Why Event Bidding Matters

Winning an event bid allows your city to unlock opportunities that go far beyond the event itself.

Here’s why event bidding should be part of every city’s long-term strategy:

Maximize Opportunities

Major events bring lasting benefits that can transform your city’s economy and infrastructure. Hosting international events attracts visitors, drives spending, and boosts local businesses.

Los Angeles 2028 Olympics is planning to use existing and temporary venues to minimize environmental impact and maximize economic gains. By focusing on sustainability and avoiding unnecessary construction, LA is setting a precedent for future Olympic host cities. The Games are expected to generate billions in economic activity, while also promoting a legacy of innovation and green infrastructure.

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games generated £870 million ($1.07 billion) in economic impact, revitalizing local businesses and infrastructure, while putting Birmingham on the map as a world-class destination for major sporting events.

These examples show that successful bids can fuel long-term development and create a legacy of improved infrastructure and global visibility.

Select and Secure the Right Bids

It’s not just about winning any event—it’s about securing the right event that aligns with your city’s vision and long-term strategy.

Expo 2020 in Dubai (held in 2021 due to the pandemic) was an opportunity for the city to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation and trade. The Expo attracted 24 million visitors and boosted Dubai’s economic diversification plans by generating over $6 billion in economic impact. Since then, Dubai has continued to secure major global events, cementing its position as a premier destination for international conferences and exhibitions.

Paris 2024 Olympics was designed to align with the city’s long-term sustainability goals. Paris was using the Games to showcase green initiatives, including low-carbon infrastructure and renewable energy projects, all while boosting tourism and solidifying the city’s reputation as a global leader in sustainability.

These cases highlight how cities can use event bidding to further their strategic goals, whether economic diversification, tourism growth, or sustainability.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Event bidding isn’t just about winning the bid—it’s about making sure your city is prepared to deliver. Planning well in advance and anticipating challenges helps avoid costly mistakes.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) faced an unprecedented challenge in hosting the Games during a global pandemic. However, due to early and thorough planning, the city successfully navigated these challenges, still managing to generate an estimated $15 billion in economic impact despite restrictions.

Athens 2004 Olympics serves as a cautionary tale. Delays and last-minute preparations led to massive budget overruns, with the event ultimately costing Greece $11 billion, far exceeding initial estimates. This example underscores the importance of foresight and proper resource management when planning for a major event.

By anticipating challenges and preparing thoroughly, cities can minimize risk and ensure their events don’t spiral out of control financially or logistically.

While these examples highlight mega events like the Olympics and World Expos, the same principles apply to all major events, whether it's a large-scale sports tournament, cultural festival, or international conference. 

Each city should define what a "major event" means based on its own goals and capacity. For some cities, a regional sports event or a major industry conference could have just as much impact on the local economy and infrastructure as a global event has on larger cities.

One way to think about it is: when a host city invests significant money and resources into an event, that event becomes a "major event" relative to the size and strategic goals of the city. Whether you’re a major metropolis or a mid-sized town, the concept of a "major event" should reflect the value and potential long-term benefits that hosting brings to your community.

By investing in smart event bidding, your city can do more than just compete—it can set the stage for long-term success. From economic growth to international recognition, event bidding is a key strategy for cities looking to thrive in today’s global landscape.