2009+1....huh?

What's with the funny blog name "Idea Guy"? The short answer I can't legally use the year "2010" when discussing Olympic topics.

As soon as the calendar flipped to 2009, all things games related started to happen around here.

We've heard from a couple of Official Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games sponsors requesting quotes. So it became necessary to get educated, and fast ,about what we can and can not say. Long story short, if it has rings on it, we can't produce it. Sponsors can however, get thier logo on products from us, provided it has approval from VANOC.

This games will probably have the most emphasis yet on eliminating what is called "ambush marketing". This term is used when non licensees and sponsors try to use the games brand to further thier marketing adgenda.

Complying with VANOC and the rule of law is VERY important to us and we will be vigilant in advising our clientele about the legalities of branding during the next 18-24 months. Often times, people make a seemingly harmless decision and can end up in hot water.

In January we picked up the phone and called VANOC to learn more. We can't name who we spoke to but basically ANY reference to "2010", "Games", "Gold Medal", "Host City", "Sea to Sky" is illegal. So if you are a company in the Lower Mainland of BC, you can't legally can not put the year "2010" under your logo this year or next or make any clever reference to the games at all. There are over 160 words that have been copywrighted!

We encourage you to learn more here and download the "Protecting the Brand" booklet. We can also direct you to an official supplier as well. Call us to find out more.

FIS World Cup Banners

This week, we delivered a bunch of beautiful banners for an FIS World Cup event at the Whislter Olypmic Park in the Callaghan Valley. These very unique banners were commissioned by Cultural Chair Krisztina Egyed of VANOC and the art was provided by artist Rick Harry. Once the art was completed the backgrounds were laid out by reknowned local graphic designer, Susan Butler from Brand Central Design.

As a graphic design nut, I'm continually blown away by the 'look' that is being created during the lead up to the games next year.

This photo shown here is one of 4 designed. This image was also made into a temprorary tattoo and will be given out to spectators during the event.

Medals for Ladies Ski Jumping

Ultimate Promotions was selected to produce medals for the FIS Continental cup Ski Jumping event in the Callaghan Valley a in early December. This is the last international medal event for the ladies before the 2010 Olympics.

Photo Credit: Dan Gropini Snap Sea to Sky

The public backlash regarding the exclusion of female ski jumpers from the 2010 Vancouver Olypmic and Paralympic games has been substantial. One jumper has even gone as far as to take the issue to the courts.