Introduction

In a multi-site and multi-format event environment, peaks in demand represent a major challenge. Anticipating these periods and maintaining ongoing operational responsiveness (7 days a week) are key success factors.

1. Nature of demand peaks

A demand peak is characterized by a sudden and significant increase in required resources (human, material, logistical) compared to the average. 

In events, this can correspond to:

• a product launch or a massive brand activation

• a festival, a conference, or a trade show across multiple competing sites

• simultaneous events in several locations requiring identical services

2. Anticipation and detection of weak signals

• Analysis of historical data (seasonal fluctuations, types of recurring events): helping to model tense periods. 

• Implementation of "alert" scenarios: thresholds for triggering reinforcements, continuity plan.

• Mapping of "buffer" skills: versatile technicians who can be redeployed.

3. Operational structuring 7 days a week

• Maintaining a pool of mobilizable resources, active on call.

• Forecasting external reinforcements (temporary workers, service providers) to absorb surpluses. 

• Establishing a continuous supervision and reporting system to detect deviations in real-time (overtime, incidents, delays).

• Organizational flexibility to adjust teams, working hours, and rotations.

4. Recommended tools and processes

• Use of load management and scheduling tools (by analogy to workload management): identification, allocation, monitoring. 

• "Quick update" processes for assignments based on field evolution.

• Clear on-call protocols, defined crisis communications, backup equipment plan.

5. Impacts and benefits

Better coverage of events without degrading quality or overloading teams.

• Mastery of costs related to overtime or last-minute reinforcements.

• Increased reliability of technical service across all your sites.

• Retention of field technicians thanks to better pre-planning and fewer unforeseen events.

Conclusion

For an organization like yours, the ability to absorb demand peaks while remaining responsive 7 days a week is a true differentiating factor. The key: anticipate, standardize, and redeploy effectively.