Assist Marketing's Red Light, Green Light: How to Get Rebooked (and Stay Booked!)

As you might’ve guessed from the title, a few of us at Assist Marketing are big fans of Squid Game! With the third season of the show returning this month, we thought we’d take a playful approach to a topic that’s super important for anyone looking to grow in this industry.

Whether you are brand new to promotions or a seasoned vet trying to stay busy, chances are you’ve wondered:

“How do I get rebooked after working with Assist Marketing?”

That’s what we’re diving into in this post as part of our “How to Succeed with Assist Marketing” series. We’re breaking down what helps someone stand out (in the best way), and what might be getting in the way of future gigs.

But before we jump into the do’s and don’ts, let’s be clear—everyone has an off day. Life (and everything that comes with it) will happen. This post isn’t about pointing fingers or nitpicking emergency situations beyond your control. Instead, it’s here to offer some insight into the habits, attitudes, and behaviors that help you shine—and help keep you top of mind when we’re building out our event dream teams!

So, in honor of Squid Game Season 3 dropping this month, we’re calling this self-check quiz: 

🎯 Assist Marketing’s Event Red Light / Green Light Edition 

🚦 Start Here: Quick Quiz – Red Light or Green Light? 

Take a moment to reflect on your habits with this quick self-assessment. Tally up your responses to see where you land, and where there’s room to grow!

1. Before every event, I... 

A) Carefully read each event email and confirm their receipt. 

B) Skim each email and hope the team lead/client explains the rest to me once onsite. 

C) Typically miss key event info and ask last-minute questions the evening prior or the day of. 

2. When I see a teammate struggling onsite, I... 

A) Step in to help, even if it’s not in my role description. 

B) Stay focused on my task and hope someone else steps in to help. 

C) Avoid it—it’s not my responsibility. 

3. When it comes to time management, I... 

A) Arrive early and return promptly from breaks. 

B) Sometimes cut it close but make it onsite just in time for work. 

C) Have been late more than once, and sometimes without good reason. 

4. My communication with booking managers, team leads, and clients is...

A) Prompt and professional, especially closer to the event. 

B) Delayed, but I do respond eventually. 

C) Inconsistent—I’ve missed messages or ghosted before. 

5. When I apply to events, I... 

A) Double-check the location, time, and activation type to make sure it’s a great fit. 

B) Apply and figure out the details later. 

C) Apply impulsively, even if I’m unsure I can realistically work the event for XYZ reasons. 

👉 Mostly A's? Greenlight! Keep it up—you’re on the rebook radar. 

👉 Mostly B's? Yellow light. Time to sharpen your approach! 

👉 Mostly C's? Red light. Let’s turn things around—this article is for you! 

Regardless of your score, there are always some areas we can all constantly improve. At Assist Marketing, we regularly assess how we can better support our staff and clients to ensure seamless and successful events. We’ve found that a little self-awareness and the occasional quick self-check can go a long way. So don’t sweat a less-than-perfect score. It’s what you do next that really counts!

How We Track Performance 

Think of your Assist profile as an evolving book, with new chapters added throughout your journey with our agency. Booking coordinators log notes before, during, and after each event, including team lead comments, client feedback, and communication between staff.  

The more green-light habits you stack up, the more likely you are to get rebooked! Let’s break down what that does and does not look like. 

🚫 Red Light: What to Avoid 

These common pitfalls can lower your chances of being rebooked—especially in competitive markets: 

• Being on your phone during activations: Unless you’re using your device for approved tasks (like taking event photos), keep it tucked away. Clients and team leads frequently flag this as unprofessional behavior post event. 

• Slow or inconsistent communication: We often work under tight deadlines. Delayed responses—even from a staff member we absolutely love—can mean we have to offer the role to someone else. 

• Avoid No-Shows or Last-Minute Cancellations: Life can throw curveballs—we totally get it! Emergencies happen, but skipping an event without a solid reason or proper documentation might put a red flag on your profile, especially if it happens more than once.

• Inappropriate language or unprofessional behavior onsite: Cursing, off-topic conversations, or showing disrespect toward teammates or clients are all major red flags. When in doubt, treat every event as if you're being secret-shopped—because sometimes, you actually might be.

• Unwillingness to be a team player: If clients flag you for avoiding team tasks listed in the role description, it definitely hurts your chances of rehire for that program or event.

• Being late to shifts or returning late from breaks: Timing is everything in this industry. Break schedules and client plans rely on punctuality, and one person running late can throw off the entire operation. 

• Not following event instructions or reviewing materials: If you ignore training guides, skim emails, or miss vital activation info, it shows a lack of preparation—and that can reflect poorly onsite. 

• Applying for events you're not realistically able to work: Before you hit apply in the portal, take a quick moment to check if the event’s a realistic fit for you. Got travel challenges, trouble with long distances, or maybe you’re not great with heat for outdoor gigs? Be real with yourself about what you can handle. It’s like picking the right game in Squid Game—you want to set yourself up to win! If you’re selected but then realize it’s not doable and need a replacement, it might raise questions about your reliability for future events.

• Double-booking or forgetting personal conflicts: We get it—life is busy. But repeated cancellations due to calendar mix-ups signal being unorganized (and possibly unreliable). 

• Skipping key steps (i.e. credential submission or required pre-event actions): Missing deadlines, not reviewing key talking points, or ignoring event correspondence can cause complications clients can’t afford on game day.  

• Using drugs or alcohol before or during an event: This is a major red flag and grounds for immediate dismissal. Showing up under the influence not only jeopardizes the safety and success of the activation but also damages client trust and reflects poorly on the entire team.

✅ Green Light: What Gets You Rebooked 

Want to be a booking manager’s dream? Here’s what we and our clients love to see: 

• Prompt and professional communication: Your responsiveness and professional communication set the tone for trust. We notice—and so do our clients. 

• Reviewing and confirming event details: The most prepared staff always perform the best. Arrive in uniform, know where to park, review your training guide in depth, and show up on time (i.e. early) = gold stars. 

• Asking thoughtful, proactive questions: This alone shows that you’ve read the materials, care about doing your role well, and will be prepared for event day. 

• Team-player mindset: Helping with setup, stepping in for teammates, and going the extra mile always gets noticed and appreciated by everyone. 

• Bring Your Best Self: Your vibe sets the tone! Even when things get tricky, staying positive and professional makes you a total standout. It’s like being the player everyone remembers in Squid Game for all the right reasons. Keep that energy high, and you’ll shine in front of clients, consumers, and the team!

• Taking Good Care of Yourself: It’s easy to skip, but self-care is a game-changer! The day before your event, get plenty of sleep, hydrate, and fuel up with healthy meals. When you show up bursting with energy and a great attitude, it’s infectious! You’ll have clients, consumers, and your fellow staff raving about you after the event!

• Preparation pays off: Preparation is everything! The night before, review your event details, prep your uniform, and plan your travel. It sounds simple, but it makes a massive difference! Showing up ready to hit the ground running will have clients eager to book you again and again!

• Arriving early and ready to shine: Arrive on the footprint early or right on time, well-rested, full of energy, and flashing a big smile to kick off the day!

Final Thoughts

We know the hustle of life—and work—can sometimes feel like a real-life Squid Game. But here’s the good news: in our version, there’s no elimination, just growth. We truly appreciate the heart, energy, and professionalism our staff bring to every activation.

In this wild world of experiential marketing, staying “in the game” comes down to a few simple rules: show up prepared, work hard, and keep moving forward when the light turns green.

And if you slip up? No worries. Just hit pause, reset, and step back in stronger for the next round.

You’ve got this, and remember we’re always on the sidelines, rooting for you!

Stay tuned for next month’s edition, but for now… GREEN LIGHT!