The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is one of the biggest annual events in South Africa’s entertainment calendar. Thousands of guests from around the world descend on the city, filling up hotels, restaurants, bars, and event venues. For hospitality businesses, this is a high-pressure opportunity to deliver great service—and hiring the right staff is critical.
Here’s how to prepare your team for festival season and make the most of this high-traffic period.
Start Your Hiring Process Early
Last-minute hiring leads to rushed training and gaps in service. Start your planning early. Forecast your staffing needs based on previous years and expected foot traffic. Confirm any existing team members who’ll be available, and identify where you’ll need extra support.
Connect with a staffing partner early to secure experienced temporary staff. The closer you get to the event, the more limited your options become.
Prioritise Experience and Reliability
Not every shift during the Jazz Festival will be easy. Your team will face high volumes, tight timelines, and demanding guests. This is not the time for untested staff.
Prioritise candidates who’ve worked similar events before—especially those with experience in high-volume food service, bar work, or guest management. Ask your staffing provider for references or performance feedback. It’s better to pay a bit more for staff who can deliver under pressure.
Staff for the Peaks
Identify your busiest times—before and after shows, lunchtime rushes, late-night service—and make sure you’re well staffed during those windows. Don’t spread your team thin across the whole day. Focus on coverage where it matters most.
Use flexible shift schedules so staff are fresh and alert during peak periods. Avoid burnout by rotating roles and giving breaks during quieter moments.
Assign Clear Roles and Responsibilities
When service ramps up, confusion causes delays. Make sure every team member knows exactly what they’re responsible for. Define roles at the start of each shift. If you’re using temporary staff, pair them with permanent team members who know your venue and workflow.
Having a clear structure keeps operations smooth and professional.
Provide a Quick Onboarding Guide
You may not have time to give full training before the event, but a short onboarding pack can go a long way. Include key details like:
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Venue layout
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Service standards
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Health and safety protocols
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Emergency contacts
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Dress code and shift times
Send this in advance and go over it at the start of each shift. Clear communication reduces errors and helps temporary staff settle in quickly.
Ensure Staff Look the Part
Presentation matters. Make sure all team members are dressed appropriately and meet your business’s hygiene and uniform standards. If you’re using agency staff, brief them on the expected look and provide uniforms if needed.
The Jazz Festival draws international attention—how your team presents reflects on your brand.
Focus on Attitude, Not Just Skills
Skills can be taught. A positive attitude, however, is hard to fake. Look for staff who are punctual, polite, proactive, and calm under pressure. A great attitude can help resolve problems, keep customers happy, and maintain team morale during long shifts.
Ask your staffing partner to recommend individuals who’ve shown these traits on previous jobs.
Prepare for the Unexpected
During major events, things can change quickly—sudden walk-ins, technical issues, or staff no-shows. Make sure you have backup staff on call and someone available to coordinate on-site issues. Flexible staffing gives you the ability to respond fast.
Having contingency plans makes you more resilient and keeps the customer experience intact.
Collect Feedback After the Event
After the Jazz Festival, do a quick review of your staffing experience. What went well? Where were the gaps? Which team members stood out? Use this information to refine your hiring process for the next major event.
Ask your staffing partner for performance feedback and flag top performers for future jobs.
Get the Right People in Place
Events like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival create huge opportunities for food and hospitality businesses. But your success depends on the strength of your team. Plan early, hire smart, and make use of flexible staffing to stay ahead.
If you need trained staff for the Jazz Festival, we’re ready to help. We provide experienced hospitality professionals who are reliable, fast on their feet, and ready to hit the ground running. Whether you need waiters, bar staff, kitchen hands, or front-of-house support, we’ve got you covered.
