I am an Olympics junkie. No matter what the sport, if it’s the Olympics, I watch. For example, on one slow Saturday during this year’s Games, I found myself immobile for an entire afternoon watching badminton, shooting, trampoline and rowing. Do I have any interest in any of those sports? No. BUT–it was the Olympics so I was transfixed.

Needless to say, I was VERY excited to have the opportunity to see United States Olympic Committee CMO Rick Burton speak at the first BMA MarketingMasters Luncheon of the year. His presentation was right up my alley and got me pumped about the potential for Chicago to host the Olympics in 2016.

Mr. Burton, a self-proclaimed “podium-phobe,” roamed The Standard Club floor as he discussed the USOC and its plans to begin a U.S. Olympics channel featuring highlights from past Olympics, features on athletes and other programming to keep the Olympic spirit high year round.

I was almost brought to tears twice (good tears, not bad tears) as Mr. Burton screened two videos for the packed crowd. The first, “Amazing Awaits,” was a 2008 Beijing Olympics re-cap that had me covered in goose bumps.

“Amazement Awaits” was the second video shown and was also a DVD given to all American athletes competing in Beijing. The video consisted of U.S. poet laureate Maya Angelou reading a poem she had written inspired by the Olympic movement. For the text of the poem, click here.

Mr. Burton was reluctant to talk about Chicago’s bid to the games, but did give our future President (whomever it may be!) one piece of advice: Go to the selection ceremony. Of the most recent Olympic winners (Beijing, Vancouver, London and Sochi), each had governmental leaders in attendance at the vote.

Next month’s BMA MarketingMasters lunch will feature Steve Pacheco, Director of Advertising, FedEx. I hope he talks about all of the Super Bowl ads FedEx has done in the past!