An exceptional event with an international dimension

More than 1,400 young people – aged between 19 and 23 years old, and from 70 different countries – took part in four days of competitions involving more than 59 trades, ranging from crafts and industrial trades to services.  

Each event in the competition was a genuine showcase of professional know-how, with participants demonstrating their ability to master complex skills under intense pressure. The participants had to complete specific projects within a given time-frame, while complying with certain quality criteria. Moreover, participants can only take part in this event once in their life, making the completion a truly unique experience and a genuine springboard for these young professionals, who represent the future of their trades. The level of excellence during the competition was exceptional, with each talent representing the highest levels of skill and competence in their field.  

A tailor-made event focusing on expertise and know-how

This major international competition is of great significance, since, above and beyond the medals awarded, it contributes to shaping world benchmarks in different jobs and trades and influences vocational training policies, while highlighting the importance of technical skills in economic and social development. In addition to competing against each other on an individual level, the participants represented their countries and acted as ambassadors for their profession and culture.
 

For the last two years, the Lyon events teams were actively working towards one clear objective: to ensure the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon met the highest standards in line with its international reputation. This major challenge required meticulous preparation to anticipate every need and plan every detail.

Adaptability was an essential quality for this project, notably since the organisers wanted to set up two large areas with tent structures to enable the 20,000 schoolchildren who visited the event each day to eat on site, something only made possible by the fact that the Eurexpo Lyon complex includes vast outdoor areas. The massive influx of pupils and young people visiting the event was rigorously managed, in close collaboration with the Prefecture and the education authorities, mobilising more than 900 buses in total, the equivalent of 11km of vehicles, when all lined up together.

Thanks to its 140,000m² of modular event space, Eurexpo Lyon was perfectly suited to hosting an event of this scale. Its modern, adaptable facilities made it possible to recreate several different working environments, corresponding to each profession, and complying with the regulatory constraints in force for each competition. Our teams managed to respond to the complexity and diversity of our customer's requirements by proposing tailored technical solutions, so that every constraint concerning the competition areas was respected and applied. Thanks to the teams' expertise and versatility, each trade, craft and profession had all the space and equipment needed to deliver a truly immersive experience to both the competitors and the spectators.

The equipment installed included monumental air ducts for air extraction (for the industrial painting competitions) and blackout screens fitted on the bay windows to reduce sunlight reflection in the competition areas.

We also developed an innovative cybersecurity service – the only one of its kind in France – which was perfectly tailored to our customers' needs. This service was used to secure all internal and external networks throughout the competition, with particular focus on protecting competitors' digital environments and the integrity of the scoring. This service was set up with our partner Elysium Security, which specialises in operational cybersecurity. It allowed all IP addresses to be analysed, and any alerts to be handled during the competition, to ensure that the event ran smoothly.

The teams also rose to a major challenge in terms of the catering services, meeting the culinary needs and expectations of a multi-cultural population from over 70 countries. This notably involved managing both the volume and diversity of the food requirements, while respecting the specific constraints and needs of each culture and country present.

A major success in line with our high standards

Thanks to our venue's impressive capacity, with 13,000 parking spaces and excellent transport links, its large event and catering areas, this was the ideal place to welcome the 140,000 visitors over the course of the competition.

Indeed, the WorldSkills competition further confirmed Lyon's position as a major destination for international events. Hosting such an event at our Eurexpo Lyon venue also enabled us to demonstrate the expertise and skills of our teams, as well as their ability to respond to our customers' complex requirements and constraints.

Shared values

For Lyon events, hosting the WorldSkills Competition goes beyond the simple fact of organising a major international event. Indeed, the partnership between the WorldSkills Competition and the GL events Group is based on shared values, centred on the promotion of skills and people.

Moreover, the strength of this partnership is underpinned by the close parallel between the trades and professions showcased during the competition and those mobilised behind the scenes to ensure the success of the event. Logistics, carpentry, various technical skills, technical production and project management – skills which are often less visible in the field – are all key components of our expertise in the events sector.
 

They illustrate the commitment and excellence of our teams, who work behind the scenes to make every stage and key moment of an event possible.
 

Lyon events represents a dedicated team of experts with more than 40 years' experience and know-how in the events sector, contributing to promoting the Lyon area and its assets on an international scale.