Choosing the right event labor company is one of the most important decisions you will make when producing a live event. The right team brings your vision to life. The wrong team can create missed deadlines, communication breakdowns, safety concerns, and costly setbacks.
Your labor partner directly impacts execution, client experience, and your reputation.
Here are the Five T’s to evaluate when selecting an event crewing services company.
1. Training: Are They Skilled or Just Available?
Professional event production requires more than manpower—it requires expertise.
A reputable event labor company should invest in structured, multi-dimmensional & ongoing industry training. Their crews should be well trained by professionals and experienced in areas such as:
- Stagehand Basics and Event Safety Practices
- Rigging (Up and Down)
- Audio Controls & Design
- Lighting Design and Set Up
- LED Video Wall Design and Production
- Staging Design & Structural Builds
Highly trained teams work more efficiently, reduce risk, and execute with confidence. Strong training also reflects depth within the organization—companies that value preparation demonstrate greater professionalism on-site.
When the pressure is on, you don’t want labor that is simply available—you want labor that is prepared, competent and safe.
2. Track Record: What Does Their Reputation Say?
Past performance is one of the strongest indicators of future success. Before hiring an event labor provider, research:
- Google reviews and client testimonials
- Trade references
- Industry credibility and associations
- Market longevity & reputation
- Client retention
A consistent track record shows stability, leadership, and trust. It also reveals culture. Organizations built on integrity, accountability, and reliability earn repeat business and long-term partnerships.
A great event labor company should have a reputation that speaks for itself.
3. Teamwork: Do They Operate as True Partners?
Live events are dynamic. Schedules shift. Conditions change. Clients adjust expectations.
Your labor partner must function as an extension of your team—not just a vendor. When hiring a labor company, look for a team that truly works to help execute your vision and goals. Strong teamwork means:
- Responsive, timely communication
- Accountability when challenges arise
- Agility to pivot under pressure
- Professional interaction with clients and vendors
- Grit to execute in demanding environments
The best labor companies don’t just follow instructions—they solve problems. That level of collaboration reflects strong core values and organizational depth.
4. Timeliness: Are They Organized and Reliable?
Timeliness affects every phase of your event.
It includes:
- Software systems and tools to ensure efficiency and execution
- Prompt communication before and during the event
- Organized scheduling and confirmation processes
- Efficient load-ins and load-outs—meeting deadlines
- Accurate and timely post-event billing
Administrative discipline prevents surprises that can damage profit margins. Transparent estimates and clear policies demonstrate operational maturity and respect for your time and budget.
Reliable execution on-site must be matched by reliability behind the scenes.
5. Transparency: Are There Any Surprises?
Transparency builds trust—and trust is everything in event production.
A professional event labor company should clearly outline on the front end:
- Rates and minimums
- Overtime policies
- Scope of work
- Change-order procedures
- Billing timelines
Hidden fees and vague communication create unnecessary tension. Open and honest communication before, during, and after the event protects both your production and your bottom line.
Why Upstage Companies Is a Trusted Event Labor Partner
At the end of the day, you need an event labor company you can trust—one that executes with excellence, protects your reputation, and strengthens your client relationships.
Upstage Companies is the largest non-union event labor company in the Mountain West. Period. We proudly service Utah, Arizona, Colorado, California, and Nevada, and we also deploy experienced travel teams nationwide for complex builds and installations—especially in the complex rigging and systems integration applications.
Our industry-trained professionals support services including:
- Stagehands and general labor
- Mobili and custom stage applications
- Audio, lighting, and video technicians
- Riggers and structural crews
- LED video wall operators
- Spotlight and camera operators
- Logistics support and production coordination
- Forklift, boom, and heavy equipment operators
We power a wide range of events, including:
Concerts, Live Entertainment & Music Festivals
Upstage supports major tours and productions for organizations like Live Nation, AEG, and many others, delivering skilled crews who understand the pace and precision required for large-scale entertainment. We also specialize in music festivals, including:
- Multi-day festival builds and full production support
- Stadium concert productions will full crewing support
- Large-scale rigging and lighting installations
- Festival management labor coordination
From high-energy outdoor festivals to arena productions, Upstage teams execute with professionalism and collaboration.
Sporting Events
From MLS Soccer matches and Olympic-focused events to college football athletics, Monster Jam, the X Games and more, our teams perform in high-pressure, high-visibility environments—from the deserts of Arizona to the mountains of Park City, Utah.
Trade Shows & Conferences
Including large-scale events like the Western Hunting Expo at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City and doTERRA’s Annual Conference, where precision, speed, and coordination are critical.
Corporate & Private Events
Delivering professional labor support for conferences, product launches, and tailored private productions. Whether it is turning a city restaurant into a bumping night club or converting a golf course hole into a corporate awards ceremony and concert, we have the creative team that can bring your vision to life.
Driven by Core Values
What truly sets Upstage apart is our culture. Our company is built on seven core values:
Unity. Passion. Speed. Teamwork. Accountability. Grit. Expertise.
These principles shape how we train, how we communicate, and how we execute—on every show, in every market. When you choose Upstage, you’re not just hiring labor—you’re gaining a trusted partner with the scale, experience, and depth to execute your vision anywhere in the Mountain West and across the country.
Ready to Elevate Your Event?
Visit upstagecompanies.com to explore our full range of services—from crewing and labor to equipment rentals and logistics support—and see how we can help make your next event exceptional.
Or contact our team directly at sales@upstagecompanies.com to discuss your event needs and request a customized staffing, production, or logistics plan.