Is 2010 business in your future?*

The business environment surrounding the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games is drastically different now than it was just one year ago.  With all of the Games venues completed, the business focus has shifted from construction to the operational requirements of the Games.

Compounding this shift in focus is an increasingly time pressured environment – the opening ceremonies are now less than a year away. In response to this new business environment, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has begun to adjust their procedures to create more efficient and effective procurement processes. Rather than proceed through the lengthy request for proposal process, VANOC now frequently starts by creating shortlists, contacting qualified companies directly.  

The 2010 Commerce Centre’s 2010 Business Network has emerged as an extremely valuable resource in this environment.  The 2010 Business Network is an online searchable database that currently features more than 4,400 organizations eager to do business with the Games. The 2010 Business Network enables Games-related buyers, like VANOC, to find quality suppliers efficiently.  Buyers can search the network online and 2010 Commerce Centre support staff can assist in creating highly qualified shortlists and arranging meetings.  The 2010 Business Network greatly increases the efficiency of the procurement process and allows Games buyers to quickly connect with qualified, motivated suppliers.

And VANOC is not the only large Games-related buyer taking advantage of the 2010 Business Network. Recently, the 2010 Business Network was used to shortlist three event management firms to meet with Stephanie Keller, head of protocol and hospitality for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Bypassing the process of publishing a formal bid, the IPC contacted the 2010 Commerce Centre to utilize the database of qualified companies within the 2010 Business Network.  As a result, the IPC has selected a local event management company to provide the design and fitout for the Paralympic Hospitality Centre as well as event management services during the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.  “The 2010 Commerce Centre provided us with excellent access to local connections and facilities that are invaluable in the Games environment. I highly recommend the 2010 Commerce Centre to organizations participating in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games,” says Stephanie.  

As the buying patterns surrounding the 2010 Winter Games change, membership in the 2010 Business Network continues to grow in importance for any organization looking to get involved with the Games. By registering on the 2010 Business Network organizations expose themselves to an international audience, partnering and networking opportunities, improved supply chains, and exclusive invitations.  The network enables business to control their corporate image in front of a diverse audience of Games-related buyers.

Membership in the 2010 Business Network gives your company the best chance of taking full advantage of 2010 and prospering in the years to follow. Sign up today! This is a free service.

*Source: 2010 Commerce Centre, BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat