Olympic Event Recap
On Wednesday, September 29th, I was fortunate enough to moderate The Olympics Behind The Olympics: How The Games Come Together, a conversation about all the preparation and organization required to put on an event on the scale of the Olympics. I was joined by three distinguished panelists (and GW alumni): Daisuke Kitahara, the Strategic Partnership Direction, Tennis, IMG Events; Duane Tynes, Account Supervisor at GMR Marketing; and Trofym Anderson, Games Learning Manager for the International Olympic Committee.
This hybrid event was an extremely interesting look into how three professionals from unique corners of the business world prepare for the Games. For Kitahara, who represents tennis and table tennis Olympians and Paralympians, much of his preparation for the games related to acquiring accreditation, purchasing tickets, and finalizing sponsorships. As Games Learning Manager, Anderson is responsible for ensuring the future host committees are “getting up to speed” of the various operational aspects of the Games, as well as observing various events and providing feedback when necessary. Tynes, who is responsible for managing Proctor & Gamble’s (P&G) account, was focusing on the finishing touches of their various sponsorships.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Anderson, Kitahara, and Tynes were all able to pivot and ensure their clients remained healthy, informed, and prepared. Tynes remarked that the postponement of the Games caused a “Foggy Bottom sized bullet” in P&G’s preparation for the games, and it completely changed how P&G engaged with customers, agency partners, and athletes. For Anderson, the postponement was an “opportunity to take a step back” and relax, as there was not much for Anderson and his team to do during that period.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and various political situations, the 2020 Tokyo Games were a fantastic success, as was the Olympics Behind The Olympics: How The Games Come Together. It was a remarkable opportunity to learn more about the Games, and I look forward to having many more.