Key Takeaways for Meeting Planners From the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago

 

This year’s Democratic National Convention (DNC) was a masterclass in stagecraft and event production, starting with Vice President Kamala Harris’ appearance in Milwaukee and continuing throughout the four-day event, held August 19-22 in Chicago.  

Over the course of a year, the DNC Host Committee, alongside Choose Chicago, has worked tirelessly to ensure they organized a seamless four-day event for one of the largest political gatherings of the U.S. election season.

Then, less than a month before host venues McCormick Place and the United Center opened their doors to more than 50,000 delegates and visitors, President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, causing a ripple effect that necessitated many last-minute changes to the DNC.

A Masterclass in Event Production

The DNC was charged with the official responsibility of formally nominating its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, adopting a comprehensive party platform and creating connections between party leaders and constituents, but its real purpose was to deliver the party’s public facing pitch as to why they should retain the executive branch of the country.  

The convention served as a multichannel springboard to showcase Vice President Kamala Harris’ pitch for the top job, including a somewhat risky production move of live-streaming the VP’s rally in Wisconsin on the second day of the convention.  

Harris' rally in Milwaukee packed the Fiserv Forum arena—perhaps unironically the host venue of the 2024 Republican National Convention a month before—with 15,000 supporters but managed to reach a much greater audience beyond the arena’s doors. Harris was effectively felt in two places at once thanks to state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, the reality of the developing landscape of hybrid and virtual events, and the organizational skills of the DNC Host Committee team.

Harris’ decision to hold a prime-time rally in Milwaukee during the party’s convention was risky, but the Harris campaign and DNC managed to seamlessly give coverage to both events, showcasing the democrats’ capability to host two high-volume events simultaneously.  

Choose Chicago’s Role in the DNC

The DNC put a massive spotlight on Chicago, and the Choose Chicago team took advantage of every opportunity to showcase the Windy City as an ideal destination for gatherings of all kinds, from massive political conventions to smaller corporate meetings and everything in between.

Meetings Today reached out to the Choose Chicago team, as well as the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC), to see how they prepared to put the Windy City on display to over 50,000 attendees during the four-day event. The following Q&A responses come from a Choose Chicago spokesperson.

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What role did Choose Chicago play in the planning and execution process of this year’s Democratic National Convention?

Choose Chicago brought the full force of its organization to supporting the local Chicago 2024 Host Committee to ensure a smooth, productive and successful DNC. From a Choose Chicago perspective, success means leveraging the current elevated media interest in our city to showcase all that Chicago has to offer to prospective leisure travelers and meeting and event planners from around the world.

Choose Chicago has been supporting the Chicago 2024 Host Committee as a liaison to local civic organizations, the cultural sector and the tourism and hospitality community. We are also providing event services support for the DNC, as we do for all high-profile clients.

Finally, Choose Chicago is working to ensure visitors in town for the DNC can access authentic, meaningful experiences in neighborhoods beyond the immediate convention footprint. As part of that effort, we have developed a series of neighborhood and cultural guides available at our DNC landing page.

What makes Chicago a city well-positioned to host events like this year’s DNC?

No city has hosted more political conventions than Chicago, and it’s readily apparent why. There is no better city than Chicago for mega-events like this.  

Chicago is the center of the country, making us easily accessible through our two international airports - home to United, American and Southwest Airlines’ hubs. Chicago offers over 45,000 hotel rooms in the Central Business District, meaning all delegates will be staying in downtown hotels.  

Chicago has a track record of success when it comes to hosting complex, large-scale gatherings. Whether it is previous Democratic Conventions, a NATO summit, NASCAR or Lollapalooza––Chicago can make it happen.

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What are the benefits of the DNC at McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America?

As the largest and most flexible convention center in North America, McCormick Place is uniquely positioned to welcome the DNC and host the variety of meetings and events that a convention like this requires.  

Each day at McCormick Place, there’s been a hive of Democratic activity, including new, innovative and inclusive engagement, training and organizing opportunities. The headquarters hotel for Democratic staff and media was also located on the McCormick Place campus.  

Events on McCormick Place’s campus range from a few hundred to over 100,000 attendees. McCormick Place is host to the largest convention in North America, the International Manufacturing and Technology Show (IMTS), which brings approximately 120,000 people to Chicago every other September.

Besides McCormick Place, what other venues were activated throughout the city, and how?

Each night of the convention, thousands of delegates came together in the United Center. Official proceedings, primetime programming and speeches took place at the United Center, which has hosted 70 million guests since its opening in 1994, including the 1996 Democratic National Convention.

The United Center is a 960,000-square-foot multi-use entertainment facility that has welcomed more than 70 million fans since opening in 1994. Home of the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), the United Center hosts more than 200 events each year, including the best sporting events, musical performers, family shows and special events in the industry.  

Ancillary events are happening at venues large and small across the city thanks to the Host Committee’s Vendor Directory and Venue Map.  

How are the public and private sectors of Chicago collaborating to make the DNC possible?

Since Chicago was announced as the host city for the 2024 Democratic National Convention more than a year ago, Choose Chicago has supported the Chicago Host Committee as they have worked with public and private stakeholders from around the city and state to bring the 2024 convention to life.  

The Host Committee, under the leadership of Christy George and Keiana Barrett, has been laser-focused on ensuring individuals and businesses across Illinois have the opportunity to experience the benefits of hosting the Democratic National Convention. All of the resources and infrastructure that has been created for the event has been crafted with an eye toward ensuring the benefits of the convention last long after the convention ends, and that the event positions Chicago as the world’s premiere large-scale event destination.  

In our pursuit to ensure that the convention’s economic impacts reaches all of Chicago’s diverse communities, the Host Committee has worked with residents, local businesses, chambers of commerce, professional associations, elected officials and stakeholders from the North Side, West Side and South Side to make every voice heard and included. From Lincoln Park to Pullman and the West Side to Navy Pier, every community in Chicagoland will benefit from this convention.

Chicago’s Authenticity and Diversity at the DNC 

Ahead of the DNC, Choose Chicago, in partnership with the Chicago 2024 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention, released a series of 12 visitor guides designed to help visitors in town for the 2024 DNC discover the vibrancy, authenticity and diversity of Chicago.  

The DNC Guides offer curated experiences tailored to the interests of visitors and designed to showcase the best of Chicago’s unique neighborhoods, attractions, history and cultural scenes.

"We are excited to present these curated guides as part of our commitment to ensuring that every visitor to Chicago during the DNC—and beyond—has a memorable, enriching experience," said Rich Gamble, interim president and CEO of Choose Chicago. "They not only represent an abundance of options tailored to your passions and interests, but also reflect the collaborative efforts of our local community highlighting the diversity, ingenuity and creativity that makes Chicago an extraordinary destination."    

"Our goal is to provide convention attendees with lasting resources that will make their stay both productive and enjoyable," said Christy George, executive director of the Chicago 2024 Host Committee. "These guides offer something for everyone, whether you're looking to explore our incredible local culinary scene, our beautiful neighborhoods and lakefront, or just need ideas for family-friendly activities. We want to showcase how dynamic and diverse Chicago truly is."

The 12 DNC Guides include:

1. Accessible Chicago: Navigate Chicago with ease using this guide tailored for accessibility.

2. Architecture: Marvel at the architectural wonders that define Chicago’s skyline.

3. Asian Culture: Discover the diverse and rich Asian cultural offerings in Chicago.

4. Black Culture: Experience the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Chicago’s Black community.

5. Family Friendly: Find activities and attractions suitable for all ages.

6. Food and Drink: Savor the flavors of Chicago’s renowned food scene.

7. Hispanic/Latino Culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Hispanic and Latino cultural experiences.

8. LGBTQ+: Explore the vibrant LGBTQ+ community and iconic neighborhoods.

9. Museums and Art: Explore Chicago’s world-class museums and vibrant art scene.

10. Music: Dive into Chicago’s iconic music scene, from blues to jazz to classical and beyond.

11. Neighborhoods: Discover the unique charm of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.

12. Public Art Activations from Next Stop: Chicago: Explore a series of public art activations by community-based organizations along CTA’s Green Line 

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