The Convention
When is it?
The Convention will take place starting on Labor Day, Monday, September 1 to Thursday, September 4, 2008. The last national political convention in Minnesota: Republican National Convention in 1892—President Benjamin Harrison received the nomination but was defeated by Former President Grover Cleveland in the general elections.
Where will it take place?
The Republican National Committee has chosen the Xcel Energy Center for the Convention. The media headquarters will be at the RiverCentre Convention Center but they will be using venues throughout the Minneapolis.
How many people will attend?
Nearly 45,000 people will come to Minnesota over the 4 day Convention…
- 2,380 delegates
- 2,230 alternates
- 15,000 media from across the world
- 25,000 family/guests/volunteers/security
How will this convention benefit Minnesota?
We estimate $200 million dollar gain to the state gross product. According to the Democratic National Committee, the 2004 Democratic National Convention held in Boston resulted in direct spending of $156 million and the Republican National Convention resulted in $250 million in spending. The 2008 Republican National Convention is an event that will benefit the entire metro area and state of Minnesota. Most of the greater Minneapolis Saint Paul area’s hotel rooms will be used by the delegates, media and other attendees, bringing money to hospitality businesses 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, we can’t dismiss the massive amount of media coverage the entire area will receive in the months leading up to and during the convention itself.
Over 15,000 media promoting Minneapolis/Saint Paul/Bloomington with local, national and international morning, noon and night coverage, we will raise the regions profile!
A successful convention will lead to more major/world class events hosted within the Twin Cities. If we can do this, we can do anything!
- How can I be a part of the Convention?
Just go to the Volunteer page and fill out the information requested and someone will be in contact with you shortly!! If you would like to make a contribution to the Host Committee please call (651) MSP-2008.
- How is traffic flow going to be impacted?
About 1 1⁄2 years of intensive planning will go into logistics and security, with the goal of having as little disruption to local residents as possible. Local experts have extensive experience in organizing transportation for large events, so this convention should prove no different. Also, the fact that events will be spread between both cities should also alleviate some of the congestion residents of other cities have experienced.
The convention only overlaps with one day (Labor Day) of the Minnesota State Fair, minimizing complications with congestion. Transportation options have already been planned and will be able to accommodate both events concurrently for that one day.
