Province of BC 2010 Business Summit

The Olympic Experience for Host City Businesses

Speakers:

• Scot Smythe, Senior Vice President, Sponsorship and Event Marketing, VISA International

Summary:

For local businesses in host cities, the size and scope of the Olympic Games can be hard to fathom. But, like the athletes, the winners will be the companies that come prepared. With a short window of opportunity, getting a jump on sales stats, consumer trends, buying behaviour and the scope of opportunities can mean the difference between a gold, silver and bronze business performance. No one knows that better, or has more detailed research and experience, than VISA, worldwide sponsor and the only card accepted at the Games.

Scot Smythe spoke about VISA’s experience in sponsoring the Olympic Games for 20 years, beginning in Calgary in 1988. In doing so, he shared advice on what businesses can do to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity. VISA’s story is one of integration; it has been involved not only with all aspects of the Olympic Movement but also in engaging local merchants to adopt the Olympic spirit in their establishments. Scot urged companies to stay true to their visionary goal and create a unique marketing strategy to break through the clutter.