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2008 Republican National Convention
All eyes will be on Minneapolis-Saint Paul, as the cities play host to the 2008 Republican National Convention. Already enjoying a large amount of recent media attention focusing on the area's booming arts, architecture and dining scene, the cities look forward to the exposure that will come from hosting the RNC.
"The enthusiasm of the community and the community leaders to host the convention means a great deal." -- RNC co-chairwoman Jo Ann Davidson (MPR, Sept. 27)
For more information on the 2008 Republican National Convention, visit:
Media Contacts
Teresa McFarland
Communications Director
RNC Host Committee
651.677.2980
Matt Burns
Director of Communications & Spokesman
2008 Republican National Convention (COA)
651.467.2008
Facts & figures Dates: September 1-4, 2008
Convention facility: Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul
Headquarters hotel: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Civic Fest, A Very Minnesotan Celebration: Minneapolis Convention Center,
Hotel rooms needed: Approximately 16,000 per night at 101 hotels throughout the metro-area have been secured specifically for the convention
Total number of hotel rooms in the metro area: Approximately 35,000
Total cost of convention: Approximately $82 million
Expected attendees: (all are approximate & estimated numbers) - Total: up to 45,000 - Delegates: 2,000 - Alternate delegates: 2,000 - Volunteers: 10,000 - Media: 15,000 - Staff, families, guests, etc.: 15,000
Economic impact: Differs depending on attendance and the host city. According to the Democratic National Committee, the 2004 Democratic National Convention held in Boston resulted in direct spending of $156 million.
FAQs
What is the benefit to Minneapolis and the rest of the metro area?
The 2008 Republican National Convention is an event that will benefit the entire metro area and state of Minnesota. A large percentage of Minneapolis-Saint Paul area hotel rooms will be filled, bringing money to hospitality business and retail outlets.
In addition, meeting facilities, venues and suppliers throughout the metro area will be used for convention-related festivities and functions. In fact, the Republican National Committee has earmarked the Minneapolis Convention Center for an official convention event.
Also, the massive amount of media coverage received in the months leading up to and during the convention itself will help generate awareness of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area as an ideal place to visit and live.
Did Minneapolis and Saint Paul submit separate bids?
While Meet Minneapolis, Official Convention + Visitors Association, coordinated putting the bid together, many different organizations, plus the leadership of numerous metro-area cities and local and state government, all worked to secure the convention.
Is Labor Day weekend a good weekend to host such a large-scale convention?
The Republican National Convention is scheduled at an ideal time with respect to convention and meeting business. Labor Day weekend is typically a slow time for Minneapolis-Saint Paul area hotels and meeting facilities. There are no large events that need to be moved in order to accommodate the Republican National Convention.
Will any new infrastructure need to be built to accommodate the convention?
No, Minneapolis-Saint Paul was required to have satisfactory venues and hotels that meet the needs of the convention at the time of submitting the bid. However, there may be some temporary reconstruction inside the convention facilities. All venues must be returned to normal after the convention is finished.
