The largest sponsor at the 2010 Winter Olympics is using the Games as a platform for brand growth, b-to-b hospitality, technology showcases and yes, sales generation.

There’s nothing like a long line to pique the public’s interest. And that’s exactly what Panasonic has done with its sponsor pavilion at the 2010 Winter Olympics—twice! Outside the brand’s two-story, glass-front structure, fans wait in line to get their tickets and assigned showtimes for a seat in one of two 3D theater experiences hidden at the back of the pavilion. Inside the spacious lobby, fans line up again behind velvet ropes to wait their turn for a seat at the show.

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Well, maybe you should. With a slick exterior design more reminiscent of a museum than a temporary brand experience, Samsung’s branded center at the Olympic Live City gets an A for its exterior curb appeal (Design: Imagination, New York City). Consumers first access an HD theater for a short movie about Samsung’s connection to the Games, then gain entry into the main space: a combination product demo center, interactive game room and entertainment venue. There is live music, phones to test (and text) and more.

It is the largest sponsor at the 2010 Winter Olympics, using the Games as a platform for brand growth, b-to-b hospitality, technology showcases and yes, sales generation. For Bell Canada, the Vancouver Games is an opportunity that couldn’t be passed up. Those on the ground at the Games find the Bell Canada brand, literally, everywhere. As an example, we point you to the Bell Canada Ice Cube, a custom-built fan experience located steps from BC Place and positioned as a fan destination for the world.

Yahoo! is activating at the Olympics with a “Fancouver” pop-up store bringing to life the attributes and brand essence of its Yahoo! Sports offerings. Consumers pop in (upwards of 10,000 are rolling through daily) and participate in winter-themed sports games via Wii stations, photo activation interactions (they can post photos to a huge wall collage) and more. Staffers dole out free hot chocolate while guests play games, learn about Yahoo! Sports, watch some of the Olympic action on rows of HDTVs and check email (and sports.yahoo.com, naturally) in several areas stacked with Macs.