Converge, Orlando's LGBT visitor's bureau, and the city of Orlando are teaming up to score as host of the 2018 Gay Games.
Mikael Audebert, Converge executive director, said the bidding process will take about two years with the host city decision announced in 2014. Two elimination rounds will narrow the finalists down to three top cities, with the last one standing the winner of the bid. Only the three finalists will be judged via site inspections.
The Gay Games used to be managed by a single organization that split over a licensing disagreement. The two groups are now in the process of remerging and working on the request for proposals (RFP).
“When released, that's when the process will start,” Audebert said. “I expect later this month.”
He added that although the City of Orlando is a partner in the process, Converge is not relying on the city for funding. Converge is working with the Central Florida Sports Commission.
“They're going to handle all the venues and site selections for the sports,” Audebert said.
He said Converge will handle the other aspects, such as those relating to the attendees or other non-sporting events.
“The next step is going to be to put the team together and go after funding, private sponsors and commitments to make sure it's properly financed,” Audebert said. “It is a major part of the RFP: Can we get sponsors to properly fund this event?”
Audebert said the idea was planted in 2010, when Come Out With Pride's theme was the Olympics and he contacted the Gay Games about broadcasting their opening ceremonies in Orlando. That didn't work out, but Audebert said the Gay Games host idea resulted from those discussions and the bid has been in the works for the past two years.
The last Gay Games were held in Cologne, Germany in 2010. The Gay Games 2014 will be in Cleveland, Ohio, in August of that year.
