building a 40-person workforce for a 10-day, high-volume sporting event
When a major international sporting event required a reliable merchandise team across a 10-day operation, we managed the recruitment, screening, onboarding and workforce coordination from start to finish.
project at a glance
a high-volume staffing operation, from recruitment to pack-down
Our client required a reliable workforce to support merchandise operations throughout a major international sporting event. With four days of bump-in, four live event days and two days of pack-down, the project required a team that could handle physically demanding work, high attendee volumes and long days on their feet.
the challenge
staffing a high-volume event with no room for error
The client needed a team of reliable, customer-focused staff to support merchandise operations across a 10-day event. The role were hands-on and physically demanding, requiring staff to lift and move stock, set up and pack down merchandise displays, process transactions and engage directly with attendees.
The challenge wasn't simply filling 40 positions. It was building a reliable workforce capable of operating in a fast-paced, physically demanding and customer-focused environment - and ensuring that workforce remained supported throughout the entire event.
OUR APPROACH
1. SOURCE & SCREEN
We cast a wide net to identify candidates with the availability, attitude and experience needed for the roles. More than 1,000 candidates were processed, with 500+ candidates phone screens to assess suitability for the role.
2. INTERVIEW & SELECT
Following the initial screening stage, we interviewed suitable candidates and assessed their experience and suitability for the fast-paced event environment. Candidates came from a range of backgrounds, including: retail, hospitality, events.
3. REFERENCE & ONBOARD
Successful candidates progressed through reference checks and our full onboarding process, all of which we conducted - ensuring the team was ready before the event commenced.
4. INDUCT & PREPARE
We held two in-person inductions to prepare staff for the event, ensuring they understood the role, expectations and requirements before stepping onto site.
40
SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENTS.
1,000+
CANDIDATES PROSESSED.
500+
CANDIDATES PHONE SCREENED.
10 DAYS
END-TO-END EVENT OPERATION.
beyond recruitment
Our involvement didn't stop once the positions were filled. Our support included:
24/7 Support
A dedicated consultant remained on call day and night across all 10 days of the event, providing support should any questions or issues arise.
roster management
We managed staff rosters throughout the event and responded to changing workforce requirements.
on-site check-ins
Our team made visits to the event to check in with staff, see how the team was performing and ensure everything was running smoothly.
client support
We remained closely connected with the client throughout the event, providing support and helping manage any staffing requirements as they arose.
From the first candidate conversation to the final day of pack-down, we were there every step of the way.