How to Find Reliable Event Staff in Australia: A Guide for Organisers

Planning an event is a wild ride. Between booking the venue, managing guest lists, finalising menus, and making sure everything runs smoothly on the day. Phew, it’s a lot. And let’s be honest, even the best plans can go south fast if your staffing isn’t up to scratch.

Having reliable event staff can make or break the experience, both for your guests and your team. Great staff keep things moving, handle the unexpected, and bring the whole vibe together.

So, how do you actually find dependable, experienced, ready-to-go event staff in Australia? Here's your go-to guide.

Why It’s So Hard to Find Good Event Staff (And Why It Matters)

We get it, event staffing is notoriously tricky. You need people who are not just skilled but also reliable, flexible, and calm under pressure. Add in tight deadlines, last-minute changes, and peak seasons, and finding the right people becomes even more challenging.

Here’s why staffing matters:

• First impressions count. Your staff are often the first faces your guests see.
• Smooth events need strong support. From food service to crowd control, reliable staff keep things on track.
• Great experiences build reputations. When everything runs well, people remember—and recommend—you.

What Is Event Staffing?

Event staffing refers to hiring casual, temporary workers to support an event. This can include:

• Bar staff
• Waiters and food runners
• Event set-up and pack-down crew
• Hosts and registration staff
• Brand ambassadors and promo staff
• Crowd control and security (with proper certifications)

Event staff are brought on just for the duration of the event (sometimes even just a few hours), but their impact is huge.

What to Look for in Event Staff

Not all event staff are created equal. Here are some qualities to prioritise:

1. Punctuality

Being on time is non-negotiable. Late arrivals throw off your schedule and stress the entire team. Reliable staff know that every minute counts during an event.

2. Presentation

Staff should look the part and be professionally dressed, or appropriately styled to match your event or brand. Your staff’s appearance reflects on your event’s professionalism.

3. Communication Skills

Can they hold a conversation? Give clear directions? Diffuse a tense situation calmly? These skills are essential when dealing with guests and colleagues.

4. Experience

Have they worked similar events before? Industry knowledge means fewer instructions, faster problem-solving, and the confidence to handle whatever comes their way.

5. Initiative

Look for people who can think on their feet. When things go wrong (and they often do), you want staff who can adapt and act without waiting for instructions.

6. Teamwork

A great vent team collaborates, supports one another, and stays visible and engaged throughout the event, even when things slow down.

7. Attitude

A positive, friendly attitude goes a long way in customer-facing roles. It’s infectious and helps create good vibes, making your event enjoyable for guests and staff alike.

How to Vet Event Staff (Without Wasting Time)

Hiring in a rush? It’s tempting to skip the vetting process. But trust us, it’s worth taking a few extra steps:

• Ask for references or reviews from previous gigs or employers
• Conduct short interviews or trial shifts 
• Ask situational questions 
• Check for relevant certifications like RSA, food handling, or first aid
• Look for platforms with verified reviews and pre-screened staff, like Sidekicker

Why Use a Staffing Platform Like Sidekicker to Hire Event Staff?

Here’s where the game changes.

Sidekicker is a staffing platform that makes finding casual event staff quick, reliable, and stress-free. We’ve built a network of pre-vetted, experienced workers (including hospitality workers) across Australia and New Zealand

Here’s how we make things easier for you:

• Speed: 90% of jobs are filled within an hour 
• Flexibility: Book one shift or build an entire event crew, scale up or down as needed
• Transparency: See staff profiles, skills, certifications, and past ratings
• Consistency: Rate your favourite workers and rebook them again
• Support: We’re here if you need backup or help filling shifts, even last-minute

Need staff for a full weekend event with different shift times? Want the same five workers for a three-day conference? No problem. You stay in control of your crew, without the usual hiring hassle.

When Extra Staff Save the Day

Events rarely go perfectly to plan. Here are some common curveballs and how reliable staff can help:

Last-minute no-shows: Imagine a wedding where your lead bartender cancels hours before the reception. With a staffing platform, a replacement is just a few clicks away, so the bar stays busy and guests are happy.

Unexpected crowds: Maybe a local sports final finishes early, and suddenly your event faces a larger crowd than anticipated. Extra staff on standby can quickly be called in to help manage the sudden surge.

Complex setups: Some events require quick turnarounds, setting up equipment or furniture between sessions. Experienced pack-down crew who know the drill save you time and stress.

Top Tips for Hiring Event Staff (Without the Headaches)

1. Plan Ahead (When You Can)

Not all events give you weeks of lead time. But when possible, get your staff booked early so you’re not scrambling the day before.

2. Brief Your Staff Well

Even the most experienced event worker needs clear direction. Provide a briefing document or call to run through what you expect, dress code, arrival time, key contacts, breaks, and responsibilities.

3. Overstaff Peak Moments

If you know there’s a peak hour (e.g. post-ceremony cocktail hour or 8 a.m. registration rush), build in extra hands to handle the rush.

4. Communicate On The Day

Use group chats or apps to check in, share updates, or confirm who’s on-site. Good comms = smoother ops.

5. Keep a List of Star Performers

When you find a great staff member, make note of it. Rate and rebook top workers so you don’t start from scratch every time.

At the end of the day, your staff shape the guest experience. They’re the people behind the scenes (and sometimes centre stage) who help things run smoothly, solve problems fast, and make your event memorable for all the right reasons.

And while finding great casual workers isn’t always easy, it doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you’re organising a conference, product launch, wedding, or food festival, Sidekicker gives you fast, flexible access to event professionals who show up, step up, and make your job easier.

Spend less time recruiting and more time making your event great. Try Sidekicker today!