An interview with Richard Banks in which he discusses the likely impact of the advancing world of technology on the London 2012 Olympics.

• Live cell phone video streaming
• The first true digital Games
• The technology legacy

Today Associate Partner of Major Events International (MEI) and Director of Archerball, Richard Banks, took time out to answer our questions on the impact of technology on the 2012 London Olympics. Here is that interview:

Q: Should stadiums and the media be concerned by live cell phone video streaming or should it be encouraged?

A: I think it’s all about satisfying consumer demand – a new generation has grown up with the internet and the intense scrutiny of sporting events pioneered by Sky coverage of football cricket and rugby. Many young people miss this ability to watch re runs and have an interactive experience when attending live events so I think the challenge is to provide platforms to engage in a positive way.

Q: How will the Internet impact on the 2012 Olympics?

A: London 2012 will be the first true digital Games – the possibilities are endless – social networks , ‘narrowcasting’ and digital signage can play massive roles in enhancing the user experience.This is a huge challenge for the organisers who are used to deploying ‘command and control’ tactics and strategies for broadcasting coverage and content.

Q: Is it possible for technology and stadium infrastructure to over shadow the sporting acheivements?

A: I doubt it – people love the human aspects of sport -they will gravitate towards best of breed solutions such as Youtube Twitter etc and products which enhance the feeling of being more involved on a personal level.

Q: How will the legacy of the stadiums and technology impact on London?

A: This totally depend on the organisers engaging with the right individuals during the legacy planning phase. Unfortunately, there is little evidence that this is actually happening.

Q: Will London benefit from the influx in CCTV coverage from the Olympics?

A: It’s simply a fact that we need London to be the safest and most secure place on the planet – not just for the duration of the Games.CCTV will play a vital role – but I think encouraging a ‘concerned citizen’ culture where people actively look after their own circle of influence is the best way to engage and secure communities.

Q: Internet coverage for the Beijing Olympics put a strain on bandwidth levels?

A: Technology can always catch up with demand !! Not having the right experience for a global audience is the big challenge !!

Article taken from Major Events International. Click here to view the original article (free membership required).

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

1    20 years experience of working within the sports industry in particular for major sports events including the Olympics as a contractor or an employee of an organising committee, a governing boy, a media company or an IT services company
2    20+ years as a consultant or senior manager working in international contexts, essentially  for the retail, sport and finance industries, and  on major change initiatives

SUMMARY OF SKILLS

1    Company start up and business development experience.
2    Community development, social networking and serious gaming.
3    Multi-cultural management
4    Large programme management
5    New media
6    IT strategy and delivery

For more details see http://www.linkedin.com/in/pascalw