Introduction

In a sector such as event management, where logistical, technical, and human challenges intersect, it is essential to have an accurate mapping of technical skills.
This allows to:

• identify available expertise in the region,

• identify regional or specialized gaps,

• optimize the assignment of profiles to projects.

1. What technical skills are needed for events?

In France, the role of project manager or event technician requires a foundation of technical skills: budget management, use of planning tools, mastery of equipment and installation, managing scenic and technical aspects. 

For example, the job description for "event technician" states: "implement equipment", "manage the stages of realization". 

2. Why a mapping?

• To anticipate needs in skills according to geographic areas: metropolitan areas, rural areas, coastlines, etc.

• To size technical teams suitable for each type of event (concerts, trade shows, corporate seminars): each mobilizing different skills (sound, lighting, truss, video)

• To optimize resource management and avoid overstaffing or under-equipping.

3. Methodology for mapping skills

Step A: inventory

Gather existing profiles (technicians, engineers, stage managers), qualifications, and experiences. Use defined skill levels (e.g., level 1 to 4 for technician). 

Step B: categorization

Classify skills according to:

• technical domain (sound, lighting, video, structure)

• intervention (installation, operation, dismantling)

• on-site operation (maintenance, troubleshooting)

  
  

Step C: geolocation

Associate skills with their geographical location, by region or department, and specify mobility or availability.

Step D: identifying gaps

Compare projected needs (types, sizes of events) with available skills. This approach is similar to the analysis of quality tools in industrial production: quality tool + process. 

4. Operational impacts for an entity like Crossroads

• A skills database allows centralized management to better allocate field resources.

• By anticipating “white zones,” we prevent reliance on costly external providers or redundancies.

• Improved service quality: the right profiles with the right tools in the right place = reduced technical incidents.

• Enhancement of internal expertise: implementation of skill development pathways to meet anticipated demand.

5. Points of vigilance and best practices

• Ensure regular updates of the mapping, as the event environment evolves quickly (new hybrid formats, digitalization).

• Take into account the mobility of technicians (deployment across multiple sites within the same day or week).

• Plan indicators: skills coverage rate / needs, allocation rate outside the original area, response time in support.

• Couple the mapping with proactive skills management (training, certifications, technological watch).

Conclusion

The mapping of technical skills is a fundamental building block for any event organization wishing to transition from a reactive mode to a managed and optimized mode. For Crossroads, this means transforming the critical mass of "resources" into a dynamic and visible network, serving logistical and technical performance.