Brand Activation Staffing in Los Angeles
Brand ambassadors, atmosphere models, hosts and bartenders for launches, pop-ups and influencer events. Working actors and models, employed by us, briefed on your brand and on one invoice.
Call or text 310 985 3014
Who we send
Our roster is more than 300 people, most of them working actors and models. That is why they are good at this. They take direction, learn a script, hit a mark and stay in character for four hours.
| Role | What they do | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Brand ambassador | Talks to guests about the product, runs demos and sampling, carries the key messages | $79 an hour |
| Event host | Greets guests, runs check-in, keeps the line moving | $79 an hour |
| Atmosphere model | Sets the look of the room. Present, styled, on brand. Does not pitch. | $79 an hour |
| Event actor | Plays a written character or persona for the activation | $145 an hour |
| Mixologist | Builds and serves the branded cocktail menu | $89 an hour |
| Bartender | Runs the bar | $79 an hour |
| Banquet captain | Leads the team on site and reports to your producer | $90 an hour |
| Security | Door and guest list | $85 an hour |
Four hour minimum. A $100 service charge per staff member and a 3.6% card processing fee are added to the quote. See all staff rates and our event hosts and MCs.
What we bring besides people
- A branded bar. Your logo or campaign artwork on a custom decal across the front of our 6ft bar, delivered and set up. $495 for the decal, plus the bar rental at $1,195.
- A menu written for the campaign. A themed cocktail menu built around the product, the brand colours or the launch is $375, with a printed menu at the bar.
- A zero-proof bar. Matcha, kombucha, coconut water and zero-proof cocktails, from $18 a guest. Useful for daytime, wellness and all-ages activations.
- Sound. A DJ is $650 for four hours. Speakers are $295 a day plus $200 delivery.
- The permit. Serving alcohol to the public needs a licence. Where a one-day ABC permit is required we can obtain it for $1,950.
Atmosphere models in Los Angeles
An atmosphere model is there to make the room look the way the brand wants it to look from the moment the first guest walks in. They are styled to the brief, they hold the space and they are in the photographs. They are not there to sell. You may also see them called ambience models.
Ours are $79 an hour with a four hour minimum. You can choose from the roster: pick three per position and we confirm who is available on your date.
Brands book atmosphere models for store openings, album and film launches, fashion events, hotel and nightlife openings and private parties where the look of the crowd matters.
For agencies
If you are producing for a client, these are the things that make us easy to put on a call sheet.
| Employees, not contractors | Everyone is a W-2 employee of Platinum Bartenders LLC. Your client's legal team will ask, and the answer is simple. |
| Insurance | General liability, liquor liability and workers' compensation. $1M per occurrence, $2M aggregate. Certificate on request. |
| Confidentiality | Staff sign your NDA. We do not post or discuss an event without written consent. |
| One invoice | Staff, bar, menu, rentals and permit on one quote, itemised. |
| One lead on site | A captain runs our team and takes direction from your producer. |
Planning an internal company event instead? See corporate event services.
What an activation costs
Example: four hour launch, central Los Angeles
| 6 atmosphere models, 4 hours at $79 | $1,896.00 |
| 2 mixologists, 5.5 hours at $89 | $979.00 |
| 1 captain, 4 hours at $90 | $360.00 |
| Themed cocktail menu | $375.00 |
| Service charge, 9 staff at $100 | $900.00 |
| Sales tax, 9.75% on the menu | $37.00 |
| Card processing, 3.6% | $164.00 |
| Total | $4,711.00 |
Mixologists arrive an hour before doors to set up and stay 30 minutes after, so a four hour event bills 5.5 mixologist hours. Models, hosts and the captain bill the event hours, with a four hour minimum.
Drinks, a branded bar and a permit are quoted on top, depending on the brief. Sales tax of 9.75% applies to drinks, food and rentals, not to staff time.
Bookings over $10,000 are held with a 25% deposit, with the balance due seven days before. Bookings of $10,000 or less are paid in full.
See Staff RatesHow it works
Brands we have staffed for
More from real events we have worked.
Questions brands and agencies ask
What is the difference between a brand ambassador, an event host and an atmosphere model?
A brand ambassador talks to guests about the product. An event host greets people, runs check-in and keeps the event moving. An atmosphere model, also called an ambience model, is there for the look of the room and does not pitch. All three are $79 an hour with a four hour minimum.
What does brand activation staffing cost in Los Angeles?
Brand ambassadors, hosts, atmosphere models and bartenders are $79 an hour, mixologists $89 and event actors $145, all with a four hour minimum. A $100 service charge per staff member and a 3.6% card processing fee are added. A four hour launch with six models, two mixologists, a captain and a themed menu is about $4,700.
Are your staff employees or contractors?
Employees. Everyone we send is a W-2 employee of Platinum Bartenders LLC, covered by our general liability, liquor liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Can staff wear our wardrobe and learn our talking points?
Yes. Send wardrobe, key messages and the run of show ahead of the event and we brief the team before call time.
Can we choose the staff?
Yes. You can browse the roster and name your preferences. We suggest three choices per position so we can confirm who is free on your date.
Can the bar carry our branding?
Yes. A custom decal with your logo or campaign artwork on the front of our 6ft bar is $495, plus the bar rental at $1,195. A themed cocktail menu built around the brand is $375.
Can you serve alcohol at a public activation?
Serving alcohol to the public needs a licence. Where a one-day ABC permit is required we can obtain it for $1,950. Confirm the requirements for your location with California ABC.
Do you offer a non-alcoholic bar?
Yes. Our wellness bar serves matcha, kombucha, coconut water and zero-proof cocktails, at $18, $26 or $38 a guest depending on the menu.
Will your staff sign an NDA?
Yes. Staff sign your non-disclosure agreement before the event, and we do not share anything about an event without written consent.
How quickly can you staff an activation?
We can staff at short notice. Bookings made inside 48 hours of the event carry a 20% rush surcharge.
Send the brief
Date, location and headcount by role, and we will send an itemised plan.
Or call 310 985 3014