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The long-standing cooperation between Extrema Outdoor and Boels Rental was expanded further this year in response to tighter COVID-19 regulations. Not only did Boels supply a diverse range of machines and equipment to facilitate this year’s edition of the Extrema Outdoor festival, the expertise of the specialised Boels IQ-Pass division was also called in to ensure that the 3,000 employees could access the grounds without any problems.
Welcoming 60,000 visitors in a smooth way
More than 3,000 crew members work passionately both in the spotlights and behind the scenes to welcome the festival’s more than 60,000 excited visitors. As a tradition before the start of Extrema Outdoor, the crew members get together at a central point on the festival grounds to determine each team’s route and the work to be done. But everything was different this year. Dennis Dubbelman is key account manager at Boels Specials-Events and has been the go-to person for Extrema Outdoor for about 10 years. Together with the festival management, he tried to find the best solutions that would answer the challenges of the current situation: “In order to meet the applicable COVID measures, we decided that spreading out the arrival was the best approach. Extra scans were needed and having the proper accreditation was more important than ever. That’s why we called in our IQ-Pass division, because their expertise in temporary access control is second to none.”
About the collaboration
Boels supplies all kinds of equipment to Extrema Outdoor. From modular units to high lighting towers and aerial work platforms, and from toilet facilities to site carriers. The event script has been optimised and expanded over the years. Dennis: “Before every new edition, we see if the organisation has any changed requirements or wishes. I also let them know of any new equipment in our fleet that might be relevant. That way we always come up with a solution that works.” Because the organisation goes through one contact person at Boels, any last-minute questions can be answered quickly. “The client has one point of contact, which gives clarity and works fast. Furthermore, the specialist parts of Boels can be delivered almost straight away. Thanks to the short lines of communication, we can always meet the challenge. And our work method is transparent and easy for the customer to understand.”
“Extrema Outdoor was so positive about the access control, the smooth flow and the automated accreditation control that they might continue using the services of IQ-Pass in the future”
About the process
The applicable coronavirus measures demanded a regulated flow of personnel, so Boels added the expert help of IQ-Pass to the total package for this festival edition. Dennis: “We had gained specific experience at the Zandvoort Formula 1 Grand Prix, where an adjusted access control was required due to the stricter COVID measures. We shared this knowledge and experience with the festival management of Extrema Outdoor. Using this as the basis, IQ-Pass installed an access control system that met the demands in every detail. Two arm barriers were strategically placed, for instance, to grant access to motorised vehicles. Employees could then scan their personal QR code at one of the 12 control gates with turnstiles in order to gain entry to the festival grounds. The different entrances ensured a very smooth flow of people. “Extrema Outdoor was so positive about the access control, the smooth flow and the automated accreditation control that they might continue using the services of IQ-Pass in the future. Whether there are COVID restrictions or not,” Dennis adds.