09.10.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Jamie Link, World Equestrian Games, World Games 2010 Foundation at 9:06 pm by Press Release
LEXINGTON, KY—14 days to go—The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau has partnered with the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games as the presenting sponsor of the 2010 Games Media Village.
In partnering with the Games, the Lexington CVB has made many of the media services possible for the more than 1,000 accredited journalists and photographers coming to Kentucky to cover the eight world championships in equestrian sport.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the rich heritage and unparalleled beauty of the Bluegrass to media attending the Games from around the world. This opportunity truly allows us to spotlight Lexington as a first-class tourism destination,” said David Lord, president of the Lexington CVB. “We are excited to partner with the Games as the presenting sponsor of the Media Village.”
The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau will provide a concierge desk in the Media Village with information on media tours in Central Kentucky and the Bluegrass Region and will assist media in arranging tourist activities while in Lexington.
“Our partnership with the Lexington CVB is a great way to give Lexington exposure to a worldwide audience through the eyes of the media,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation.
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08.29.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Jamie Link, Volunteer Training, Volunteerism, World Equestrian Games, World Games 2010 Foundation at 9:36 am by Thomas
The Venue Specific training was held in 2 sessions yesterday for all those that could attend I believe we found it to be extremely useful. One of the key lessons was a video by Chris Young on Protocol, basically a top 10 list of do’s’ and don’t in dealing with an International public. A lot of his points could/should be commonsense but we can always use a refresher course on that from time to time. All and all it was a great experience, and for those of you who are still on the fence on volunteering, their is still time for you.
The pace is picking up and with only 26 days to go it only going to get quicker. Jamie Link pointed out that ticket sales are picking up, which isn’t really a surprise, at this point the expectations is somewhere in the 200 – 300,000 spectator range which would be about the perfect size for this event in my opinion.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas Demond
KyWEGO®
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02.09.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Jamie Link, World Equestrian Games, World Games 2010 Foundation at 11:31 pm by Thomas
LEXINGTON, Ky.—Fans of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games now have the opportunity to become experts—or WEGsperts—of the eight world championship competitions coming to the Kentucky Horse Park from September 25-October 10.
Starting today, anyone interested in the Games can visit www.alltechfeigames.com and complete a video training program to become a 2010 Alltech FEI WEGspert.
The training program showcases the eight equestrian disciplines of the Games, the Kentucky Horse Park, what spectators can see and do during their visit, and how to be involved.
“We want Kentuckians, Americans and international fans to become ambassadors for the Games,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation. “This program will educate people around the world about why the Games are coming to Kentucky and how they can share in the excitement.”
After completing the 2010 Alltech FEI WEGspert training, fans will be provided links to additional information. Two promotional videos about the Games will be available to download.
“We want fans to share the program and these videos with their own civic, equine and business groups,” said Amy Walker, Public Relations Manager for the Foundation. “The 2010 Games will be America’s largest sporting event this year, and our WEGspert training will be an excellent resource for various groups to become informed and involved.”
The WEGspert training program was created in partnership with Promogistics LLC, a Kentucky-owned and -operated company specializing in online training and education, as well as live training and corporate events. Find out more at www.promogistics.com.
Visit www.alltechfeigames.com to become a 2010 Alltech FEI WEGspert, and to find the latest information on ticketing, accommodations and travel.
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02.25.09
Posted in 2010 Games, BusinessLexington, Jamie Link, LFUCG, Trade Fair, World Games 2010 Foundation at 10:31 pm by Thomas
I attended the second World Games 2010 Foundation Community Forum at the Lexington Public Library today. Tom Martin, editor of Business Lexington was the moderator for the hour long event. The forum panel was made up of new Foundation CEO Jamie Link, Vice President of Sales Terry Johnson, and Housing Bureau Director Krista Greathouse.
The primary topic of the day was the economy though by the end of the hour a wide range of subjects had been discussed. Tom noted that the Foundation and the Local Government were still working out the intricacies between the two bodies. The Host City Agreement is before the Lexington Urban Council but has yet to come up for a final vote.
Currently spectator interest in the Games continues to be high with Krista stating that they are averaging a new group a week contacting them for accommodations, with 75% of those groups being International as well as 2000 new room requests per month. Krista also noted that the area should have plenty of accommodations for all those planning on attending and that currently they had three times as many private residences for rent then the current demand though she expected that to change as the date for the Games got closer.
On the other side of the equation, Terry stated they were 70% of their budgeted goal for sponsorships and that two or three new major sponsors would be announced in the next 90 days. He also reported that they have deposits for 60% of the currently designated Trade Fair booth space and that if they filled that up that they would find additional space for anyone else looking for booth space during the Games.
On another interesting note, the City is planning on having a duplicate medal ceremonies downtown at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza during the Games.
CEO Jamie Link closed the forum by addressing the issue of the economy and how the investment in the Games was an investment in the future of Kentucky during these tough times.
Thomas Demond
Found KyWEGO
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01.05.09
Posted in 2010 Games, Announcement, Jamie Link, World Games 2010 Foundation at 9:48 pm by Thomas
LEXINGTON, KY— The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced that it has selected Jamie Link as the new Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Link has been serving as Deputy Secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet since December 2007 and prior to that spent several months as the Deputy Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park. In his current role, he has served as an ex officio member of the World Games 2010 Foundation board of directors and has been actively involved in the ongoing construction projects at the Kentucky Horse Park and major vendor selections related to the Games.
“I am honored to be selected as CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation and look forward to working with the wonderful staffs of the Foundation and the Kentucky Horse Park,” Link said. “It is going to take all of us working together and we are committed to showcasing to our visitors not only the world’s finest equestrian venue that is the Kentucky Horse Park, but also the many amazing attractions we have throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
“I have watched Jamie participate in many of the meetings and was impressed with his ability to get things done. The planning for the Games is at a critical juncture and we need to have a full time CEO to manage the process for the next 21 months,” said John Long, board chairman and acting CEO. “Jamie’s familiarity with the Games planning means he will be able to jump in immediately and make an impact.”
Long also added that the Games proactively recruited Mr. Link. There was no pressure from the state. In fact, Long said that Secretary Marcheta Sparrow—also a board member—politely reprimanded him for stealing Link.
Secretary Sparrow added “although I am sorry to lose Jamie as my co-worker in state government I am confident in his abilities to lead the Games at this critical time. His knowledge of the Kentucky Horse Park and the importance of this event to our state’s image throughout the world is tremendous.”
John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park said “having known and worked with Jamie Link for a number of years, I can state with confidence that he is uniquely qualified for this position and I am delighted that he has accepted the Board’s offer. Everyone at the Kentucky Horse Park has witnessed firsthand Jamie’s uncommon talent, integrity and dedication during his time as Deputy Director. He understands the Park’s day-to-day operations and the special needs of the Park for the 16 days of high level championship competition. In addition, it is helpful to have someone familiar with all of our key community and state leaders involved in this project to help streamline our efforts. I look forward to once again having the pleasure of working with him as we build toward, not only this epoch moment in our history, but for the great legacy it will provide.”
Link will officially begin serving as CEO on January 12, but has already begun the transition and attending meetings as needed to be up-to-date on all operations when he joins the staff full-time.
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit
Media Contacts:
World Games 2010 Foundation
Amy Walker
859-255-2010 ext. 235 or 859-699-0443 (cell)
awalker@feigames2010.org
Ellen Gregory
Preston-Osborne
859-231-7711 ext 234 or 859-338-1775 (cell)
elgregory@preston-osborne.com
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