Dave Mingey, Senior Vice President of Commercial Partnerships for LA28, shares insights from the Paris Olympics and his pivotal role in planning for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. He delves into sustainable practices prioritizing existing venues and the commercial partnerships shaping this monumental event. Mingey emphasizes how emotional engagement with sponsors and athletes enhances the Olympic narrative, and discusses innovative strategies they’re employing to elevate the experience for fans and athletes alike.
Dave Mingey emphasizes the extensive planning required for the LA28 Olympics, likening it to organizing multiple Super Bowls daily for 16 days.
Corporate partnerships are evolving as brands seek meaningful engagement with audiences, integrating their values with the Olympic narrative for authentic connections.
The podcast highlights the significant achievements of female athletes and the growing recognition of women's contributions, enhancing overall viewership and inspiring future generations.
Deep dives
Celebrating 20 Years of Sports Business Radio
The podcast marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating its history and iconic guests over the years. Notable figures such as Danica Patrick, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and Bob Costas contribute to the episode, highlighting the evolution of the sports industry and their personal experiences. The host, Brian Berger, emphasizes the significance of authenticity and continued learning in the industry. The episode serves as a reminder of the podcast's long-standing commitment to bringing insightful discussions on sports business.
Insights on Planning the LA 2028 Olympics
Dave Minji discusses the extensive planning efforts for the 2028 LA Olympics, describing the sheer scale and complexity involved in such an event. He likens the planning to organizing multiple Super Bowls every day for 16 days, emphasizing the need for meticulous preparations across over 80 venues. The approach focuses on utilizing existing venues, promoting sustainability, and ensuring the events remain functional long after the Olympics. This strategy aims to set a new standard for hosting mega-events, departing from previous costly and underused facilities.
The Role of Corporate Partnerships
Corporate partnerships play a vital role in supporting the Olympics and enhancing the overall experience for athletes and spectators. Minji explains that companies are shifting from merely displaying their logos to seeking deeper engagement and meaningful integration with the Olympic narrative. This evolution allows brands to create authentic connections with audiences by aligning their values with the spirit of the games. Notable sponsors include Dick's Sporting Goods and Delta Airlines, who are keen to leverage their partnership to enhance brand visibility during the event.
The Impact of Female Athletes in the Olympics
The podcast highlights the remarkable performances of female athletes at the Olympics, specifically Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles, who have set records and inspired millions. Their achievements contribute to unprecedented viewership numbers for NBC, marking a significant increase in engagement compared to previous Olympics. The discussions underscore the importance of representation and the growing recognition of women in sports. Additionally, Biles' openness about mental health challenges has sparked crucial conversations, showcasing the intersection of sports and personal well-being.
Observations from the Paris Olympics
Minji shares firsthand observations from the ongoing Paris Olympics, noting the innovative approaches taken by the organizing committee. The opening ceremony, held along the Seine River, exemplified a historic and creative execution, raising the bar for future Olympic events. The collaborative spirit among nations and the festival-like atmosphere captured the essence of global unity. These experiences will inform LA28's plans, with a focus on creating a similarly captivating and memorable event that encompasses the unique culture of Los Angeles.
PODCAST: Dave Mingey, Senior Vice President, Commercial Partnerships with LA28, joins Sports Business Radio for a wide-ranging conversation. Mingey checks in with us from the Paris Olympics and tells us about his role there, how LA28 will take the torch at the end of these Summer Games and what we can expect when Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Summer Olympics. Mingey, who has worked previously in senior roles for Nike, Johnson & Johnson and SiriusXM, also details what commercial partners of the LA28 Olympics are looking for when spending big money to be associated with the largest peaceful gathering on earth. Learn more about LA28 at www.la28.org.
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This week’s edition of Sports Business Radio is presented by Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment - the Exclusive Financial Partner of Sports Business Radio.
Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, is a division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management dedicated to serving the unique and sophisticated needs of elite and professional athletes, entertainers, executives, creators, and other top talent and professionals in the sports and entertainment industry. Visit morganstanley.com/gse to learn more.