MILAN — With both Olympic organizing committees in the midst of planning their Games, Utah 2034 and the French Alps 2030 formalized a partnership on Friday to share planning and operational knowledge while each event is still being built.
The memorandum of understanding signed on Friday morning between the Utah 2034 organizing committee and the French Alps 2030 organizing committee is unusual because of its forward-thinking approach, said Fraser Bullock, president and executive chair of Utah 2034.
The agreement is designed to share knowledge, the ups and downs of planning and practical lessons from the process so that each committee can strengthen the long-term legacy and community impact of its Games.
“That is the difference,” said Bullock. “The transfer of knowledge program is usually after the Games are held, or during the Games. We’re doing it in advance. Four years in advance.”
Traditionally, future host cities send delegations to observe the Games immediately ahead of them. Utah plans to do that in France in 2030. But Bullock said observation alone comes too late to influence core decisions.
“Four years out is challenging,” he said. “So planning together, collaborating together, is going to help us form our Games together, rather than waiting until just going to their Games and observing what happened.”
Under the agreement, the two committees will exchange information and staff expertise across venue configuration, technology systems, ticketing and hospitality. Bullock said conversations are already underway.
Members of each organizing committee, including Brad Wilson, CEO of Utah 2034, left, and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, top right, were present for the signing on Friday morning in Milan. Credit: Klara Meyer/Park Record
“We have so many areas that we’re already working on together, and we’re going to make each other stronger. We want to help you. You need to help us,” he said.
While the French Alps 2030 is closer to execution and facing real deadlines now, Utah can watch those decisions being made in real time, ask questions and adapt lessons to its own planning cycle.
From Utah’s perspective, Bullock said: “There are four years in front of us. We’ll observe what they’re doing, collaborate for our Games and stay in touch.”
Leading the French Alps 2030 organizing committee is Edgar Grospiron, whose Olympic resume ties directly to Utah’s own Winter Games legacy after winning the gold in moguls on his hometown snow at the 1992 Albertville Games — the first time moguls was contested as a medal event.
“In the Olympic family, we get to make new relationships,” said Grospiron. “This one is so important to us.”
Bullock credited the French Alps organizers for stepping forward to host the 2030 Games on a challenging timeline, and said that decision helped clear the path for Utah to be awarded the 2034 Games.
Bullock said: “When the French Alps were awarded the Games, we were thrilled, and we thank you for stepping forward to do something very hard with a short period of time. But you were bold and you were needed, and you stepped forward. It opened the door for us.
“We’re excited to be partners together. We’re going to make each other stronger, and as we work together like this, we’re going to have such a great opportunity to experience each other’s Games.”
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