Among the resources available at www.visitlakenorman.org/visitors/2012-democratic-nationalconvention is an online trip builder, an engine that can create custom itineraries and includes Google maps integration, which went live on Aug. 9.
The 46th Democrat National Convention (DNC) will be held in Charlotte Sept. 3-6, 2012. Prior to the Feb. 1 announcement that Charlotte had secured the DNC, VLN worked with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) and the Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville hotels to assist in securing the 16,000 guaranteed hotel rooms required to bid on the convention. Immediately following the announcement, VLN began working via meetings with hoteliers, attraction representatives, marketing committees and other area interested parties to identify goals and initiatives to be put into action over the 18 months leading up to the event.
Early forecasts have projected the economic impact of the DNC will be between $150 million and $200 million regionally, producing an estimated infusion of $40 to $45 million in tax dollars. The average expenditure of the overnight attendees and visitors to the convention has been estimated to be at least $314 daily which will help support many retailers, dining establishments, the transportation industry, attractions, and other businesses regionally. In addition, jobs have already been created in fields such as communications, technology, security, construction, and transportation. Additional resources and facts can be found at www.charlottein2012.com.
To help support VLN’s efforts, Davidson College student Kenya Edwards has joined the organization as an intern. Her assignment is to research prior conventions, incoming delegates, and marketing opportunities for the 2012 DNC. Research findings so far include what to expect based on the 2008 Denver and 2004 Boston conventions, specific media outlets and demographic segments to target, delegate election dates, and research on current delegates. A summary of findings and reports are online at visitlakenorman.org/DNC research.
