While many are thinking about the 2008 Beijing Games that we just enjoyed a few months ago, those attending this meeting are already looking ahead to the next "quad" during which National Championships and Olympic Trials will take place leading up to the 2012 Summer Games. Such is the life of our industry - always looking ahead quite a few years out...
But this conference wasn't all about looking ahead - it was structured to allow both sides (host cities and NGBs) to share best practices and experiences from not only the execution of these events, but for the bidding process as well.
The most compelling statement I heard during the 3 day conference was from Chuck Wielgus, the Executive Director of USA Swimming. During the last panel session, Chuck emphasized that as they look at the cities that are bidding to host their events, he is looking for more than a business relationship. "While that is important, more than that I seek intellectual, emotional and creative engagement with our organization." This can only happen through an open communication process - which was exactly what the USOC accomplished by putting this conference together.
This got me thinking about the many non-sporting event opportunities that cross my desk over the course of the year. Many (not all) are simply RFPs designed to be able to populate a summary spreadsheet with data.
So why is it easier for Chuck (and his colleagues that were nodding along with him) to take this approach? Is it because they come from the culture of the athletic world where teamwork is the cornerstone to success? Is there a small takeaway here that a planner who does conventions and meetings could integrate into their relationships with CVB and hotel sales contacts - or are you already taking this approach?
Perhaps Amazing Awaits us "on the shoulders of our teammates" as long as we take that mindset into our relationships?
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