Chicago ’ s United Center |
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being wooed for spring / summer 2024 were still in preliminary discussions .
Chicago also expects 50,000 visitors . They have 45,000 hotel rooms , so all delegates and visitors will be housed within city limits . Their already fairly robust city transportation system will be augmented , with most events taking place within a five-mile radius .
For Chicago , moving events and clients is more complicated . They began notifying possibly affected clients during the bidding process . Upon winning the bid , they worked with clients to change dates at both McCormick Place and the United Center where the bulk of official activities take place . Choose Chicago also had to consider the many summer festivals scheduled .
Selection process I asked Leslie and Eric about the official vendor selection process
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and if there was a mechanism for SME ’ s , veterans ’ groups , and DE & I organisations and companies to get in on the action . The RNC and DNC have intake portals for venues , event companies , restaurants , bars , transportation , floral , security , etc . to sign up to supply official and unofficial events . As of early April , Milwaukee had over 2,000 local companies signed up , and Chicago an insane 17,000 .
Eric said their Vendor Directory and Map is a legacy project , already being shared by Choose Chicago to new groups . Milwaukee added Convention Fest , a large outside marketplace near the Baird Center featuring 100 + local vendors to sell their wares and services on afternoons as delegates arrive for Convention business .
Chicago anticipates the DNC bringing an impact of $ 150-200 million . Milwaukee estimates $ 200m as well . The other bonuses for both cities include attracting new-to-town
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‘ Both Chicago and Milwaukee anticipate the political conventions bringing an impact of up to $ 200m ’ |
visitors who ( they hope ) will become repeat visitors ( and bring their friends and family ), hundreds and thousands of affiliate events being held within city limits , sharing the out-of-town spend with businesses all around their cities , as well as world-wide media attention .
My final question was , “ What are you most excited about your city hosting the political convention this year ?”
“ The RNC puts Milwaukee on the world-wide stage , showcasing our abilities to host large events , and see our amazing lakefront and architecture ,” Leslie said . “ I ’ m also excited to see local businesses flourish . I like to say that we have first-tier city amenities without firsttier city challenges .”
Eric added : “ I ’ m excited to showcase the true Chicago – who we are . Our city is used to large-scale events and this city is built for hosting them . This will be the most diverse and accessible event ever .”
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