Talking Los Angeles

The second full day of the Los Angeles 2028 World Press Briefing (and my final day here) was spent in a conference room as the assembled media heard from numerous different folks associated with LA28 and the IOC about updates regarding preparations for the Olympics in two years.

First up we got some updates on the sport and competition schedule then we heard from folks who were in charge of the competition venues and the infrastructure and the plan for the games. We heard about the LA28 brand and then heard about the press and photo operations and the Main Press Center operations. There was plenty of discussion about getting in and out of the country (for those coming from foreign countries) and we heard about the accreditation process, accommodations, transportation and logistics before the lunch break.

In the afternoon, we heard from the IOC about Olympic and Paralympic Games operations, got an update on the Olympic Information Service and then heard from folks regarding technology, rate card and communications.

The things that drew the most comments, not surprisingly, were the transportation and technology aspects. The subject of traffic in Los Angeles was obviously a big discussion point and the ways that we as press will be expected to get around the city. Paris had the terrific public transportation system that we used but Los Angeles doesn't really have that option (at least not to the level of Paris). Discussion focused around the hubs and how local media would be able to get to events in their own vehicles. When it came to technology, there were plenty of questions about internet speeds and the like. Photographers have the biggest need for wired technology since they have to upload large files more often but there was plenty of questions in the areas of the technology. 

Obviously at this point I still have no idea if I will be here in two years when the Olympics are taking place. The accreditation process doesn't even start until the end of the summer and even if I am able to apply, there's no guarantee I get approved. And then there's the whole idea that in order to have the credentials I have to be a media member and I haven't felt terribly comfortable in my job for a few years given the general state of the print journalism space. But that's a problem for another day.

For now, it was nice to get out of town for a few days, see some cool venues and learn a bit more about what LA28 is doing.


The Platinum Ballroom at the JW Marriott Downtown Los Angeles Live served as the location for the second full day of the World Press Briefing.


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