Frequently Asked Questions
More at the Denver Convention Site Here:
Or at Mile High Concierge Partnership with the DNC 2008
The convention will take place on August 25–28, 2008. Official Host Committee events will begin on August 22.
Where is the Democratic National Convention being held?
The convention will be held at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.
Has Denver ever hosted a national political convention before?
The last time Denver or any city in the Rocky Mountain region hosted a national political convention was in 1908 when Denver hosted the Democratic National Convention.
How many guests are expected to the attend Democratic National Convention?
The convention will bring as many as 50,000 guests to the region including delegates, politicians and an influx of media and political enthusiasts from around the nation. A partial breakdown includes 15,000 members of the media; 6,000 delegates; and 14,000 party members, elected officials and others.
Does Denver have adequate lodging to handle convention visitors?
Denver offers 38,000 hotel rooms in the metro area. Nearly 17,000 hotel rooms are being held for convention week; 7,800 of which are in walking distance of the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver.
How is security for the convention being handled?
The Democratic National Convention was designated a National Special Security Event on April 23, 2007. When an event is designated a NSSE, the Secret Service assumes its mandated role as the lead agency for the design and implementation of the operational security plan.
What hotel and/or alternate housing options are available?
If you haven't yet secured lodging for your stay in Denver, hotels in the Denver Tech Center are available, which are connected by light rail to downtown Denver. Rentals can also be obtained through a commercial rental company by doing a web search for Denver short-term housing, and through free websites such as Craigslist. People who wish to rent their properties should investigate listing on similar sites.
How can I obtain tickets to attend the Democratic National Convention?
Tickets are distributed by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and may be obtained if you are a Member of Congress, a member of the press, or a delegate to the convention. The convention is an invited event and tickets are not for sale to the general public. For more information on becoming a delegate, please contact your state Democratic Party Office. The Democratic Party of Colorado will finalize the delegate selection in early June and information will be posted on their website when it becomes available. If you are a Colorado resident and seeking more information, please contact the Colorado Democratic Party by calling (303) 623-4762 or by visiting coloradodems.org.
Who is organizing the convention?
There are two main organizing groups: The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee and the Democratic National Convention Committee. Other contractual partners are the City and County of Denver and Kroenke Sports, owner of the Pepsi Center.
What is the role of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee?
The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee is a non-profit organization charged with generating the funding to pay for the 2008 Democratic Convention; organizing a volunteer base; and providing hospitality to delegates and credentialed media. Our mission is to showcase Denver and the Rocky Mountain West, to include all aspects of the community and culture of the entire region, and to emphasize environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable development.
Where is the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee office located?
1391 Speer Blvd., Ste. 450Denver, Colorado 80204(303) 534-6200
What is the role of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee?
The Democratic National Convention Committee is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee responsible for planning and organizing the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Where is the Democratic National Convention Committee office located?
1560 Broadway, Suite 400Denver, Colorado 80202(720) 362-2008
What is the role of the Democratic National Committee?
The Democratic National Committee plans the Party's quadrennial presidential nominating convention; promotes the election of Party candidates with both technical and financial support; and works with national, state, and local party organizations, elected officials, candidates, and constituencies to respond to the needs and views of the Democratic electorate and the nation.
Where is the Democratic National Committee office located?
430 S. Capitol St. S.E.Washington, DC 20003(202) 863-8000
Where can I find information about the convention online?
There are two official web sites, one managed by the Host Committee at http://www.denverconvention2008.com/and one managed by the National Convention Committee at http://www.demconvention.com/.
Are there any job opportunities available?
We post available positions on our website here. The Democratic National Convention Committee requests that job applicants e-mail their resumes to staffing@demconvention.com
How can I do business with the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee?
Businesses have the opportunity to bid on Requests for Proposals as they become available.
How can I volunteer at the convention?
Interest in the convention is overwhelming. More than 21,000 people from all over the country have applied to volunteer; we have a need for about 10,000 volunteers. Because of the large number of applicants, those who applied after March 15, 2008 will be placed on a reserve list. Volunteers will be selected based on their skills, availability and interests and notified in July. Questions can be directed by e-mail to volunteer@denverconvention2008.com or by calling the Host Committee at (303) 534-6200.
Interest in the convention is overwhelming. More than 21,000 people from all over the country have applied to volunteer; we have a need for about 10,000 volunteers. Because of the large number of applicants, those who applied after March 15, 2008 will be placed on a reserve list. Volunteers will be selected based on their skills, availability and interests and notified in July. Questions can be directed by e-mail to volunteer@denverconvention2008.com or by calling the Host Committee at (303) 534-6200.
Are there any statistics available about convention volunteers?
Yes. Of the nearly 21,000 people who have signed up to be convention volunteers, roughly 13,000 or 62% are from Colorado (8,000 are from the metro Denver area), and 7,800 or 37% are from out of state. Applicants have come from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. Some countries represented include the United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore, China and Australia. Seventy-one different languages are spoken including Creole, Yoruba, Farsi, Mongolian and Navajo. Roughly 75% of volunteers are female and 25% are male. The average age of the volunteers is 42 years, with the oldest volunteer born March 14, 1920.
How can I promote my business to convention attendees?
Denver area businesses are encouraged to register in our online Vendor Directory. Delegates, journalists, party members and supporters, elected officials and other visitors will access this directory from across the nation to find goods and services needed for the convention. We also offer a special 2008 Summit Club sponsorship program, in addition to corporate sponsor packages.
Where can I find information on permits and licenses?
Because of the international significance and large-scale nature of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper has declared it to be an "Extraordinary Event." As a result, a special process has been established for events, permits and licenses in the downtown area that will take place between August 15-31, 2008. Click here for complete details and application forms.
Where can I find information about obtaining press credentials?
The application process for press credentials and workspace at the 2008 Democratic National Convention is now closed. The deadline for application for workspace was February 1, 2008. The credentials application deadline was April 15, 2008. Questions about the status of an individual application should be directed to the appropriate press gallery, or to the Democratic National Convention Committee.
I am a reporter. Who do I contact for my article/media spot?
Reporters and journalists who have questions about the convention may contact Chris Lopez, Communications Director, Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, (303) 534-6200.
Where can I purchase convention memorabilia?
Official merchandise can be purchased at http://www.denverdncgear.com/.
Who designed the Host Committee logo?
Student artists Stuart Confer and Nathan Zehr designed the official Denver 2008 logo.
When will the Media Welcoming Party take place?
The official Media Welcoming Celebration will be held at Elitch Gardens on August 23, 2008.
I'm concerned about the environmental impact of the convention. What's being done?
The Denver 2008 Host Committee is committed to making this the greenest convention possible. The 10 focused areas of green convention planning include: utilizing renewable energy; reducing waste while maximizing recycling; providing green transportation options; utilizing green building design and practices; increasing the practice of green industry standards in the hospitality industry; conserving water; measuring, managing and mitigating our carbon emissions; promoting, offering and reporting on visitors' green and healthy choices; highlighting local environmental business leaders and greening the supply chain; maximizing outreach, education and behavioral change in regards to sustainable practices.
What is Green Sunday?
Sunday, August 24, 2008 will be designated as "Green Sunday" to display the efforts of businesses that are working to create a sustainable environment. The day will conclude with a Green Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
