How to Create a Winning Presentation for the Olympic Bid

What the Olympics teach us about creating effective presentations

The Olympic Games are a global event that unites countries worldwide in a celebration of sports and culture.

For cities aspiring to host this prestigious event, the bid process is a complex challenge requiring careful planning and strategic communication.

Creating a winning presentation is not just about infrastructure; it is essential to align with the values of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), demonstrate a clear vision, and present a compelling plan on how the Games will leave a positive and lasting legacy.

The success of any presentation lies in the ability to develop an empathetic connection with its audience and meet expectations concretely. I have emphasized the centrality of the audience multiple times in my book on Lean Presentation Design.

In this article, I share some thoughts on the bid process for the 2024 Summer Olympics, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the competing cities and analyzing the key elements that contributed to the winning bid’s success.

Consider this analysis as a guide to creating effective presentations in all those situations where a presentation can influence strategic decisions and decisive choices.

It’s all about the “Candidature File”

The “Candidature File” is the presentation that encompasses the proposal project of each candidate city. Essentially, it is the presentation that provides a complete overview of how a city plans to organize and manage the Games.

Over the years, the bid process has evolved significantly, as has the documentation presented to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

In the past, bid requirements were limited, with cities simply informing the IOC of their interest. However, over the years, the IOC has requested increasingly detailed information.

A significant step was taken in 1992 with the introduction of detailed guidelines and a technical questionnaire for the 2000 Olympic Games, leading to a standardized and transparent process to facilitate the evaluation of candidate cities. This change allowed cities to assess their sports and general infrastructure while providing a clear vision of the project to the evaluators.

The presentation is divided into three parts, each with different focuses to be submitted for IOC analysis.

FASE #1	FASE #2	FASE #3
1.1 Vision and Games Concept 1.2 Legacy and Long-Term Plan Integration and Alignment 1.3 General Infrastructure and Capacity Analysis 1.4 Country Analysis 1.5 Financing Analysis	2.1 Governance structure 2.2 Legal, Custom & Immigration 2.3 Support & venue funding	3.1 Games concept 3.2 Games and Athlete Experience 3.3 Sport 3.4 Venues 3.5 Paralympic games 3.6 Sustainability 3.7 Games safety and security 3.8 Accommodation 3.9. Transport 3.10. Finance 3.11. Marketing 3.12. Transition plan

The first two are real reports, very textual and detailed, while the last one is more inspirational. The difference is noticeable in some details, such as Paris’s approach to the introductory slides of the chapters.

FASE #1 / FASE #2	FASE #3
Traditional structure with a 50%/50% distribution between image and content	Grid structure with two-thirds devoted to the image, gently cut with a descending curve

Each presentation must be designed to fulfill its purpose. There are SELF STANDING presentations intended to be read and others NOT SELF STANDING that serve as support for the speaker. In the case of the Candidature File, these are complex documents rich in information, drafted to be read in the absence of any presenter.

The selection process: from city visit to final presentation

The selection process for the host city of the Olympic Games is divided into several phases, each of which is crucial in determining the winning city.

It can be summarized in the following phases:

The candidate cities for the 2024 Olympics and those that withdrew

Several major cities participated in the race for the 2024 Summer Olympics, each with distinctive strengths.

The main ones were:

• Paris
• Los Angeles
• Budapest
• Rome
• Hamburg

Each of these cities showcased its vision, cultural heritage, and infrastructure plans, with particular emphasis on sustainability and legacy—both key aspects for the Olympic committee.

The cities that withdrew

Despite strong bids, some cities withdrew due to various critical issues:

• Budapest, Hungary: The initiative faced significant public opposition, leading to withdrawal to avoid controversies.
• Rome, Italy: Political instability and financial concerns led the city to prioritize essential services over hosting the Games.
• Hamburg, Germany: Following a public referendum, a slight majority of the citizens voted against continuing the bid.

What criteria are used to select candidate cities?

Bid presentations aim to meet all the main selection requirements, which can be summarized as follows:

• Sustainability and legacy
• Alignment with the Olympic Agenda 2020
• Geopolitical and socio-economic factors
• Vision and Venue Masterplan
• Public and political support
• Financing strategy
• Experience in organizing sports events
• Accommodation and transport
• Security

Candidate cities are called upon to prove their plans to meet these requirements.

How did the cities that won the 2024 Olympics respond?

The bid process concluded with Paris and Los Angeles as the final contenders. In an unprecedented decision, the IOC awarded both the opportunity to host the Olympics, with Paris hosting the 2024 Games and Los Angeles the 2028 Games.

This double award provided stability and certainty for the future of the Games, recognizing the strengths and suitability of both bids.

Here are the aspects that struck me the most regarding how LA and Paris met the different requirements of the Olympic Committee in their presentations.

Both cities have demonstrated strength in all key aspects, from sustainability to safety.

The Winning Presentation: Paris 2024

The Paris presentation for the 2024 Olympics was a masterful example of strategic communication perfectly aligning with the IOC’s priorities.

The presentation was divided into several key sections, each highlighting Paris’s strengths and its commitment to the Olympic Movement.

Vision and Concept: The presentation embodied the theme “Games for the Future,” emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Iconic locations like the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées were proposed as venues, creating a unique and memorable experience for athletes and spectators.

The HOOKING part (See – the guide to opening strategies) or opening of a presentation plays the fundamental role of immediately attracting attention ensuring that the audience continues to enjoy the content (see the Lean Presentation Strategy Canvas). This is why the initial part focuses on the concept and has a more inspirational cut.

Sustainability and Legacy: A key aspect of the bid was a strong focus on sustainability. Paris planned to use existing facilities to minimize environmental impact, and the Olympic Village was designed to become an eco-friendly residential area post-Games. The commitment to 100% renewable energy and a partnership with WWF France underscored Paris’s dedication to environmental protection.

Public and Political Support: Paris received overwhelming support from all levels of government and the public. The presentation highlighted the backing of political leaders and emphasized unity and enthusiasm for hosting the Games. Public support was strong, with over 77% approval in polls.

A thorough AUDIENCE analysis is essential to anticipate RESISTANCE and make the presentation concretely persuasive (see the complete guide to creating an effective presentation). The sustainability section is a fundamental requirement for the IOC, while public support ensures stability and a safe execution of the games.

Financial Plan: The bid outlined a balanced budget with a mix of public and private funding. The financial plan emphasized transparency and fiscal responsibility, with significant investments from major French companies assuring the IOC of Paris’s capability to host successful Games.

Experience and Expertise: Paris showcased its extensive experience in hosting major international events, including the FIFA World Cup and the Tour de France. The infrastructure and event management expertise bolstered confidence in its ability to host the Games smoothly.

The EVIDENCE part of a presentation is the set of information that demonstrates the truth of the main thesis (see the Lean Presentation Strategy Canvas). In business, data is used to justify the strength of recommendations or proposals (see Presenting Data). In this case, the financial and past experience parts are essential to give credibility to the application project.

Promotion of Culture and Inclusivity: The bid emphasized the cultural dimension of the Games, planning a “Cultural Olympiad” that would integrate art, music, and French heritage. This focus on cultural engagement was designed to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for visitors and participants.

The Winning Presentation: Los Angeles 2028

Los Angeles’s bid to host the 2028 Olympics highlighted the city’s ability to combine innovation, experience, and a deep connection with Olympic values. The presentation was built on a solid foundation of existing infrastructure, experience in organizing large-scale events, and a commitment to sustainability and long-term legacy. Here are some key aspects of the Los Angeles presentation.

Vision and Concept: The Los Angeles bid emphasized a theme of “Games of the Future,” similar to Paris, but with a particular focus on technology and innovation. LA proposed the use of iconic venues like the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Staples Center, integrating these structures into a futuristic and engaging Olympic experience.

Sustainability and Legacy: A focal point of Los Angeles’s proposal was the use of existing facilities, minimizing the need for new construction and reducing environmental impact. The city also promised to create “Zero Waste” Games with initiatives for waste reduction and recycling. The project included the creation of new sports parks to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among citizens.

Public and Political Support: The Los Angeles bid was characterized by broad bipartisan support at the political level and strong community participation. The city involved political leaders, celebrities, and athletes in a media campaign to garner widespread public support, crucial for demonstrating unity and the willingness to host the Games.

Financial Plan: Los Angeles presented a solid financial model primarily based on private funding, minimizing the burden on taxpayers. The city secured significant sponsorship agreements with major companies and ensured transparency and accountability through a detailed budget plan.

Experience and Expertise: With established experience in hosting the Olympics in 1932 and 1984, as well as numerous large-scale events like the Super Bowl and the Grammy Awards, Los Angeles demonstrated the necessary infrastructure and competence to manage the Games successfully.

Technology and Innovation: Los Angeles proposed the use of cutting-edge technologies to enhance the spectator experience, including the implementation of digital platforms for fan engagement and event management. This included the use of interactive apps and augmented reality to offer unique and personalized experiences.

Promotion of Culture and Inclusivity: The bid emphasized the importance of cultural and social legacy with plans for cultural events and sports education programs. Community integration and the promotion of inclusive values were key aspects to ensure a positive and lasting impact.

How Much Does It Cost to Organize the Olympics?

Candidate cities are required to estimate the budget to support each of the three phases of the selection process. As you can imagine, this is one of the most delicate phases of the presentation.

In 2024, Paris and Los Angeles led the other bids, the former with a total budget of $72M, then LA with a total of $47.5M, while Rome remained in third place with $35M.

Curiosities and Unique Aspects of the Winning Presentations

Use of Iconic Locations: Both Paris and Los Angeles leveraged their most representative locations to create a distinctive narrative. The use of the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées by the French capital was particularly impactful, symbolizing the city’s cultural and historical richness.

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Technological Innovation: Paris proposed the use of augmented reality and other advanced technologies to enhance the spectator experience. This included interactive apps and virtual tours, offering a modern touch to traditional Olympic events.

Legacy Planning: Paris’s detailed plans to transform the Olympic Village into a residential area highlighted a long-term vision that extended beyond the Games themselves. This commitment to lasting impact was a crucial factor in the success of the bid.

Lottery Income: Paris estimated an income of around $50M from the lottery, while Los Angeles had to specify in its presentation that lottery funding was not legally usable for these initiatives. The only existing lottery in California aims to donate its proceeds to support public education.

Conclusion

The bids from Paris and Los Angeles for the 2024 and 2028 Olympics stood out not only for their infrastructure and facilities but also for the clarity and strength of their presentations.

Both presentations demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the IOC’s priorities, effectively communicated a compelling vision, and showed a commitment to sustainability, legacy, and public engagement.

For any city or organization wishing to present a convincing case for an event or major project, the lessons learned from these winning bids are invaluable.

A successful presentation requires a clear and consistent vision, alignment with the audience’s values, and the ability to convey a compelling narrative.

Key takeaway

1. Alignment with Core Values: Successful Olympic bids must closely align with the IOC’s values such as sustainability, inclusivity, and legacy. Demonstrating commitment to these principles is essential.

2. Highlight Cultural and Historical Heritage: Emphasizing unique cultural and historical aspects can differentiate a bid. The use of iconic locations and cultural symbols makes the presentation more compelling.

3. Comprehensive and Transparent Planning: A detailed and transparent plan for financing, infrastructure, and legacy is crucial. Clear financial strategies build trust among stakeholders.

4. Community Engagement: Broad public and political support is essential. Demonstrating widespread support can strengthen the bid and show unity.

5. Innovate and Inspire: Including innovative elements and creative solutions can set a bid apart. Highlighting these innovations positions the city as forward-thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important aspect of an Olympic bid presentation?

Alignment with the IOC’s values and demonstrating a clear vision for the Games and their legacy are crucial. A compelling narrative that resonates with the audience is fundamental.

How can a city demonstrate the sustainability of its bid project?

Cities can show sustainability by planning the use of existing infrastructure, proposing eco-friendly building practices, and ensuring a positive environmental legacy.

What role does public support play in an Olympic bid?

Public support is vital for demonstrating readiness and enthusiasm. It ensures political stability and financial backing, influencing government and private sector contributions.

How can a city ensure a successful legacy from the Games?

A successful legacy involves planning the post-Games use of venues and infrastructure, creating community programs, and ensuring the benefits of hosting the Games extend beyond the event itself.

What makes a presentation memorable and impactful?

A memorable presentation combines a strong narrative with visual appeal, leveraging cultural and historical elements and innovative ideas. An engaging storyline and clear messaging are crucial.