Navigating the Future: A Key Consideration for Olympic Game Bids

As I make my preparations to attend the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, I imagine the Paris bidding committee working on their bid, which they officially launched in June of 2015. At that time, 9 years before the event, no one could have imagined the Covid19 pandemic and its impact on the world and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and they would not have known that in November of 2022, ChatGPT would be launched. The wars in Ukraine and Israel were unknown and even Paris’s current bed bug outbreak could not have been predicted. 

At the time that the IOC evaluated Paris’s bid, it also considered other bids and awarded the 2028 Olympic Games to Los Angeles. For L.A. preparation began more than a decade before the event.

Planning for the unforeseen future is pivotal when cities place their bids to host the Olympic Games. Successful bids must meticulously incorporate future trends and projections. Tokyo's 2020 bid, which ultimately hosted the games in 2021 due to the pandemic, is another example that highlights the importance of being future-ready in the rapidly evolving global landscape. In a world marked by swift economic, technological, and socio-political shifts, being future-ready is not just a strategic advantage; it’s a necessity. In this article, I address why understanding future trends is crucial for cities bidding to hold the Olympic Games.

Economic Forecasts

Financial Planning plays a critical role in preparing for the Olympics. Hosting this global event demands substantial investment, and cities need to ensure economic stability to bear these costs without strain. Accurate revenue estimations, which comprise ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights, provide a clear picture of the return on investment.

Long-term Economic Impact should also be at the forefront. Hosting the Games has repercussions on tourism, employment, and the local economy, necessitating thoughtful planning for sustainable economic development.

Technological Advancements

Future technologies will inevitably influence how the Games are delivered and experienced. Incorporating tech advancements and planning for relevant upgrades are imperative for a smooth and modern Olympic experience. Furthermore, with sustainability being a global priority, integrating green technologies and practices is non-negotiable.

Sociopolitical Landscape

Understanding the global sociopolitical climate is key to assessing a city's attractiveness and safety as a host. Predicting and planning for public opinion and global perceptions help in garnering support and ensuring a positive reception and successful execution of the Games.

Infrastructure Planning

Cities must also engage in long-term planning for infrastructure use post-Olympics. Creating a blueprint for how the facilities will be utilized in the future avoids the pitfalls of underused or abandoned infrastructure, providing lasting value to the community.

Risk Management

Effective risk management involves anticipating and planning for potential future crises, including public health emergencies, natural disasters, and political instability. Proactive crisis planning is crucial for ensuring the safety and success of the Games.

Competitive Bidding

Awareness of future trends and global expectations provides cities with a competitive edge over other bidders. Aligning the bid with the values of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the global community enhances the chances of winning the bid and successfully hosting the Game

Understanding the future is fundamental for Olympic Game bids. It facilitates informed decision-making, effective planning, risk management, and the creation of a globally celebrated event that leaves a lasting positive legacy for the host city and its residents. Is your city working on a bid for a future Olympic Games? Contact me to learn how we can help you make your event future-ready.

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