How to Find Temporary Event Staff Quickly and Easily?

According to recent industry reports, over 40% of event organizers experience unexpected staffing challenges within a week of their event. That's a staggering number — and if you've worked in events for any length of time, you've likely felt that pressure yourself.

The stress is real: last-minute cancellations, surprise surges in attendees, or simply not having enough hands on deck can throw everything off balance. And in 2025, with tighter timelines and rising expectations, there's even less room for error.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

Today, smart solutions like AnyShift make it possible to find skilled, vetted event staff in minutes — not days. Whether you're running a corporate seminar, product launch, or weekend festival, having fast access to local, rated gig workers can be the difference between chaos and control.

1. Know What Kind of Staff You Actually Need

   Before you start hiring, take a moment to clearly define the roles you need to fill. Temporary event staffing isn't one-size-fits-all — it depends on the type and scale of your event. Common roles include waitstaff, bar crew, setup and breakdown teams, check-in personnel, crowd control, and AV support.

   Also consider the staff-to-guest ratio. For large-scale events, a general rule of thumb is one staff member for every 40 guests. So if you're planning for 1,000 attendees, you'll need at least 25 workers just to cover the basics.

   Be as specific as possible when outlining tasks. For example, instead of just requesting "event staff," list responsibilities like "serving drinks," "operating sound systems," or "managing entry lines." This helps platforms like AnyShift match you with workers who have the right experience — saving you time and avoiding miscommunication later.

2. Use a Smart Gig Staffing App

   When time is tight, using a traditional staffing agency can feel slow and outdated. Gig staffing apps offer a faster, more flexible alternative — giving you access to a pool of available, pre-screened workers in real time. These platforms are designed for speed, transparency, and ease of use.

   With AnyShift, for example, you can post a shift in under five minutes and get matched with local event staff who are ready to work. Each worker profile includes ratings, past job experience, and availability, so you can make informed decisions fast. You can also communicate directly through the app to confirm details or send updates.

   In fact, businesses using gig staffing apps fill shifts 54% faster on average compared to those relying on traditional agencies — a major advantage when every hour counts.

3. Hire Local — It Pays Off

   Hiring local event staff is one of the simplest ways to avoid last-minute surprises. Workers who live near your venue are far less likely to be delayed by traffic or transportation issues — and they're more likely to show up on time and prepared. In many cases, they're already familiar with the area or even the venue itself, which means less time spent on orientation or explaining logistics.

   With AnyShift, location matters. The platform uses geo-matching to connect you with available workers who are already nearby, making it easy to build a dependable team — even on short notice. When every hour counts, local staffing isn't just convenient — it's smart.

4. Hire Local — It Pays Off

   Hiring local event staff is one of the simplest ways to avoid last-minute surprises. Workers who live near your venue are far less likely to be delayed by traffic or transportation issues — and they're more likely to show up on time and prepared. In many cases, they're already familiar with the area or even the venue itself, which means less time spent on orientation or explaining logistics.

5. Speed Up Your Vetting Process

   When you're hiring temporary event staff, you don't have time for lengthy screening processes — but that doesn't mean you should compromise on quality. The key is to use a platform that does the vetting for you. Look for services where workers are already verified through background checks, ID validation, and a rating system based on past performance.

   Fast doesn't have to mean risky — with the right tools, you can hire smart and stay efficient.

6. Be Super Clear with Shift Instructions

   Clarity is key when working with temporary event staff. To avoid confusion, send all shift details in advance — including meeting points, dress code, contact persons, and a timeline of responsibilities. This helps workers show up prepared and confident.

7. Always Have a Backup (Because Life Happens)

   Even with the best planning, unexpected absences can happen. It's smart to anticipate at least one or two no-shows — especially for larger or outdoor events.

   AnyShift makes it easy to plan ahead by allowing you to add standby workers or request last-minute replacements with just a tap. For multi-day or high-traffic events, consider building a rotating shift pool to keep things running smoothly without burning out your team.

8. Rate, Review, and Build Your Favorite Crew

   One of the biggest advantages of using a gig staffing app is the ability to build your own trusted network over time. After each event, leave honest ratings and notes about the workers you'd gladly rehire.

   On AnyShift, you can save your top performers to a favorites list — making it easy to invite them back for future gigs without starting from scratch. This not only improves consistency at your events but also saves you time in the long run.

Conclusion

Staffing your event shouldn't feel like a last-minute scramble. With the right systems in place — clear planning, a local talent pool, and a platform like AnyShift — hiring becomes fast, reliable, and stress-free.

Need temporary event workers for your next gig?

Post your shift on AnyShift and connect with rated, ready-to-work professionals in your area.

It's quick. It's simple. And it works.