The Dispatch
Guides, field notes and unfiltered opinions for the people who put on live events, and the fans who turn up.
All guides
1,023 guidesHow to Recruit Event Staff and Stewards
A practical guide to finding, vetting, and hiring reliable event staff and stewards for events of all sizes across the UK.
Guide to SIA Licensing for Event Security Staff
Everything event organisers need to know about SIA licensing requirements for security staff, including who needs a licence, how to verify one…
How to Manage Event Volunteers Effectively
Practical advice for event organisers on recruiting, managing, and retaining volunteers to create positive experiences for both volunteers and attendees.
Guide to Staff Scheduling for Multi-Day Events
How to create effective staff schedules for multi-day events, covering shift patterns, fatigue management, contingency planning, and scheduling tools.
How to Brief and Train Event Staff
A guide to delivering effective staff briefings and training for events, from pre-event inductions to on-the-day briefings and role-specific preparation.
Guide to Working with Freelance Event Crew
How to find, hire, and manage freelance crew for events, covering contracts, day rates, expectations, and building strong working relationships.
How to Create a Safe Working Environment at Events
A practical guide for event organisers on health and safety obligations, risk assessments, and creating safe conditions for everyone working at your event.
Guide to Paying Event Staff: NMW, PAYE, and Self-Employment
A practical guide for event organisers on paying staff correctly, covering minimum wage, PAYE, self-employment rules, and common pitfalls to avoid.
How to Build a Reliable Event Team from Scratch
Practical advice for new event organisers on assembling a dependable team, from identifying key roles to creating a culture that retains good people.
Guide to Event Staff Uniforms and Identification
How to design and implement effective staff identification systems at events, from uniforms and lanyards to accreditation and role-based visibility.
How to Manage Bar Staff at Events
A practical guide for event organisers on recruiting, training, and managing bar staff, covering licensing, stock control, and responsible service.
Guide to First Aid Requirements and Medical Staff at Events
What event organisers need to know about first aid provision, medical staff requirements, and HSE guidance for events of all sizes in the UK.
