Delegation gets brief on RNC’s impact in Philly

David Cohen addresses Tampa delegation

Benchmarking this morning…

Got briefed by David Cohen, the chair of the 2000 host committee that got the RNC to Phily.

Takeaways for Tampa:

1. Make it an effort to have a long-lasting impact on tourism/hospitality – not just a one-time show.
2. Create separate/dedicated transportation system for delegates – make them feel very special and make it so they can go wherever they want to go around the area – free of charge.
3. Create promotional program for area restaurants.  This was the most disappointed group in Philly – they had high expectations for business, but it didn’t come through because delegates were at the convention from 6 – 10:00 each night.  Definitely make public pitch to get locals out in restaurants.
4. Like baseball’s Fanfest and basketball’s Jamfest, create Politiicalfest – a multimedia celebration of American politics.  Make a replica of oval office.  Create a mock up of the convention stage and allow people to give speeches – with balloon drops and all.  Sell DVD’s of their speech.  Have political memorabilia vendors come in.
5. Do video feeds from convention – put up big screens strong city where public can watch.  Engage the public – make it free and get local politicians (from both parties) to attend these events and mingle.  .
   Do a Host committee reception every night.  Non-partisan reception – thanks to biz community.
6. The convention paid off in Phily – they’re consistently up on hotel nights compared to pre-convention and established the city as a player in major hospitality events.

Off to the airport…more later.