FAQ: General Info
UPDATE: Local law enforcement and the U.S. Secret Service released a security plan, including street closures, pedestrian restrictions, and detailed maps. The Host Committee worked with our city partners to put together a summary of that plan to make it easier for local residents and businesses to find answers to their questions.
Click here to access those FAQs, or read on for FAQs on other topics.
Official Convention Details:
What are the dates of the Convention?
Convention week will kick off on Monday, September 3, with CarolinaFest 2012, a free to the public, family friendly Labor Day event in Uptown Charlotte. This event will engage more Americans in the convention process and celebrate our democracy, the Carolinas, Virginia, and the South. The convention’s first two days of official business will be at Time Warner Cable Arena, on Tuesday, September 4, and Wednesday, September 5. On Thursday September 6, President Obama will accept the nomination at Bank of America Stadium, where once again the public will be invited to attend.
How can I get a ticket to the Convention?
Conventions have traditionally been open only to delegates, credentialed media and elected officials, but at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, CarolinaFest 2012 will be free and open to the public. If you are interested in attending, please sign up on our website, CharlotteIn2012.com, to receive info about the event. Additionally, the public will have access to community credentials to the proceedings on Thursday September 6, at Bank of America Stadium, where President Obama will accept the nomination—sign up at the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) website demconvention.com to receive information about community credentials when it becomes available.
I want to attend Thursday night of the Convention with my family. How can I get more information about this? Will there be public tickets available for President Obama’s speech at Bank of America Stadium?
The public will have access to passes to the proceedings on Thursday, September 6 at Bank of America Stadium, where President Obama will accept the nomination—sign up at the DNCC website demconvention.com to receive information about community credentials when it becomes available.
How do I become a delegate?
If you are interested in becoming a state delegate, you should contact your state’s Democratic Party for information on the specific process to become a delegate. Every state’s rules are different. You can also find state-by-state information on the DNCC website at http://www.demconvention.com/delegates.asp.
Hospitality/Vendors/Events/Local Businesses
How do I get media credentials?
The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee does not issue media credentials. The deadline for media credentials was April 15, 2012. Please see the DNCC Media Logistics page at www.demconvention.com/media.asp for more information.
What’s the difference between the Host Committee and the DNCC?
The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee was established in the spring of 2012 to promote Charlotte as a convention city. It does so in part by fulfilling obligations in the Master Contract as signed by the city of Charlotte and the Democratic National Committee (DNCC). Following are some of those contractual obligations:
o Work in concert with the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) to ensure the successful support and production of the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
o Raise $36.65 million to fund official convention activities.
o Recruit, train and deploy around 10,000 volunteers.
o Engage a cross-section of Charlotte and the Carolinas to successfully host the DNC in 2012, including preparing businesses to provide the services needed in order to host the convention.
In addition, Charlotte in 2012 is making the most of this historic opportunity to tell Charlotte’s story and make the most of visibility brought by the convention to visitors from around the world.
The Democratic National Convention Committee is a not-for-profit organization responsible for planning and executing the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.
I live in the area but am not a delegate – what can I do to celebrate and experience the Convention?
We invite you to join us at Monday’s kick off event, CarolinaFest 2012, in Uptown Charlotte. This family friendly Labor Day celebration is free and open to the public. Sign up for updates on our website at CharlotteIn2012.com to receive CarolinaFest details. Additionally, the public will have access to community credentials to participate in the proceedings on Thursday September 6 at Bank of America Stadium, where President Obama will accept the nomination—sign up at the DNCC website demconvention.com to receive information about community credentials when it becomes available.
Hospitality/Vendors/Events/Local Businesses
I have a private residence to rent to DNC visitors, can I rent through you?
The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee will not promote or endorse any housing rental companies. Additionally, we really want our visitors to experience what is best about Charlotte – its people. We encourage Charlotteans and area residents to stick around, come to the free Labor Day event in Uptown Charlotte, and – considering that this is the first time a convention has been hosted in North Carolina – enjoy history in your backyard!
Why are all the hotel rooms being reserved for members of the media and delegates?
When the city of Charlotte bid to host the convention, it had to show that it had enough space to house all of the official guests that come to a convention, including members of the media and state delegations. It is important that these official guests stay in a place that is relatively close to the convention so that they do not miss any official convention proceedings.
Can the Convention sponsor my event?
While there will be some official hospitality and welcome events, the majority of events the week of the convention are hosted by independent entities and not sponsored by the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee.
How can I reserve a venue to host an event?
The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee is pleased to partner with Visit Charlotte, a local tourism board, to provide concierge service by matching those interested in hosting a convention week event with appropriate venues. If you are interested in hosting an event, or have a commercial venue that will be available convention week, contact Stacey Harris at sharris@clt2012.com.
I am a local business owner, how can I get Convention-related business?
Register on our Vendor Directory located at CharlotteIn2012.com. We developed a vendor directory to catalogue local businesses and link visiting groups with goods and services in the area during convention week and beyond. It is an innovative and interactive online tool that enables regional businesses to create company profiles that feature the goods and services they provide. It broadens the local stream of commerce by ensuring that businesses can connect with one another and the Convention, its visitors, event producers, and locals can easily locate the goods and services they need.
I’ve signed up on the vendor directory but no one has called me.
In order to bid for convention contracts, be sure that you checked the appropriate boxes when you registered to receive Requests For Proposals (RFP) to do business with the convention. Some may check “All RFP’s” and those firms will receive all calls for RFP’s. For the 1,000+ non-official events that will be hosted in Charlotte convention week, all of those hosting entities will be encouraged to procure goods and services by searching through the vendor directory.
How can I set up a booth to sell my products or provide information about my cause during the Convention?
Unlike commercially based or trade conventions, the official proceedings of the Democratic National Convention will not have space for commercial vendors. We do, however, encourage all local businesses to register via the Vendor Directory found at CharlotteIn2012.com. Although we are in the initial planning phases and details are still being worked out for CarolinaFest 2012, we hope to have exhibition space that will allow a broad cross section of what the Carolinas and surrounding region has to offer to be put on display. As we identify amount of exhibition space and the types of exhibitors we have a need for, we will post that information at CharlotteIn2012.com.
How do I get a limousine contract?
If you are a limousine operator, please register your business through the vendor directory. All outside groups looking to procure goods and services will be encouraged to search for their needs in the vendor directory found at www.charlottein2012.com
I a performer or DJ or am part of a band or choir. May I perform at the Convention?
Sign up on our Vendor Directory at CharlotteIn2012.com! The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee will have entertainment needs leading up to, and during, the convention. We will look for performers and entertainers in our vendor directory. The vendor directory is an innovative and interactive online tool that enables regional businesses to create company profiles that feature the goods and services they provide. It broadens the local stream of commerce by ensuring that businesses can connect with one another and the Convention, its visitors, event producers, and locals can easily locate the goods and services they need.
May I list my attraction/event on your website?
We do have a community events calendar where community organizations can submit events to be posted. The calendar and posting criteria can be found at: CharlotteIn2012.com
Monday's Carolina Fest 2012 Event
I want to attend the event on Labor Day, how can I get information? Is it open to all? How do I get tickets?
Monday’s kick off event in Uptown Charlotte will be open to the public. Sign up for updates on our website at www.charlottein2012.com to find out more information about Monday’s event once it is made available. We expect to have ticketing and event information available early in the summer.
What business opportunities are available during Monday’s Event?
We are still determining our needs for Monday’s event. The best thing to do at this time is to register on our Vendor Directory located at CharlotteIn2012.com. We will procure all goods and services for Monday’s event by searching through our vendor directory. We developed this directory to catalogue local businesses and link visiting groups with goods and services in the area during convention week and beyond. It is an innovative and interactive online tool that enables regional businesses to create company profiles that feature the goods and services they provide. It broadens the local stream of commerce by ensuring that businesses can connect with one another and the Convention, its visitors, event producers, and locals can easily locate the goods and services they need.
Will vendors need a license from the city to sell merchandise, similar to protesting permits?
Charlotte in 2012 has obtained a festival permit for our Labor Day festival in uptown Charlotte on Monday, September 3, 2012. Those interested in selling merchandise may apply for a vendor permit through the host committee on our website at www.carolinafest2012.com. Vendors will need all applicable business licenses to sell merchandise in the state of North Carolina. Prior to applying, it is recommended that interested vendors visit http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/TaxCollections/FAQ/Pages/Business Tax.aspx effort to see what is required for City/County compliance.
Will there be a fee for vendors?
Yes, the fee will be announced with the permitting process.
Where and how will vendors be able to sell? Push carts? Booths? On Tryon?
Vendors will have an opportunity to apply for a permit from the Host Committee to set up a table or booth in uptown, along Tryon St., during CarolinaFest. Those with button boards will not need a permit.
Can we use Official Host Committee and/or Democratic Convention Logos?
Only merchandise licensed by the Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee can bear the names and logos of the 2012 Democratic National Convention and Charlotte in 2012. These are protected trademarks.
What about food trucks? Will they be allowed and if so will they need to follow the same permitting process as the merchandise vendors?
Charlotte in 2012 will also accept permit applications from food trucks to participate in CarolinaFest. Again, the guidelines for permits will be made available the week of July 9th.
Finance
Who can contribute to the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee?
This is the first Host Committee in convention history to raise convention funds without accepting monetary contributions from corporations, lobbyists or PACs. The typical fundraising structure has changed entirely; monetary contributions now come from individuals, foundations and charitable organizations.
Are there any other rules/restrictions?
The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee does not accept monetary contributions from corporations or contributions of any kind from currently registered federal lobbyists, registered foreign agents, political action committees, or minors under the age of 16. Contributions from individuals are restricted to $100,000.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes, contributions to the convention are tax-deductible. The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee is a Section 501(c)(3) organization, and therefore contributions made to the organization are tax-deductible as charitable contributions to the extent permitted by law.
I want to support the Convention by contributing. Where do I send my contribution?
Donate online at CharlotteIn2012.com/involved/donate/. To pay by credit card over the phone, please call 704.444.2398.
May I contribute via a check?
Yes, the Charlotte 2012 Convention Host Committee does accept contributions in the form of checks. Please make checks payable to “Committee for Charlotte 2012” and mail all contributions to: Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee; 400 S. Tryon Street, Suite 500; Charlotte, NC 28202
Volunteering for the Convention and Service Projects
How do I volunteer for the Convention?
Register online: CharlotteIn2012.com/involved/volunteer/. Our online registration system enables those interested in volunteering to build their own personal online profile that will help us match each volunteer’s skill set with the proper jobs and ensure that volunteer opportunities can fit almost anyone’s schedule.
What types of volunteer opportunities are out there?
Democratic National Convention Volunteers: Volunteers will have the opportunity to work in the following areas:
• Administration – Supporting Host Committee staff.
• Hospitality – Staffing Welcome Desks at delegate and media hotels.
• Transportation – Assisting with the boarding and de-boarding of delegates at hotels and convention sites, driving dignitaries, etc.
• Logistics – Working events.
Pre-Democratic National Convention Volunteers: Volunteers will have the opportunity to work on Host Committee events over the next few months as well as volunteer for Host Committee allies through the Legacy Programs. The goal of these programs is to improve people’s lives in Charlotte and surrounding areas long past the National Convention. The service and progress committed to these programs will be a legacy of the Democratic National Convention.
What are the volunteer requirements?
- Volunteers must commit to at least two four-hour shifts.
- Volunteers must attend the general training session as well as any training sessions specific to your area of work.
- Those interested in volunteering should register at www.charlottein2012.com/involve/volunteer.
- Volunteers must be 18 years old by May 31, 2012.
- Each registrant must have a unique email address; therefore two or more individuals cannot sign up using the same email address.
- No group registration will be permitted, unless registrants are signing up through an organization affiliated with the Host Committee.
- If volunteers would like to serve with their friend, they may sign up for the same shifts.
- Volunteers must choose what type of volunteer they wish to be for events before National Convention OR for events before and during National Convention.
I don’t live in Charlotte. May I still volunteer?
Volunteers are not only needed in Uptown Charlotte, but also in surrounding areas. Volunteers from all over the country are welcome to join our volunteer program, however, volunteers must have their own housing.
I signed up to volunteer, but have not heard from anyone to confirm or deny my information was received?
If you created an online volunteer profile, you should have received a conformation. You can also sign back in to the system to ensure that you are registered. In early April, we sent our first email communication to registered volunteers. You will hear from us more frequently toward the beginning of the summer when we have new information. Know that we are working diligently behind the scenes to make your volunteer experience wonderful. And as we get closer and closer to the Convention, you will be hearing a lot more from us.
What is the Volunteer Process Schedule?
As we are working behind the scenes to prepare the Volunteer system, there are several things that you should look out for. - In late spring, the shift selection process will begin. You will be placed into roles based on the interest area(s) that you noted on your online Volunteer profile. Once this shift selection process begins, you will also have the opportunity to select the days and times you can volunteer. - Over the summer, we will begin both general and specific training, so make sure to look out for those dates. - In August, you will begin to receive information about volunteer assignments, uniform pick up, and last minute details.
Am I required to attend a training session?
Yes, all volunteers are required to attend a training session. We will work to accommodate those who cannot attend in-person trainings by arranging online trainings. All of this information will be provided in our email updates.
How many shifts do I have to work as a volunteer?
All volunteers are asked to commit to at least two, four-hour shifts.
How will volunteers be informed if they are chosen?
Communications about shift selection, training, and final assignments will be made via email to volunteers registered in our online system.
I signed up to volunteer. Where can I stay?
We recommend that you find a friend or family member in the Charlotte area to stay with. Unfortunately, we cannot provide housing for our volunteers.
Can I volunteer to work inside the Bank of America Stadium on the final night?
The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee will not place volunteers inside the Bank of America Stadium on the final night of the convention.
Do I need to find my own transportation to get to my assignment?
Yes, all volunteers will need to find their own transportation to their respective assignments. However, any parking fees will be covered by the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee.
I am a high school student who wants to get involved with the convention. How do I do that? Is there a minimum age? What are the opportunities?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee is working to provide opportunities for 1,000 Charlotte youth to participate in this historic event and we will notify the community when that plan is ready.
Can I volunteer with my friends/family/group?
If volunteers would like to serve with their friend, family, or group, they may sign up for the same shifts.
Charlotte and the Carolinas
I am coming to Charlotte for the Convention. What are some highlights? Where can I get information about local attractions and activities?
We have a great deal of information on our website about Charlotte, the area, and things visitors can do while they are here to take advantage of the amenities of a major urban center with friendly feel of a close-knit community. Charlotte boasts a spectrum of artistic, cultural and recreational opportunities, from the newly-completed $83 million uptown Levine Cultural Campus in Uptown to numerous independent galleries, theatre companies, performing and visual arts spaces and professional symphony and opera organizations. Charlotte is the gateway to the Carolinas, only two hours to the Blue Ridge Mountains and three hours to the best Atlantic Coast beaches.
Tell me more about Charlotte – what is it all about?
Charlotte is a city where residents enjoy a high quality of life Coupled with the Southern charm people expect when they come to North Carolina. We enjoy the opportunities and amenities of a major urban center with friendly feel of a close-knit community. Here, people will find the new face of America where diverse people work together to do well, but also do good. Charlotte is ranked as one of America’s most livable cities, with housing costs 80 percent of the national average. The Charlotte area is the fastest growing urban center among urbanized areas with populations of 1 million or more.
What is the weather like in Charlotte?
Charlotte has a four-season climate and an annual mean high temperature of 72 degrees.
How easy is it to get to Charlotte?
Charlotte’s airport (CLT) is the world’s fastest growing outside Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and the sixth busiest airport nationwide with nonstop service to 138 destinations and 697 daily departures. CLT is one connection away from virtually anywhere in the world. Charlotte is located in the center of the East Coast, within a two- hour plane ride and one day’s drive to more than half of the nation’s population.
What is the demographic makeup of Charlotte?
The population of Charlotte reflects the changing demographics of America. Demographers predict that by the middle of the century, racial and ethnic minorities will become the majority of the US population. According to the 2010 United States Census, Charlotte is already there, as one of 22 U.S. cities with a where the population is less than 50% white and made up of a diverse mix of ethnicities and races.
Legacy
How is the Convention leaving an impact on the community once it’s over?
As Charlotte and the region prepare to host the most open and accessible Convention in history, we are working together to improve people’s lives long past the Convention. In anticipation of the Convention in his city, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx announced the Convention’s four legacy program areas:
1) Youth Employment and Civic Education
2) Healthy Children; Healthy Families
3) Promote A Broader, More Inclusive Local Economy
4) Promote New Standards of Community Sustainability
The Host Committee has identified leaders and advocates in this community in each respective field to help us develop ways to highlight and catalyze good work that is already being done here. We will work to leverage the unique opportunity to use the attention and excitement that surrounds the Convention to bring members of the community together to: - Provide local and national attention to our local legacy allies and projects. - Provide opportunities for the community to galvanize in support of these grassroots legacy allies and projects. - Provide resources to connect local grassroots community building efforts with residents who are empowered by the convention to volunteer their time to better the community.
I have a project that doesn’t fit under one of the legacy groups, can I still be involved with the Host Committee?
The Host Committee and its community allies have been working to identify the people and organizations doing impactful work and providing creative solutions to community challenges. While the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee is focusing on Mayor Foxx’s four legacy areas, we know that there are many other positive efforts out there. If you would like additional information about the legacy program, please send your request to legacy@clt2012.com. We also encourage all to register to volunteer at www.charlottein2012.com. We are recruiting more than 10,000 volunteers for this convention and need the help and support from the community to reach that goal. There will also be service projects and volunteer opportunities leading up to the convention that we will notify you about once you are registered in our volunteer system.
I saw the legacy projects that were announced, and my organization does something very similar. Is there an opportunity for us to be involved as well?
Charlotte has many organizations that provide outstanding services and programs related to our legacy areas. We encourage organizations that do similar work in the community to collaborate with one another to demonstrate how we come together to create a better community. If you are interested in seeing how you can contribute to one of these legacy areas, please send an email to legacy@clt2012.com.
