OCOG IKL Workshop boosts knowledge-sharing and support

“We all need to support each other and use our collective intellect to find solutions to organise the Games efficiently, which, in an ever-changing world, are becoming more and more sophisticated,” said Christophe Dubi in his welcome remarks, setting the tone for the days to come.

Ilario Corna, the IOC’s Chief Information and Technology Officer, highlighted the role of IKL in this context: “I often compare IKL to a rough diamond. It’s precious, but people may not yet have fully understood the benefits it entails, with IKL delivering a wealth of valuable data and information regarding Games operations which can help future organisers to improve their planning.”

Take-aways from Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022

At the beginning of the four-day workshop, the OCOG participants heard from the IOC about lessons learnt during Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022, with both Games editions held under particular circumstances during the global pandemic. The key conclusion was summed up by IKL Associate Director Chris Payne: “It’s important to be curious, fail fast and learn quickly.” He also highlighted the importance of informed decision-making based on data during such challenging times.

Deloitte to support Games Learning

An update on the products and services IKL offers was also presented. During the session on Games Learning, participants had the opportunity to meet the Deloitte team, who are working with IKL to provide contextualised insights and learning to support the delivery of sustainable Games.

Other presentations focused on the Observers Programme and information management planning.

OCOG updates

Subsequently, it was the OCOGs’ turn to present their recent achievements in the IKL space, outline the impact of COVID-19 on their activities and, most importantly, share advice with the other OCOGs. With only two years to go to their Games edition, the team from Paris 2024 gave many practical tips on how to prepare colleagues for observation activities during Games time and how to compile, classify and capture their feedback in an efficient manner after the event. They also revealed that they have just started to work on their own observation programme. In addition, the OCOG presented details on their information management system, which combines an FA with a venue/event-based approach; and on their innovative strategy for data capture and analysis, developed closely with the IOC team,enabling smart Games planning across a number of critical areas.

During their update on IKL activities, the organisers of the next edition of the Olympic Winter Games, Milano Cortina 2026, reported that around 50 per cent of their staff had participated in the Beijing 2022 Observers Programme to leverage experiential learning opportunities. The OCOG also recently completed the first round of structured interviews, which involved 14 FAs; and set up a Champions Knowledge Network across several functions – which supports the IKL team in terms of improving its reach within the organisation.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles 2028 shared how they have been working on creating a learning framework for their OCOG, with a stronger focus on organisational development in the earlier phases of the OCOG’s lifecycle and shifting the emphasis to Games learning four years prior to the Games. Their learning plan for 2022 includes observation activities at the Commonwealth Games and the World Games, with the objective “to help the team get to know what they don’t know”. The OCOG have also rolled out a “trust and inclusion learning journey” for their executive leadership, emphasising that there cannot be inclusion without trust, which is a human skill.

Brisbane 2032, the “youngest” OCOG, shared some insights from their New Norm candidature process and presented their overall concept. The OCOG was only recently established, and the team have been working closely with their Games delivery partners on the basic foundational elements, and on how to capture, harness and direct the enthusiasm of stakeholders over a 10-year lifecycle. Brisbane 2032 will be the first Games contractually obliged to operate as "climate positive", setting the bar high on delivering a sustainable legacy, and highlighting the need for effective measurement practices.

Inspiring learning from OCOG to OCOG

During bilateral side meetings amongst themselves, the OCOGs were able to discuss topics of mutual interest in more detail.

All sessions were highly interactive, leaving enough time to brainstorm ideas, discuss challenges and ask questions. The participants also visited the Olympic Studies Centre,theworldwide source of reference for Olympic knowledge, and The Olympic Museum. Joint dinners provided the opportunity to get to know each other better and carry on the conversations kicked off during the workshop in more detail.