DNC Denver 2008 Podcasts

The 2008 Democratic National Convention will bring Rocky Mountain Region businesses, from souvenir shops to construction companies, a rare chance to boost their bottom line. Before, during, and after the DNC, millions of dollars will be pumped into the Colorado economy as a direct result of this historic event.

As with any opportunity, positioning your business to take advantage of the convention will take planning – and the right connections. The 2008 DNC Host Committee has set up the first-ever online vendor directory – a place where convention organizers and attendees can search out services they need while at the DNC.

The Host Committee recently held an event for potential vendors which included a chance for business owners to learn more about the opportunities that will abound over the next several months.

This podcast, taken from that event, was moderated by Helena Haynes-Carter, Manager of Supplier Diversity for Xcel Energy and Chairman for the Rocky Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council.

When Denver hosted the 1908 Democratic National Convention, the nation’s media were welcomed to Colorado at Elitch Gardens, the Denver amusement park that was in its 19th summer of operation.

At a recent press conference Elbra Wedgeworth, President and Chair of the 2008 DNC Host Committee, and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper announced that Elitch Gardens, The Denver Post, and The Rocky Mountain News will host the 2008 DNC Media Welcoming Party.

Also speaking at the press conference were Harry Whipple, President of the Denver Newspaper Agency, Joe Martinez, Elitch Gardens General Manager, and Alan Timothy of Molson Coors Brewing Company.

Those invited to this event will include 15,000 members of the media, the more than 6,000 delegates and alternates, and assorted Democratic VIPs.

Elbra Wedgeworth is President and Chair of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Host Committee. As President of the Denver City Council, she led the campaign to bring the DNC to Denver for the first time since 1908.

Wedgeworth points out that “the pathway to the presidency is through the west,” and is confident this will be evident in Denver this August. The city’s state-of-the-art convention facilities, infrastructure, culture, and people will all be on display as Denver welcomes this historic convention to Colorado.