As Olympic Test Event Media Manager, I oversaw media operations, event marketing, and pre-event promotion, working within a uniquely complex, multi-organisation partnership spanning LOCOG, the ITTF, and the English Table Tennis Association (ETTA). My role covered both strategic preparation and hands-on delivery throughout the event.

The challenge

Unlike typical major events organised under a single governing body, this project required close alignment between three organisations with distinct processes, priorities, and regulatory frameworks:

• ITTF — tournament owners and sport-specific guidelines.

• LOCOG — Olympic protocols, media regulations, and venue operations.

• ETTA — host delivery team.

Media operations needed to satisfy Olympic-level standards while accommodating a global press presence and supporting domestic expectations in the host country.

Approach

Pre-event preparation

Leading into the event, responsibilities included:

• Coordinating cross-organisation planning between LOCOG, ITTF, and ETTA.

• Project managing all pre-event promotional activity.

• Overseeing the creation of the event website and digital materials.

• Managing media accreditation and communications.

• Preparing detailed plans for interviews, media flows, mixed zone setup, photography access, and press operations.

• Ensuring all plans aligned with IOC regulations and LOCOG requirements.

Event delivery

During the event, I managed operations for a large international press contingent of 148 accredited journalists representing print, digital, radio, photography, and global broadcasters.

Key responsibilities included:

• Running and overseeing the Media Centre.

• Coordinating interviews with players, coaches, and officials.

• Ensuring adherence to IOC and LOCOG media regulations.

• Supporting international media outlets with venue familiarity and Olympic-protocol guidance.

• Managing ETTA digital staff producing live multi-channel coverage.

• Overseeing LOCOG mixed-zone and photography teams.

The goal throughout was to create a smooth, efficient, and compliant experience that reflected Olympic standards while supporting the global appetite for coverage.