Speaking at the Venue Operations Seminar in London, the experts said that London was in a position to integrate spectacular sporting venues and competition with inspirational Olympic cultural events including the Torch Relay and Opening and Closing Ceremonies as part of a magical Olympic experience.

“In order to stage a spectacular Games experience, London has gathered together a wide range experts for a three-day conference with the objective to integrate key dimensions of the Games with participants experience and key operational components of the Games," said Christophe Dubi, the International Olympic Committee deputy Olympic Games executive director.

"This is the first time this has occurred so early in the planning process and is most impressive.”  

The workshop, hosted by London 2012, has brought together international experts who have played a key role in the delivery and planning of some of the world’s most successful major sporting events, including the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the 2003 Rugby World Cup, the Manchester 2002 and the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

The workshop - the first of its kind - is designed to provide the best possible operational framework in which to deliver the 2012 Games.   

“It’s unprecedented for a Games organising committee like London 2012 to bring together such a wide range of constituents including athlete representatives at such an early stage of planning to focus on providing the best possible Olympic experience at Games time,” said Jackie Murdoch, a key note speaker at the workshop, who has played a key role in venues and sports management at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the Manchester 2002 and Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

 “London 2012 is absolutely focussed on delivering the best possible Games experience and is totally committed to leaving a legacy of new venues, jobs, homes and community facilities for London and the UK,” said Paul Deighton, the London 2012 chief executive.