With the 2026 Milan–Cortina Olympic Winter Games just weeks away, the Olympics are once again at the center of global attention.
But what most people see on television is only the surface.
Behind the athletes and ceremonies is one of the most powerful global brands in the world—shaping diplomacy, national image, corporate strategy, and geopolitical influence in ways few fans ever see.
On January 21, Terrence Burns will be speaking at the Tennessee World Affairs Council Distinguished Speaker Series Luncheon about the power of the Olympic brand and the geopolitics of global sport—what’s really happening behind the scenes, why it matters now, and what Milan–Cortina reveals about the future of the Games.
If you’re interested in global affairs, international business, or how soft power actually works, I hope you’ll join us.
————–
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 I 11:00am-1:00pm
* Luncheon Event *
Venue:
Pinnacle Financial Partners
21 Platform Way South 23rd Floor
Nashville, TN 37203
–
Featured Speaker: Terrence H. Burns (Chairman and Owner, T. Burns Sports Group, LLC)
Terrence H. Burns is a seasoned international sports and Olympic marketing executive with over 30 years of experience in marketing communications, brand management, and sponsorship marketing. As the Chairman and Owner of T. Burns Sports Group, LLC, based in Nashville, TN, he specializes in global sports consulting, working with high-profile clients such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and bids for major events like the Salt Lake City 2034 Winter Games, Saudi Arabia 2034 FIFA World Cup, and Doha 2030 Asian Games. His career highlights include contributing to six winning Olympic bids (Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, Los Angeles 2028, Salt Lake City 2034) and two FIFA World Cup bids (2018, 2026).