Discovering the Games: Behind the Scenes of Milano Cortina 2026
ROAD TO MILANO CORTINA 2026
A five-session journey, starting from 5 November to discover stories, key figures, and behind-the-scenes insights of one of the biggest global events in which Italy will play a leading role between February and March. An opportunity to understand, explore, and get involved.
Calendar:
- 5-12-17-19-26 November at 6:15-8:15 pm
Program
Course content and objectives
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, taking place from 6 to 22 February (Olympic Games) and 6 to 15 March (Paralympic Games), will be among the largest sporting events ever hosted by Italy. More than just games, they represent a turning point for the Italian sporting system, a chance to showcase innovation, inclusion and sustainable legacy on a global stage.
Discovering the Games: Behind the Scenes of Milano Cortina 2026 will be a series of talks and panel discussions unveiling how the Games are built from the inside — from infrastructure and governance to impact, education and the role of volunteers.
Topic Summary
1. IOC and Milano Cortina 2026: From Vision to Games Delivery
Special guest for this lecture: Diana Bianchedi, Chief Strategy Planning & Legacy Officer di Milano Cortina 2026
Explore how the Olympic Movement’s strategic vision, inspired by the IOC Agenda 2020+5, is shaping the planning and delivery of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. From the original bid to the operational phase, this session unveils how innovation, sustainability, and legacy guide every decision.
2. The Athletes’ Journey: Striving for Excellence
Special guests for this lecture: Anush Arakelyan, Head of National Committee Services and Flaminia Tamburi, Head of Village Management.
A deep dive into the athletes’ experience, from qualification to competition day. This session highlights how the Games are designed around athletes’ needs — from training facilities and logistics to mental health and post-career support — celebrating sport as a journey of human excellence.
3. Beyond the Medals: Measuring Impact and Legacy
Special guest for this lecture: Iacopo Mazzetti, Director of Legacy, Milano Cortina 2026
The Olympics are not just a two-week event — they are a long-term investment in people, places, and possibilities. This session focuses on the impact and legacy programs of Milano Cortina 2026, exploring the indicators used to assess outcomes in sustainability, education, tourism, and community development.
4. Partners and Media: Co-Creating Global Value
Special guest for this lecture: Nevio Devidé, Chief Revenue Officer at Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026
Behind every successful Games lies a network of partners, broadcasters, and digital innovators. This discussion explores how brands and media organizations collaborate with the Olympic ecosystem to amplify its message, connect with audiences, and co-create economic, cultural, and social value.
5. Volunteering for the Games: Celebrating Olympic Values with the Community
Volunteers are the heartbeat of every Olympic Games. This conversation celebrates their role as ambassadors of Olympic values, exploring how the volunteering experience fosters civic engagement, builds communities, and leaves a lasting mark on all those who take part.
Students, staff, faculty and alumni can attend the sessions in presence in room 202.
It is necessary to register for each session individually through the following links.
Note: Students enrolled in the MSc program who have been assigned this course through the second call for applications for the Enhancing Experience activities do not need to register again
DINO RUTA
Dino Ruta, Rector's Delegate for the Olympic Movement, is Professor of Practice at SDA Bocconi School of Management, and a global expert in leadership, sports and events business.
He bridges the worlds of sport and management by empowering athletes, executives, and organizations to create sustainable impact and long-term value. Founder of the Sport & Entertainment Knowledge Center, he leads the FIFA Master and the Executive Master in Business of Events (EMBE) with Milano Cortina 2026. He also teaches at Columbia University and Josoor Institute in Qatar.
He has worked with institutions like UEFA, NBPA, FIFPro, FIGC, and the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, and supported career transitions of top athletes. His work promotes Olympic values and includes tools to measure winning mentality in sport and business.
President of the Sport4Talent Foundation, he uses sport as an educational tool for youth in fragile contexts, especially in his hometown, Taranto. He is married to Elisetta and father of Lorenzo.