Outside bartenders and the hotel team can work together when the event arrangements allow it and each team's responsibilities are clear. The practical risk is not having two teams; it is leaving a task that both assume the other is handling.
Give each part of service a named owner
Agree who supplies and replenishes ingredients, ice and clean glasses, who clears used glasses and who deals with the room's wider drinks service. State whether Cocktailhire is providing cocktail service only or additional bar duties listed on the quote.
Share one run sheet and identify the hotel event contact and the organiser's decision-maker. If dinner starts late or guests move rooms, both teams need the same update rather than conflicting instructions from several suppliers.
- Confirm the agreed supplier arrangements in the event booking.
- Put service hours, access, dress and handover responsibilities in writing.