Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Deputy offers mobile scheduling, time tracking, GPS check-ins, and communication features optimized for managing event staff shifts and on-site performance.
- 2#2: Connecteam - Connecteam provides an all-in-one app for event staff scheduling, real-time communication, checklists, and training to streamline field operations.
- 3#3: When I Work - When I Work delivers employee scheduling, shift swapping, time tracking, and messaging tailored for flexible event staffing needs.
- 4#4: Homebase - Homebase enables free scheduling, time clocks, and team messaging for small to mid-sized event teams to manage hourly staff effectively.
- 5#5: Sling - Sling simplifies event staff management with drag-and-drop scheduling, labor cost tracking, and mobile notifications for shift reminders.
- 6#6: ZoomShift - ZoomShift provides cloud-based scheduling, PTO tracking, and geofencing for event organizers to control staff attendance and overtime.
- 7#7: 7shifts - 7shifts specializes in shift scheduling, forecasting, and compliance tools ideal for hospitality and event service staff management.
- 8#8: findmyshift - findmyshift offers customizable rotas, automated messaging, and time tracking for efficient event staff rostering and coordination.
- 9#9: Agendrix - Agendrix facilitates employee scheduling, availability management, and mobile approvals suited for event-based shift planning.
- 10#10: Workforce - Workforce.com combines scheduling, time tracking, HR, and payroll in one platform for scaling event staff operations.
Tools were selected based on a blend of robust scheduling capabilities, intuitive design, comprehensive communication features, and overall value, ensuring they meet the dynamic demands of event staff coordination.
Comparison Table
Managing event staff efficiently requires the right tools, and comparing options like Deputy, Connecteam, When I Work, Homebase, Sling, and more helps uncover strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. This table simplifies decision-making by outlining key features, usability, and integration potential.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Deputy offers mobile scheduling, time tracking, GPS check-ins, and communication features optimized for managing event staff shifts and on-site performance. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Connecteam Connecteam provides an all-in-one app for event staff scheduling, real-time communication, checklists, and training to streamline field operations. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | When I Work When I Work delivers employee scheduling, shift swapping, time tracking, and messaging tailored for flexible event staffing needs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Homebase Homebase enables free scheduling, time clocks, and team messaging for small to mid-sized event teams to manage hourly staff effectively. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Sling Sling simplifies event staff management with drag-and-drop scheduling, labor cost tracking, and mobile notifications for shift reminders. | specialized | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | ZoomShift ZoomShift provides cloud-based scheduling, PTO tracking, and geofencing for event organizers to control staff attendance and overtime. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | 7shifts 7shifts specializes in shift scheduling, forecasting, and compliance tools ideal for hospitality and event service staff management. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | findmyshift findmyshift offers customizable rotas, automated messaging, and time tracking for efficient event staff rostering and coordination. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Agendrix Agendrix facilitates employee scheduling, availability management, and mobile approvals suited for event-based shift planning. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Workforce Workforce.com combines scheduling, time tracking, HR, and payroll in one platform for scaling event staff operations. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.3/10 |
Deputy offers mobile scheduling, time tracking, GPS check-ins, and communication features optimized for managing event staff shifts and on-site performance.
Connecteam provides an all-in-one app for event staff scheduling, real-time communication, checklists, and training to streamline field operations.
When I Work delivers employee scheduling, shift swapping, time tracking, and messaging tailored for flexible event staffing needs.
Homebase enables free scheduling, time clocks, and team messaging for small to mid-sized event teams to manage hourly staff effectively.
Sling simplifies event staff management with drag-and-drop scheduling, labor cost tracking, and mobile notifications for shift reminders.
ZoomShift provides cloud-based scheduling, PTO tracking, and geofencing for event organizers to control staff attendance and overtime.
7shifts specializes in shift scheduling, forecasting, and compliance tools ideal for hospitality and event service staff management.
findmyshift offers customizable rotas, automated messaging, and time tracking for efficient event staff rostering and coordination.
Agendrix facilitates employee scheduling, availability management, and mobile approvals suited for event-based shift planning.
Workforce.com combines scheduling, time tracking, HR, and payroll in one platform for scaling event staff operations.
Deputy
specializedDeputy offers mobile scheduling, time tracking, GPS check-ins, and communication features optimized for managing event staff shifts and on-site performance.
Geofenced time tracking and auto-scheduling based on staff skills and event requirements
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform tailored for event staff scheduling, enabling organizers to create dynamic rosters, manage shift availability, and track real-time attendance via mobile apps. It supports event-specific features like skill-based staff matching, geofenced clock-ins, and integrated communication to ensure seamless on-site coordination. With payroll integrations and compliance tools, Deputy optimizes labor costs and operational efficiency for events of all sizes.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time availability and skill matching
- Powerful mobile app for staff check-ins, notifications, and timesheets with geofencing
- Seamless integrations with payroll, POS, and event management systems for end-to-end efficiency
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like forecasting
- Steeper learning curve for complex multi-location event setups
- Limited free trial period and customization in reporting templates
Best For
Mid-to-large event management companies and venues coordinating temporary staff across multiple high-volume events.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/active user/month (Essential plan, billed annually); Advanced ($5.25) and Ultimate ($6.50) plans unlock more features.
Connecteam
specializedConnecteam provides an all-in-one app for event staff scheduling, real-time communication, checklists, and training to streamline field operations.
Smart Scheduling with auto-fill based on staff availability, overtime alerts, and seamless shift swapping via mobile app
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one workforce management platform designed for frontline and deskless employees, providing tools for scheduling, time tracking, communication, training, and operations. In the context of event staff management, it excels at creating flexible shift schedules, enabling GPS-based clock-ins, facilitating real-time team chats and announcements, and delivering on-the-go training modules. This makes it particularly effective for coordinating temporary event crews across multiple locations with minimal administrative overhead.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with shift trades and availability matching
- Robust GPS time tracking and geofencing for accurate event attendance
- All-in-one mobile app integrating communication, tasks, and training
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for large event teams beyond 30 users
- Advanced reporting and custom analytics limited to higher tiers
- Fewer native integrations with event-specific ticketing or POS systems
Best For
Event organizers and managers coordinating shift-based temporary staff for festivals, conferences, or live events who prioritize mobile accessibility and real-time communication.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for 30 users (Essentials), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), with per-user fees for additional staff.
When I Work
specializedWhen I Work delivers employee scheduling, shift swapping, time tracking, and messaging tailored for flexible event staffing needs.
OpenShifts feature allowing employees to claim available shifts in real-time
When I Work is a cloud-based workforce scheduling and management platform that enables businesses to create flexible shift schedules, track employee time, and facilitate communication via a mobile app. It excels in handling variable staffing needs by incorporating employee availability, shift trades, and real-time notifications, making it adaptable for event staff coordination. While primarily designed for ongoing shift work in industries like retail and hospitality, it supports event-based scheduling through quick setup of temporary rosters and overtime alerts.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with employee availability integration
- Robust mobile app for shift confirmations, trades, and time tracking
- Real-time notifications and communication tools reduce no-shows
Cons
- Lacks event-specific features like venue mapping or multi-event calendars
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to dedicated event tools
- Customization options limited for complex event hierarchies
Best For
Small to mid-sized event organizers managing shift-based temporary staff for recurring or one-off events who prioritize ease of use and mobile accessibility.
Pricing
Free for basic use (up to 75 schedules/month); Professional plan at $2/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Homebase
specializedHomebase enables free scheduling, time clocks, and team messaging for small to mid-sized event teams to manage hourly staff effectively.
Geofenced time clocking that verifies staff are physically at the event venue before starting shifts
Homebase is a workforce management platform tailored for hourly employees, providing scheduling, time tracking, team communication, and hiring tools. It enables event managers to create flexible shift schedules, monitor staff attendance via mobile clock-ins, and handle shift trades or communications efficiently. While versatile for shift-based event staffing, it focuses more on ongoing operations than one-off large-scale events.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling for quick event staffing
- GPS-enabled time tracking ensures accurate on-site clock-ins
- Built-in messaging and shift notifications streamline communication
Cons
- Lacks event-specific tools like certification tracking or venue mapping
- Reporting is basic and not optimized for multi-event analysis
- Scalability limited for very large events with hundreds of staff
Best For
Small to mid-sized event organizers managing recurring shift-based staff for hospitality, retail events, or festivals.
Pricing
Free Essentials plan for one location; Premium at $24.95/location/month (up to 20 employees); Elite at $39.95/location/month.
Sling
specializedSling simplifies event staff management with drag-and-drop scheduling, labor cost tracking, and mobile notifications for shift reminders.
Unlimited free scheduling for teams of any size with no user limits
Sling is a free employee scheduling platform designed for managing shifts, availability, and communication for hourly workforces in industries like retail, restaurants, and events. It allows managers to create schedules, assign staff based on preferences, enable shift trades, and track time via mobile clock-in. While effective for basic staffing coordination, it lacks deep event-specific tools like venue mapping or skill-based matching tailored for one-off events.
Pros
- Completely free core plan for unlimited users and locations
- Intuitive mobile app for staff scheduling and communication
- Real-time notifications and shift trading streamline coordination
Cons
- Limited event-specific features like role matching or multi-venue assignments
- Basic reporting lacks depth for large-scale event analytics
- Fewer integrations compared to dedicated event management tools
Best For
Small event organizers or venues needing affordable, straightforward shift scheduling without complex requirements.
Pricing
Free forever plan with core features; Premium plans start at $2/user/month (billed annually) for advanced tools like labor forecasting.
ZoomShift
specializedZoomShift provides cloud-based scheduling, PTO tracking, and geofencing for event organizers to control staff attendance and overtime.
OpenShifts technology that automatically matches employee availability to open shifts for quick event staffing
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management software focused on scheduling, time tracking, and communication for hourly employees in industries like hospitality, retail, and events. It enables managers to create flexible schedules, allow shift trades and claims via OpenShifts, and monitor time with GPS-enabled mobile clocks. While not exclusively designed for events, it supports event staff management through availability-based staffing and real-time updates, though it lacks deep integrations with event-specific tools.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and shift trading
- GPS time tracking with geofencing for accurate event check-ins
- Affordable location-based pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited event-specific features like certification tracking or venue mapping
- Basic reporting and forecasting compared to specialized tools
- Fewer integrations with event management platforms
Best For
Small to mid-sized event staffing agencies or organizers handling hourly temporary workers with basic scheduling needs.
Pricing
Free for one location (up to 75 shifts/month); paid plans start at $29.95/location/month for Pro (unlimited shifts), $59.95 for Elite, and custom Enterprise.
7shifts
specialized7shifts specializes in shift scheduling, forecasting, and compliance tools ideal for hospitality and event service staff management.
Automated shift trade matching based on staff availability, streamlining coordination for dynamic event schedules
7shifts is a workforce management platform originally designed for restaurants, offering shift scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools that can be adapted for event staff management. It enables event organizers to create flexible schedules, handle shift trades, monitor attendance via mobile clock-ins, and forecast labor needs based on projected attendance or sales. While effective for shift-based event crews in hospitality settings, it lacks deep event-specific features like venue mapping or certification tracking.
Pros
- User-friendly mobile app for quick clock-ins and shift swaps ideal for temp event staff
- Strong scheduling and availability tools for managing variable event shifts
- Affordable entry-level pricing with good labor cost tracking
Cons
- Primarily restaurant-focused, with sales forecasting less relevant for non-hospitality events
- Limited integrations with event platforms like Eventbrite or ticketing systems
- Advanced reporting and multi-venue tools locked behind pricier plans
Best For
Hospitality event managers handling banquet halls, catering, or venue shifts needing simple, mobile-first staff scheduling.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (basic features); Essential $29.99/location/month, Pro $43.99/location/month (billed annually); custom Elite plans.
findmyshift
specializedfindmyshift offers customizable rotas, automated messaging, and time tracking for efficient event staff rostering and coordination.
Employee self-service portal for shift trading and availability updates, reducing admin workload during peak event seasons
FindMyShift is a cloud-based staff scheduling platform designed for shift-based businesses, enabling users to create rosters, manage shift swaps, track time, and communicate with employees via mobile apps. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, availability calendars, and automated notifications to streamline workforce management. While versatile for industries like hospitality and retail, it provides solid foundational tools for event staff coordination, though it lacks deep event-specific integrations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for staff self-service and clock-ins
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited integrations with event management tools like Eventbrite
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics for large events
- No built-in features for staff certifications or venue-specific assignments
Best For
Small to medium-sized event organizers or venues needing straightforward shift scheduling without complex enterprise requirements.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; paid plans start at $29/month for 20 users, scaling to $149/month for 200 users, with annual discounts.
Agendrix
specializedAgendrix facilitates employee scheduling, availability management, and mobile approvals suited for event-based shift planning.
Employee-driven shift trades and bidding system that automates availability matching
Agendrix is a cloud-based workforce management platform primarily designed for employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication in shift-based industries. It enables managers to create schedules, manage staff availability, facilitate shift trades, and track hours via a mobile app. While versatile for event staff management, it excels in recurring shift planning rather than complex, one-off event rostering.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for clock-ins and shift swaps
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited event-specific tools like role assignments or venue mapping
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics for large events
- Fewer integrations compared to event-focused competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized event organizers or venues needing straightforward staff scheduling for recurring shifts without complex event customization.
Pricing
Free for up to 2 users; paid plans start at $2.95/user/month (Pro), $4.95/user/month (Advanced), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Workforce
enterpriseWorkforce.com combines scheduling, time tracking, HR, and payroll in one platform for scaling event staff operations.
OpenShift allows workers to claim available shifts in real-time, ideal for filling last-minute event staffing gaps
Workforce.com is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for hourly and shift workers, offering scheduling, time tracking, and communication tools that can support event staff management. It enables managers to create shifts, track availability, and handle clock-ins with geofencing, suitable for temporary event staffing in hospitality or large-scale events. While versatile across industries, it lacks deep event-specific customizations like venue mapping or integration with event ticketing systems.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop scheduling for quick shift assignments
- Mobile app with geofenced time tracking prevents buddy punching
- Real-time notifications and messaging streamline staff communication
Cons
- Limited event-specific features like role-based assignments or ticketing integrations
- Pricing scales with user volume, which can add up for sporadic event use
- Advanced analytics require higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized event organizers managing recurring temporary staff for hospitality or corporate events who need reliable scheduling without complex event software.
Pricing
Starts at $2.75 per active user/month (Essential plan, billed annually); higher tiers up to $5.75/user/month with more features.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools deliver a range of robust solutions for event staff management, with Deputy leading as the top choice, boasting mobile scheduling, real-time communication, and on-site performance features. Close competitors include Connecteam, which excels with an all-in-one app for streamlined operations, and When I Work, a strong pick for flexible staffing needs. Each tool addresses distinct needs, ensuring the right fit for diverse team sizes and workflows.
Take control of your event staff management—start with Deputy to experience seamless shift coordination, time tracking, and real-time communication. Whether you prioritize on-site efficiency or all-in-one functionality, these tools deliver; don’t miss the chance to optimize your team’s performance.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison