Quick Overview
- 1#1: When I Work - Automates shift scheduling, availability management, and real-time notifications for event staff teams.
- 2#2: Deputy - Provides advanced scheduling, labor forecasting, and compliance tools tailored for event operations.
- 3#3: Connecteam - Offers all-in-one mobile scheduling, task assignment, and communication for frontline event staff.
- 4#4: Homebase - Delivers free shift scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging optimized for small event businesses.
- 5#5: Sling - Simplifies staff scheduling with drag-and-drop shifts, reminders, and swap requests for events.
- 6#6: ZoomShift - Enables cloud-based scheduling, overtime alerts, and GPS time tracking for event crews.
- 7#7: 7shifts - Supports restaurant and event scheduling with labor budgeting, tips, and auto-scheduling features.
- 8#8: Workstaff - Specializes in on-demand staffing and shift management for events and venues.
- 9#9: findmyshift - Facilitates rota creation, shift swaps, and holiday tracking for event staff coordination.
- 10#10: Agendrix - Streamlines employee scheduling, availability requests, and announcements for event teams.
Tools were selected and ranked based on key features like automation, labor forecasting, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of event operations.
Comparison Table
Explore the top event staff scheduling tools, including When I Work, Deputy, Connecteam, Homebase, Sling, and more, in this comparison table to understand key features, usability, and scalability for managing event teams effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | When I Work Automates shift scheduling, availability management, and real-time notifications for event staff teams. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Provides advanced scheduling, labor forecasting, and compliance tools tailored for event operations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Connecteam Offers all-in-one mobile scheduling, task assignment, and communication for frontline event staff. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Homebase Delivers free shift scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging optimized for small event businesses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Sling Simplifies staff scheduling with drag-and-drop shifts, reminders, and swap requests for events. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | ZoomShift Enables cloud-based scheduling, overtime alerts, and GPS time tracking for event crews. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | 7shifts Supports restaurant and event scheduling with labor budgeting, tips, and auto-scheduling features. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Workstaff Specializes in on-demand staffing and shift management for events and venues. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | findmyshift Facilitates rota creation, shift swaps, and holiday tracking for event staff coordination. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Agendrix Streamlines employee scheduling, availability requests, and announcements for event teams. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
Automates shift scheduling, availability management, and real-time notifications for event staff teams.
Provides advanced scheduling, labor forecasting, and compliance tools tailored for event operations.
Offers all-in-one mobile scheduling, task assignment, and communication for frontline event staff.
Delivers free shift scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging optimized for small event businesses.
Simplifies staff scheduling with drag-and-drop shifts, reminders, and swap requests for events.
Enables cloud-based scheduling, overtime alerts, and GPS time tracking for event crews.
Supports restaurant and event scheduling with labor budgeting, tips, and auto-scheduling features.
Specializes in on-demand staffing and shift management for events and venues.
Facilitates rota creation, shift swaps, and holiday tracking for event staff coordination.
Streamlines employee scheduling, availability requests, and announcements for event teams.
When I Work
specializedAutomates shift scheduling, availability management, and real-time notifications for event staff teams.
Frictionless shift trading system where staff can propose, approve, and swap shifts in real-time without manager involvement
When I Work is a robust employee scheduling platform tailored for shift-based workforces, including event staff, enabling managers to create, assign, and manage schedules efficiently. It supports availability-based scheduling, shift trades, real-time notifications, and time tracking via a highly rated mobile app. Ideal for events, it handles variable shifts, open shift pools, and team communication to ensure reliable staffing for concerts, venues, and corporate gatherings.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with availability forecasting
- Seamless mobile app for clock-ins, shift claims, and messaging
- Strong integrations with payroll and event tools like Zapier
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting require higher-tier plans
- Limited built-in event calendar syncing without custom setups
- Customer support response times can vary for non-enterprise users
Best For
Event managers and staffing agencies handling shift-based teams for live events, festivals, and venues who need mobile-first flexibility.
Pricing
Essential (free for up to 75 schedules/month); Standard $2/user/month; Advanced $3.50/user/month (billed annually).
Deputy
specializedProvides advanced scheduling, labor forecasting, and compliance tools tailored for event operations.
Employee-driven shift swapping and claiming via mobile app with instant manager approvals
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform specializing in shift scheduling, time tracking, and employee communication for industries like events, hospitality, and retail. It enables managers to build flexible schedules with drag-and-drop tools, automate notifications, and handle shift trades or time-off requests through a user-friendly mobile app. For event staff scheduling, it excels in managing variable shifts, ensuring compliance, and providing real-time visibility into attendance and labor costs.
Pros
- Powerful drag-and-drop scheduling with templates and forecasting
- Intuitive mobile app for staff self-service like shift swaps and clock-ins
- Strong integrations with payroll and POS systems for seamless operations
Cons
- Advanced features like forecasting require higher-tier plans
- Can feel overwhelming for very small event teams
- Customer support response times vary for non-enterprise users
Best For
Medium to large event organizers managing shift-based staff across multiple venues or recurring events.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month for Essentials plan; scales to Enterprise with custom pricing.
Connecteam
specializedOffers all-in-one mobile scheduling, task assignment, and communication for frontline event staff.
Seamless shift trading and availability requests via mobile app, enabling self-service staffing adjustments without manager intervention
Connecteam is a comprehensive mobile-first workforce management platform designed for frontline and deskless teams, including event staff, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, shift templates, availability management, and automated notifications. It integrates time tracking with GPS check-ins, team chat, task assignment, and training modules to streamline event operations from planning to execution. While versatile for various industries, its scheduling tools support recurring events, shift trades, and overtime alerts, making it suitable for dynamic event staffing needs.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile access for staff
- Built-in communication and time tracking reduce need for multiple apps
- Automated reminders and shift swap features ideal for fast-paced events
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with team size, less ideal for very large events
- Overkill for teams needing only basic scheduling without extras
- Advanced automation requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized event organizers managing hourly, mobile shift workers who benefit from an all-in-one app.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Basic for 30 users), up to $119/month (Advanced for 100 users), billed annually with per-user scaling.
Homebase
specializedDelivers free shift scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging optimized for small event businesses.
OpenShifts marketplace allowing staff to claim available shifts instantly
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for hourly employees, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, and team communication tools. It enables managers to create flexible shifts, handle shift trades via an open marketplace, and monitor attendance with geofencing. While effective for ongoing operations, it adapts to event staff scheduling through mobile accessibility and availability-based rostering, though it lacks deep event-specific customization.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Free plan for single-location businesses
- OpenShifts marketplace for quick staff filling
Cons
- Limited event-specific tools like per-event calendars or ticketing integrations
- Reporting focuses more on ongoing ops than one-off events
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized event organizers or venues managing recurring short-term staff shifts without needing specialized event software.
Pricing
Free for one location (basic features); Essentials at $24.95/location/month, Plus at $39.95, Premium at $99.95 with more advanced tools.
Sling
specializedSimplifies staff scheduling with drag-and-drop shifts, reminders, and swap requests for events.
Free labor cost forecasting integrated directly into scheduling
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling platform tailored for hourly workforces in sectors like hospitality, retail, and events, allowing managers to build shifts, track availability, and monitor labor costs via drag-and-drop tools. It includes features like time tracking, team messaging, and task assignments to streamline operations. While effective for routine staffing, it adapts moderately well to event staff scheduling but lacks deep specialization for complex, one-off events.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling and labor costing
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface and mobile app
- Integrated team chat and availability requests
Cons
- Limited integrations and reporting for event-specific needs
- Less scalable for large, ad-hoc event staffing
- Basic customization for shift templates
Best For
Small event businesses or teams managing recurring shifts on a budget.
Pricing
Free for single locations; paid plans from $1.70/user/month (Standard) to $3.40/user/month (Premium) for multi-location and advanced features.
ZoomShift
specializedEnables cloud-based scheduling, overtime alerts, and GPS time tracking for event crews.
GPS geofencing on mobile time clock to confirm staff arrival at event venues
ZoomShift is a cloud-based employee scheduling platform designed for shift-based workforces, enabling managers to create schedules, track time, and communicate with staff via a drag-and-drop interface. It supports features like shift swapping, availability management, mobile clock-in with GPS geofencing, and basic reporting, making it adaptable for event staffing needs such as festivals, conferences, or temporary gigs. While not exclusively built for events, it streamlines coordination for variable, on-demand schedules without requiring extensive training.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling
- Mobile app with GPS time tracking for on-site verification
- Affordable pricing with a free tier
Cons
- Lacks deep event-specific tools like venue mapping or ticketing integration
- Reporting is basic and not optimized for event analytics
- Scalability challenges for very large, multi-day events
Best For
Small to mid-sized event staffing agencies or organizers handling shift-based temporary workers for recurring or one-off events.
Pricing
Free Starter plan for one location (limited shifts); Pro at $1.50/active user/month (min. 10 users); Enterprise custom pricing.
7shifts
specializedSupports restaurant and event scheduling with labor budgeting, tips, and auto-scheduling features.
Built-in team chat and announcements for real-time event coordination
7shifts is a robust employee scheduling platform tailored primarily for restaurants and hospitality venues, enabling managers to create shifts, manage availability, and track time off. For event staff scheduling, it offers drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile apps for staff self-service, and communication tools to coordinate temporary teams. While adaptable for events like festivals or catering, its restaurant-focused forecasting and reporting may require workarounds for irregular event patterns.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Strong mobile app for staff communication and shift swaps
- Integrated time tracking and payroll exports
Cons
- Primarily optimized for recurring restaurant shifts, less ideal for one-off events
- Forecasting tools rely on sales data irrelevant to most events
- Pricing increases significantly with multiple locations or users
Best For
Hospitality managers scheduling event staff for food and beverage services alongside regular operations.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (up to 20 users); paid plans start at $29.99/location/month (Essentials) up to custom enterprise pricing.
Workstaff
specializedSpecializes in on-demand staffing and shift management for events and venues.
Rota Wizard for automated shift generation based on event details and staff availability
Workstaff is a cloud-based scheduling platform tailored for event venues, festivals, and hospitality businesses to manage staff rotas efficiently. It enables drag-and-drop shift creation, tracks staff availability and preferences, and facilitates real-time notifications via a dedicated mobile app. The software also supports payroll integration and event-specific forecasting to streamline operations during peak event periods.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for staff self-service and notifications
- Event-specific tools like Rota Wizard for quick setup
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations with external HR or accounting tools
Best For
Mid-sized event venues and festival organizers needing straightforward, mobile-friendly staff scheduling for temporary and recurring shifts.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 50 staff, with tiered plans up to $499/month and custom enterprise pricing.
findmyshift
specializedFacilitates rota creation, shift swaps, and holiday tracking for event staff coordination.
Real-time shift bidding and approval system allowing staff to request and swap shifts seamlessly
FindMyShift is a cloud-based staff scheduling platform designed to streamline rota creation, shift assignments, and time tracking for businesses with variable staffing needs. It excels in handling staff availability, shift swaps, and notifications, making it suitable for event staff management where schedules can change rapidly. The tool offers mobile apps for staff self-service and integrates with payroll systems for efficient operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Staff self-service portal for availability and swaps
- Affordable pricing with mobile app access
Cons
- Limited integrations with event-specific tools like ticketing systems
- Reporting features lack depth for large-scale events
- Customization options are basic for complex shift patterns
Best For
Small to medium-sized event organizers or agencies managing temporary staff for festivals, conferences, and short-term events.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 staff; paid plans start at £18/month for 10 staff, scaling with team size (billed annually).
Agendrix
specializedStreamlines employee scheduling, availability requests, and announcements for event teams.
GPS-enabled mobile time clock that verifies staff presence at event locations
Agendrix is a cloud-based workforce scheduling platform primarily designed for shift-based businesses, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, employee availability management, and time tracking features adaptable for event staff coordination. It enables managers to create shifts, handle requests for time off or swaps, and communicate via an integrated inbox, with mobile apps for both staff and admins. While not exclusively event-focused, it supports variable event schedules across locations with real-time updates and attendance tracking.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Affordable pricing scalable for small teams
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and GPS time clock
Cons
- Limited integrations with event management or ticketing software
- Basic reporting lacks advanced event forecasting tools
- Less suited for highly complex, large-scale event staffing needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized event organizers or venues managing shift-based staff for recurring or variable events on a budget.
Pricing
Starts at $2/user/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $3.25/user/month (Pro); free for up to 10 users.
Conclusion
After comparing the top event staff scheduling tools, When I Work stands out as the top choice, excelling with automation, real-time notifications, and seamless availability management. Deputy and Connecteam, while strong alternatives, offer unique strengths—Deputy for advanced forecasting and compliance, Connecteam for mobile task management—catering to varied operational needs. Regardless of priorities, these tools redefine efficient event staffing, with When I Work leading the pack.
Don’t let scheduling chaos derail your events—try When I Work to streamline shifts, keep your team connected, and ensure every event runs smoothly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
