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The reference for event work.

Roles, events, pay and everything behind the scenes, explained one step at a time by people who have done the shifts. Every guide is reviewed and dated.

Explore by topic

Every topic has its own portal: a short overview, the key articles, and links to related jobs, news and tools.
Roles0 articlesWho does what on an event, and what each job is really like day to day.BartenderBrand ambassadorRegistration
Event types0 articlesTrade shows, festivals, stadiums, galas and launches, and how the crews differ.Trade showsMusic festivalsSports and stadiums
Pay and money0 articlesRates, tips, overtime, travel days, taxes and getting paid on time.W-2 vs 1099Tip poolingOvertime
Getting hired0 articlesAgencies, applications, interviews and building a repeat book of work.Your first event jobEasiest roles to start inAgency directory
On the shift0 articlesCall times, briefings, dress codes, breaks and what “strike” means.Call timeStrikeRun of show
Safety and law0 articlesAlcohol service, crowd safety, permits and your rights at work.Alcohol certificatesWorkers’ compMisclassification
Planning and hiring0 articlesFor planners and agencies: ratios, budgets, briefs and vetting crews.Staffing ratiosBudgetsAgency or direct hire
Industry0 articlesHow the business works: agencies, venues, unions, seasons and trends.How agencies make moneyRates by roleIndustry news

Every role has its own page

Quick facts up top, the full story underneath, and live jobs for that role at the bottom. Pick one to preview it.
Role page

AV technician

Sets up, runs and strikes the sound, lighting and video for an event.

AV technician · quick factsOpen jobs0

A–Z glossary

Every term you’ll hear on the floor, explained in a sentence or two.Full glossary →
2 terms under B · 15 in all
BEOAt an event, a BEO (banquet event order) is the document that lists the timings, menu, room setup and staffing a venue or caterer has agreed to.
Back of houseAt an event, back of house is every area guests don't see, such as the kitchen, storage and loading dock, and the staff who work there.