ATHENS, Aug. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- They come from all over the world for only a few days but what they get is the very best the Olympichost city has to offer.

    Sponsor hospitality patrons from global corporations like Xerox,Kodak, and Visa will stay at the finest hotels (Beijing, Jianguo),dine at the best restaurants (Quanjude, Hongbinlou), visit the city's premiere attractions, and attend the top Olympic sports like gymnastics, swimming, and athletics with the best seats.

    Sponsoring is a tradition that goes back to Ancient Greece where wealthy Athenians would contribute financially to sports in order to make them more accessible to all citizens. In return, thestate honored them by engraving their names on marble tablets.

    The importance of sponsorship of the Modern Olympics is just asvital today but instead of marble tablets, sponsors are treated like royalty at the Games through an all-encompassing hospitality program that caters to their every need.

    It will be no different in Beijing where business executives, their guests, honored employees, and clients will feast on BraisedShark's Fin, Sheep's Head in an Earthen Pot and of course Beijing Roast Duck after a day of sightseeing before heading out to see perhaps the finals of women's team gymnastics.

    Olympic sponsor guests will learn about China's deep history such as the cultural contributions from the Ming and Qing dynasties while snacking on Dragon Whisker Noodles and Mung Bean Milk.

    Yes contributing to the financial management of the Olympic Games does have its benefits.

    But who are the leading players of the event hospitality industry and what services do they provide the major Olympic sponsors?

    SportsMark, Co-Sport, and Jet Set Sports are among the leading hospitality service companies that provide a wide range of services for Olympic clients including arranging accommodations, transport management, sightseeing, and event tickets.

    Steve Skubic, SportsMark President and a key member of the International Olympic Committee's prestigious Olympic Hospitality Advisory Group sees his company's role as knowing the importance of creating brand awareness while integrating products, services, and brand messaging throughout an event.

    "That is a process that takes years of planning and though we are just halfway through the Athens Games," said Skubic.

    The SportsMark chief is busy meeting with Chinese business leaders and BOCOG officials to lay the groundwork for their 2008 hospitality programs.

    When you are responsible for looking after the needs of patronsthat contribute millions to make the Olympics possible, it is never too early to develop relationships.

    Experienced hospitality companies with top level reputations like SportsMark know that delivering the very best of Beijing's many attractions begins before the flame goes out in Athens. (by Randy Williams)Enditem