What should I check about an event planner’s roster of day-of coordinators and crews?

Start with the roster. Who are the lead coordinators, who are the casual crew, and who is called only in busy periods? Ask how long each has worked with the company and how many events they have done together. A core group that has worked together for years is more valuable than a long list of names.

Ask how they are engaged. Whether they are employees or independent contractors changes how easily you can keep them, and your lawyer can advise on that. Ask about pay, how last-minute shifts are handled and whether any are tied to a competitor.

Speak to a few of them. Ask what they like about the work, what frustrates them and whether they would stay under new ownership. Staff who say they worked for the owner personally are telling you something. Finally, look at reliability. How often has someone cancelled at the last moment, and how did the company respond? Compare that to how the team talks about training and feedback. Ask too how coordinators are briefed before an event and how they are told about last-minute changes. A tidy briefing routine shows the crews are managed by the company and not only by the owner’s phone calls.

Key takeaways

• Get the full roster and note who forms the core team.
• Ask how each person is engaged and whether they would stay.
• Speak to several coordinators privately before closing.