Varian Mattingly is nominated for Scheduling Star as part of the Flex Awards. The Flex Awards celebrate the professionals behind the scenes who keep live events moving and make complex productions feel seamless. To learn more about the program and this year’s finalists, visit FlexRentalSolutions.com/Flex-Awards.
At 3REP, Varian Mattingly plays a critical role in keeping crews staffed and shows supported, even when plans change with little warning. As Labor Coordinator, he is known as a power user of Flex’s staffing capabilities, including Staffing Plus, and for consistently making the system work in real-world, high-pressure scheduling environments.
Varian’s work often happens on short notice. Staffing events in hotels and convention centers frequently leads to last-minute calls that sound something like, “We need a crew tomorrow.” Continuous pop-up shows are a regular part of the job, and Varian is often the one quietly pulling things together behind the scenes so everything runs smoothly by the time doors open.
When asked what scheduling skill should be considered a true superpower, Varian points to the ability to have a plan when there is no plan. Knowing how to keep the ball moving forward when everything feels like it is falling apart is the hardest part of the job, and it is exactly where he thrives.
For Varian, a perfect schedule carries a bit of weight. He compares it to the sword of Damocles, always present, always demanding attention. It is a reminder that scheduling requires focus, adaptability, and respect for the many moving pieces involved.
Varian believes one of the most valuable Flex features is the ability to customize labor roles and skills within the crew module. Specific roles make it easier to place the right people in the right positions and help sales teams select exactly the services a show requires. That clarity improves staffing accuracy and keeps teams aligned across departments.
What keeps Varian loving the business after all these years is simple: the people. Having a great team makes all the difference, especially when the pace is fast and the pressure is high.
If he could ban one phrase from the live events universe forever, it would be “SALY” or “Same As Last Year.” In his experience, it is rarely the same, and assuming it will be only creates unnecessary friction.
Varian’s adaptability, system expertise, and ability to stay focused when plans unravel capture exactly what the Scheduling Star category is meant to recognize. He keeps shows staffed, teams supported, and chaos contained, often without anyone realizing just how close things came to the edge.