consider When Hiring Event Staff
Event staff are the backbone of any successful event.
They are the ones who interact with your guests, handle day-to-day tasks, and ensure that inevitable snafu gets handled and goes unnoticed. They set up the room, arrange florals, set the tables, and make sure each detail is set just right. Waitstaff interact directly with guests, the catering company, and the kitchen staff, to smooth any wrinkles with food delivery and presentation. Hostesses act as the welcoming face, and set the energy for the festivity. Event captains and event managers dutifully handle day-of logistics and make sure all staff are organized and in place.
In short, the right event staff can elevate an event from ordinary to extraordinary. This makes choosing the right event staffing agency evermore important.
Key Factors
A successful wedding requires the coordination of various types of event staff. Let's take a closer look at the key roles you need to consider when hiring event staff for your wedding.
1. Staff Quality
Highly skilled and professional staff significantly impact the successful execution of an event and directly influence guests' overall experience. Your event staff makes up the frontline operations of your event, interacting with guests, resolving issues, and ensuring smooth operations.
A leading event staffing agency makes staff quality paramount. They possess the acumen and tools needed to source, evaluate, select, and train great staff. They take methodical measures to source the best talent available, provide comprehensive training, and maintain an excellent culture that prioritizes the client's experience above all else.
How do you gauge staff quality before you hire an agency? One, ask about the agency’s hiring and onboarding practices. How does the organization source its employees? Do they provide training? Are all staff certified and permitted to handle food and serve alcohol? Does the organization have an established culture of excellence? If so, how do they implement it?
Agencies that invest in staff development are more likely to provide skilled and professional event staff. More, agencies that thoroughly vet each applicant, conduct in-person or video interviews, and follow a structured interview process can confidently staff any event.
2. Agency Experience
The agency's experience in the event staffing industry is also crucial. Events come in various forms with unique requirements. An agency with a broad range of experience will be more adept at handling the specific challenges and intricacies of your event.
Each event staffing agency also differs in its offerings. Some might provide comprehensive services starting from the planning phase, while others might only offer the staff team. Depending on your needs, choose an agency that aligns with your requirements. Depending on the nature of your event, you might require specialized roles such as bartenders or waitstaff. These roles require specific skills and training, and not every agency might be equipped to provide such staff. Be clear about your needs and confirm with the agency beforehand.
3. Agency Reputation
When choosing an event staffing agency, their reputation can provide a wealth of insights. Look for agencies with a strong track record of excellence and positive client testimonials. You can assess their reputation by researching their online presence, reading reviews, and analyzing the types of clients they have worked with in the past.
4. Execution Capabilities
Events require adaptability and the ability to handle unexpected changes. A staffing agency’s preparedness and flexibility are essential to accommodate your event’s evolving needs. Can they provide additional staff at short notice? Are they equipped to handle changes in event size or requirements?
Many employees who work in event staffing are part-time by nature and may not have the flexibility or capacity for full-time, long-term jobs. The event industry is highly unpredictable and can be unreliable. Seasoned agencies are equipped to anticipate unforeseen circumstances, swiftly recognize potential problems, and actively strive to address any arising issues.
A successful event is often the result of an efficient team of Leads/Managers. These individuals organize their teams, handle staff breaks, help with training, and are the go-to contact for clients. Ensure that the agency you choose has provisions for all such roles. More, in-office support is a valuable asset that can help smooth out any potential hiccups during your event. Whether it's a need for additional staff or a replacement of a staff person who called in sick, event staffing agencies with in-office support can handle such issues efficiently.
Conclusion
When planning your next event, look for quality, experience, reputation, and flexibility in your staffing. This will take the guest experience from ordinary to incredible.
Choose Northwest Premier Event Staffing
At Northwest Premier Event Staffing, our top priority is quality service. We pride ourselves on providing exquisite service, every time. All of our staff maintain active food handler permits and Class 12 MAST permits. They are professional and courteous, and reflect our customer-first, experience-first culture. We have experience staffing all kinds of events from private celebrations, off-premise catering, corporate and institutional events, and more.
With a strong reputation, we pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and making sure we go above and beyond to help ensure an event’s success. With an array of experienced staff and proven planning processes, our management team plans ahead to help mitigate and manage any situation. Click below to book with us today.
