WORLD CLASS EVENTS CONSULTANCY
World Class Events Supports the Safe and Successful Delivery of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017
WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 15th to 18th October, saw World Class Events play a key role in supporting the event’s organising team and DXB Live with the safe and efficient delivery and de-rig of this prestigious global event.
World Class Events provided a senior management team that included a project director, a senior project manager, and an additional six project managers for the build. To ensure the de-rig was completed within the extremely short timeframe, the team expanded to include 12 project managers dedicated to overseeing the de-rig process. Their expertise ensured that all aspects of planning and project oversight were carried out to the highest standards.
The de-rig operation was a massive undertaking, considering the scale of the event, the size of the venue, and the sheer volume of kit, equipment, and exhibits that needed to be dismantled and packed away within just four days. With over 8,000 line items of equipment and more than 1 million individual pieces to be removed, the de-rig required a precise and highly efficient plan to ensure a successful outcome. The team was responsible for dismantling shell schemes, removing flooring, AV equipment, furniture, graphics, rigging, and electrics, as well as carefully packing away all items displayed at the exhibition stands.
Given the enormity of the task and the tight deadline, World Class Events implemented a strategic approach by dividing the venue into six manageable zones. Each zone was assigned two project managers—one for the day shift and one for the night shift—who were supported by teams of crew also working in shifts. This ensured continuous progress throughout the de-rig process, enabling the team to meet the deadline without compromising on quality or safety.
To aid efficiency, World Class Events developed and distributed Event Handbooks for each zone. These handbooks were made accessible on iPads, ensuring project managers had instant access to critical information as needed.
At the start of each shift, the senior management team conducted briefings with the project managers to review the tasks that needed to be completed. Throughout the de-rig, clear and consistent communication was maintained via radio, with constant contact between the senior management team, the project managers, and the crew on the show floor. The communication structure, which followed a chain from WorldSkills sector managers to zonal project managers and then to crew members, was vital in ensuring the team delivered effectively and met the tight deadlines.
Aidan Jones, executive director of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, shared his appreciation for the team’s efforts, stating:
“It was great to meet and work with the World Class team during WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. The focus that your team brought to getting the job done, their extremely positive attitude, and the very professional way that you approached the project proved to be invaluable. So, thank you for the magnificent job that you did. I very much appreciated all of your help, support, and advice.”
Interesting Facts about WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017:
• 44th WorldSkills event
• Global hub of skills excellence
• The world’s largest international vocational skills competition
• 1,300 competitors
• 10,000 international visitors and 100,000 visitors from the UAE
• First time the event was held in the MENA region
• Utilised 105,000 square metres of exhibition space, including permanent and temporary structures at ADNEC
WORLD CLASS EVENT CONSULTANCY
Dubai. UAE