Both Houston and San Francisco decided to add something memorable to the USOC evaluation visit that would be exciting and show off a bit of the local technology that would help enhance an Olympic Games.
“We think this will really distinguish ourselves from our competitors” remarked BASOC President and CEO Anne Cribbs. Houston Bid president Susan Bandy was looking for the same impact when her organization unveiled Concierge 2012, a Compaq iPaq handheld computer configured with state-of-the art software and accessories that each evaluation team member will receive to use on their tour. But the novelty will have worn off and the “wow” factor won’t be an issue when the members pick up the same Compaq iPaq personalized computers (albeit customized differently) when they arrive in San Francisco. BASOC says that their iPaqs will be personalized for each of the 14 members.
Both announcements, tailored to create excitement surrounding the visits came on the same day causing a sense of deja vu to many in the media. In fact, both bids claim local significance. Compaq is a Houston-based company while San Francisco uses the technology to create a tie-in to the support from Silicon Valley. There must have been some nudging and winking going on at Compaq Headquarters.
In order to adhere to USOC rules, the computers must be returned at the end of the visit. But don’t worry – USOC members will be getting another one the next day.
