When Should You Book Temp Workers?
Timing is everything in event staffing. Book too late and you're scrambling. Book too early and you're paying for holds. This guide breaks it down by event type and month.
Quick Answer
- Peak season (Jun–Jul, Sep–Oct): Book 4–6 weeks minimum. 6+ weeks for major events.
- Mid-season: 3–4 weeks ahead is usually sufficient.
- Off-peak: 2–3 weeks lead time is fine.
- Each vertical peaks at different times: Plan around YOUR event type, not generic advice.
Conventions & Trade Shows
Conventions dominate winter and fall. Major peaks around CES, SXSW, and industry conferences.
| Month | Demand | Events & Notes | Book Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | HIGH | CES, NRF Big Show, winter conferences | 4–6 weeks |
| February | MEDIUM | Post-holiday ramp, regional shows | 3–4 weeks |
| March | HIGH | SXSW, CONEXPO, spring launches | 4–6 weeks |
| June | HIGH | Summer peak (ISTE, BIO, ALA) | 4–6 weeks |
| September | HIGH | Fall surge (IMEX, GSX, industry shows) | 4–6 weeks |
| October | HIGH | Peak fall month | 4–6 weeks |
Concerts & Touring Events
Summer drives demand with outdoor amphitheater season peaking June–July. Tours ramp spring and fall.
| Month | Demand | Events & Notes | Book Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | MEDIUM-HIGH | Outdoor begins (Coachella) | 4 weeks |
| May | HIGH | Outdoor season opens | 4–6 weeks |
| June | VERY HIGH | Peak summer, amphitheaters | 6+ weeks |
| July | VERY HIGH | Peak demand, major festivals | 6+ weeks |
| December | HIGH | Holiday shows, NYE events | 4–6 weeks |
Stadiums & Sports Events
Sports create year-round demand with major spikes around NFL, MLB, NBA, and college seasons.
| Month | Demand | Events & Notes | Book Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | VERY HIGH | Super Bowl, NBA All-Star | 6+ weeks for Super Bowl |
| March | HIGH | March Madness, MLB spring training | 4 weeks |
| August | HIGH | NFL preseason, college football | 4 weeks |
| September | VERY HIGH | NFL, college football, MLB pennant | 4–6 weeks |
| October | VERY HIGH | World Series, NFL, college football | 4–6 weeks |
Festivals & Outdoor Events
Summer is festival season. June–July hit absolute peak demand.
| Month | Demand | Events & Notes | Book Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | HIGH | Food/cultural festivals, Earth Day | 4 weeks |
| May | HIGH | Memorial Day, music festivals ramp | 4–6 weeks |
| June | VERY HIGH | Bonnaroo, Summerfest, Pride | 6+ weeks |
| July | VERY HIGH | July 4th, peak outdoor | 6+ weeks |
| August | HIGH | State fairs, late summer | 4–6 weeks |
June–July and September–October create a "perfect storm" of demand across all verticals. Festivals, concerts, sports, conventions, and corporate events all compete for the same talent pool. If you operate in multiple verticals or need major headcount during these months, booking 6+ weeks ahead isn't just recommended—it's essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 6+ weeks is only necessary for peak season events (June–July festivals, September–October conventions, Super Bowl). For low-demand months (July–August conventions), 2–3 weeks is sufficient. Match your lead time to your vertical and month.
Find the closest match in the five verticals. A corporate tech conference leans toward Conventions; a wedding toward Corporate Events. If your event spans multiple verticals, book to the highest demand month among them. Contact TAG for custom guidance.
Yes. With 100,000+ verified workers across 300+ markets, TAG maintains availability even during peak season—but only if you book early (6+ weeks) and engage with us as soon as your dates are confirmed. Early booking gives us time to hold capacity and coordinate across markets.
Ready to Book Your Staffing Team?
Use these seasonal calendars as your planning blueprint. Then connect with TAG to lock in your team weeks or months ahead of your event.