DEMOCRATS PICK MILWAUKEE FOR 2020 CONVENTION: AP

[Not A Serious Person]

NM

[dgies9156]

This is impressive. For Milwaukee to have the hotel rooms, restaurants and convention facilities to handle a Democratic Convention is stunning.

I don't doubt some of the selection of Milwaukee is political and designed to energize Democrats in Wisconsin. Still, the selection is a remarkable statement about the community Milwaukee has become and a very positive reflection on the business, political and social community in Milwaukee.

Despite the problems the city has had in the past 30 years, the city remains among the major metro areas in the United States.

Nice job Milwaukee!

[Dr. Blackheart]

Queue the Hop Expansion and the Bradley Center Convention hotel....

[jsglow]

Very cool. Great for the city.

[jsglow]

This won’t end well

IBTL

Agreed.  Sincerely hope all folks can just applaud the economic shot in the arm.

[Mr. Nielsen]

Good for Milwaukee! Get your helmets ready for the marches.

[mu03eng]

Well at least I know what week/weekend to take a vacation away from the MKE area.

[D'Lo Brown]

Maybe a noob question but is it going to be at Fiserv? Couldn't find that info in the stories I read.

[BrewCity83]

Maybe a noob question but is it going to be at Fiserv? Couldn't find that info in the stories I read.

Yes.

[mu03eng]

Maybe a noob question but is it going to be at Fiserv? Couldn't find that info in the stories I read.

Yes, that's going to be the center piece of the convention. There will be break outs in other places like the former Midwest Express convention center, but all the evening stuff that gets covered by the news will be in Fiserv

[Jockey]

This is impressive, if it is borne out. For Milwaukee to have the hotel rooms, restaurants and convention facilities to handle a Democratic Convention is stunning.

I don't doubt some of the selection of Milwaukee is political and designed to energize Democrats in Wisconsin. Still, the selection is a remarkable statement about the community Milwaukee has become and a very positive reflection on the business, political and social community in Milwaukee.

Despite the problems the city has had in the past 30 years, the city remains among the major metro areas in the United States.

Nice job Milwaukee!

It is impressive - couldn’t have happened even a few years ago.

[mu_hilltopper]

Please limit all discussion to Milwaukee hosting an event.

Political posts will be removed. 

[muzzwilliams]

Just in time for my 10 year reunion. Going to get wild. Can't wait to be eating a bowl of chili with Joe B

[mu03eng]

The question is, can Milwaukee pull it off? Either way I think it'll be a good economic impact for SE Wisconsin but I really question if MKE will be able to get there in time to support it.

[Plaque Lives Matter!]

Wonder what the likelihood Marquette Poli Sci, Law, or Journalism can get some good internships or temp gigs involved with the planning or coordination over the summer. Might be a great way for the school to score connections with the politicians and reporters. If I were Marquette I'd be sending out feelers to every major network and candidate.

[Jockey]

The question is, can Milwaukee pull it off? Either way I think it'll be a good economic impact for SE Wisconsin but I really question if MKE will be able to get there in time to support it.

They better pull it off. Biggest advertisement ever for the city as to hosting more conventions in the future.

[warriorchick]

Just in time for my 10 year reunion. Going to get wild. Can't wait to be eating a bowl of chili with Joe B

ICYMI:

Reunions have been moved to the fall. It's been that way for the past 2 years.

[muwarrior69]

...and Madison is named the 3rd happiest city in America!

https://dailycaller.com/2019/03/11/plano-texas-madison-wisconsin-happiest-cities/

[GooooMarquette]

Big win for Milwaukee and SE WI. The publicity is almost always good, as long as any protests don’t get out of hand.

[Cheeks]

This is going to be so great.

Hopefully for the city people behave themselves.

[GooooMarquette]

...and Madison is named the 3rd happiest city in America!

https://dailycaller.com/2019/03/11/plano-texas-madison-wisconsin-happiest-cities/

My brother lived in Plano for a while, and he never told me anything about the place that made me want to move there....

[Benny B]

Frankly, I'm not surprised, and it seemed like a win by default more than anything.... Milwaukee seems a bit more strategic as a battleground than Miami, and I can't imagine what in God's name anyone was thinking by considering holding a convention anywhere near the Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season.

[Mutaman]

This is going to be so great.

Hopefully for the city people behave themselves.

[4everwarriors]

Hope dey drop tons of 💰 while heer, hey?

[dgies9156]

Hopefully for the city people behave themselves.

Just ask Chicago what happens when they don't.

Imagine a Democratic convention if the late Harold Brier still was police chief!

[Cheeks]

Just ask Chicago what happens when they don't.

Imagine a Democratic convention if the late Harold Brier still was police chief!

I worry about outsiders more than the fine people of Wisconsin.  Considering one of my kids will be there and working in the area, I hope everything is peaceful.  If it is like the last few, there will be fencing / walls built and areas for people to do their thing in designated areas.  That seemed to work. 

[Pakuni]

Just ask Chicago what happens when they don't.

Imagine a Democratic convention if the late Harold Brier still was police chief!

Don't worry. I'm confident the Milwaukee PD will behave far better than Chicago's did in '68.

[rocket surgeon]

  great for the economy of milwaukee and wisconsin, BUT the big concern will be hotel rooms.  isn't this scheduled for july.  i didn't catch the exact date, but summerfest followed by the other ethnic fests will tie up many rooms.  in addition, if the brewers are in town and any other business.  air B & B will be at a premium like uber on a busy friday night-not so cheap. 

[mu03eng]

  great for the economy of milwaukee and wisconsin, BUT the big concern will be hotel rooms.  isn't this scheduled for july.  i didn't catch the exact date, but summerfest followed by the other ethnic fests will tie up many rooms.  in addition, if the brewers are in town and any other business.  air B & B will be at a premium like uber on a busy friday night-not so cheap.

Not sure if the 2020 MLB schedule is set but if it isn't I'm confident they'll have the Brewers on a road trip that week. Hotels I'm sure are already blocked for that week for DNC use so I'm sure that will be fine. I'm mostly concerned about infrastructure issues.

[Pakuni]

  great for the economy of milwaukee and wisconsin, BUT the big concern will be hotel rooms.  isn't this scheduled for july.  i didn't catch the exact date, but summerfest followed by the other ethnic fests will tie up many rooms.  in addition, if the brewers are in town and any other business.  air B & B will be at a premium like uber on a busy friday night-not so cheap.

July 13-16, so Summerfest will be done. I imagine that if the city wants it, MLB will have the Brewers out of town that week.

[RJax55]

July 13-16, so Summerfest will be done. I imagine that if the city wants it, MLB will have the Brewers out of town that week.

Won't matter. That's the same time period as the MLB All-star game in LA.

[GB Warrior]

This is great news. Time to Airbnb the house!

[Benny B]

This is great news. Time to Airbnb the house!

I’m a little too far away to Airbnb, but I’m already pondering a few ideas on how to make some dough via other legal means. 

[ZiggysFryBoy]

I’m a little too far away to Airbnb, but I’m already pondering a few ideas on how to make some dough via other legal means.

Imma just gonna sell weed.

[Benny B]

Imma just gonna sell weed.

Demand is to(o) high. 

[Anti-Dentite]

Imma just gonna sell weed.

Cool, where you gonna set up 

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Demand is to(o) high.

Time to sell the cart and buy a van, aina?

[Plaque Lives Matter!]

Marquette should offer up some dorm rooms. Charge a hefty premium and fund some scholarships!

[Not A Serious Person]

Just ask Chicago what happens when they don't.

Imagine a Democratic convention if the late Harold Brier still was police chief!

1996 Chicago Democratic convention went well.

How old are you?

[Anti-Dentite]

Just ask Chicago what happens when they don't.

Imagine a Democratic convention if the late Harold Brier still was police chief!

What a stretch, Breier hasn't been chief in 35 years and has been dead for over 20 so...

[rocket surgeon]

Not sure if the 2020 MLB schedule is set but if it isn't I'm confident they'll have the Brewers on a road trip that week. Hotels I'm sure are already blocked for that week for DNC use so I'm sure that will be fine. I'm mostly concerned about infrastructure issues.

re: the brewers-good call

 i haven't seen any numbers from DNC yet, but this from the biztimes-

     "“Milwaukee needs a 750- to 1,000-room headquarter hotel to attract large conventions,” Hanis said. “The city has good air service and the (room) rates are not oppressive. Milwaukee could be very competitive to go after the group travel market, but you just don’t have the diversity (in downtown hotel size) to bring in a 3,000- to 4,000-person conference.”

milwaukee has aprrox 5000 rooms with approx 66% occupancy rate

https://www.biztimes.com/2016/industries/hospitality-tourism/downtown-market-continues-to-add-hotel-rooms-fueling-oversupply-concerns/

[warriorchick]

Marquette should offer up some dorm rooms. Charge a hefty premium and fund some scholarships!

Not a dumb idea. They already do this to some extent for conferences, sports camps, etc. Heck, they could even get McCormick out of the mothballs!

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Not a dumb idea. They already do this to some extent for conferences, sports camps, etc. Heck, they could even get McCormick out of the mothballs!

I'd stay in Room 915 one more time.

[tower912]

Carpenter tower912 is a great room.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Not a dumb idea. They already do this to some extent for conferences, sports camps, etc. Heck, they could even get McCormick out of the mothballs!

You think today’s political class is staying in a dorm room?

[Cheeks]

You think today’s political class is staying in a dorm room?

Some of them, yes.

[warriorchick]

You think today’s political class is staying in a dorm room?

All the protesters need somewhere to crash.

[Not A Serious Person]

All the protesters need somewhere to crash.

That's what public parks are for.

[jsglow]

Milwaukee will be really entertaining people watching that week.  I know I'm not going but still.

[warriorchick]

Not a dumb idea. They already do this to some extent for conferences, sports camps, etc. Heck, they could even get McCormick out of the mothballs!

Orrrr not...

https://www.facebook.com/MarquetteU/photos/a.485364044830485/2354299447936926/?type=3&theater

[MU82]

Well at least I know what week/weekend to take a vacation away from the MKE area.

I said the exact same thing when I learned that Charlotte got the 2020 Republican convention!

Mrs. 82 and I will be hightailin' it out of town Aug. 24-27, 2020.

Too bad the conventions aren't at the same time, mu03 ... we coulda gotten the families together at some point in between!

[D'Lo Brown]

I said the exact same thing when I learned that Charlotte got the 2020 Republican convention!

Mrs. 82 and I will be hightailin' it out of town Aug. 24-27, 2020.

Too bad the conventions aren't at the same time, mu03 ... we coulda gotten the families together at some point in between!

There is enough time left to incorporate yourself as a tiki torch business

[Cheeks]

I guess this ensures the candidates will actually be in Wisconsin this time around....eh?

[dgies9156]

What a stretch, Breier hasn't been chief in 35 years and has been dead for over 20 so...

Can't I engage in flights of fantasy?

And to the other comment, I'm well aware things went well in 1996 -- I was working in Chicago at the time. But things aren't quite as civil as they were in 1996 and you just don't know how people will act if pushed to the wall -- be it police or demonstrators. Of course, if Harold Brier were chief...........   

[mu_hilltopper]

Start saving up your dollar bills, people.

https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2019/03/13/taverns-silk-group-buys-arts-performing-center/

And what about the 2020 Democratic National Convention that will take place just across the river? The media usually manages to generate stories out of reports that extra dancers are being flown in for political conventions in anticipation of increased demand. Ploetz thinks it’s a win not just for Silk, but for all of Milwaukee. “I think it is going to be great for every business,” he told Urban Milwaukee.

[Eldon]

DNC has lit a fire under the arse of Milwaukee with respect to building 'new stuff':

https://milwaukeerecord.com/city-life/in-case-you-blinked-last-week-heres-all-the-new-crap-theyre-building-in-milwaukee-march-10-16/

Edit: the Scoopbot is automatically changing "sh!t" to "crap" in the link, hence the link is not working.

[mu_hilltopper]

DNC has lit a fire under the arse of Milwaukee with respect to building 'new stuff':

https://milwaukeerecord.com/city-life/in-case-you-blinked-last-week-heres-all-the-new-crap-theyre-building-in-milwaukee-march-10-16/

Broken link.

[Galway Eagle]

wonder if those hotel additions could make MKE a final four candidate

[reinko]

wonder if those hotel additions could make MKE a final four candidate

FF are now only played in football stadiums, maybe a regional final though

[Not A Serious Person]

FF are now only played in football stadiums, maybe a regional final though

My understanding is Miller field is technically big enough and could be configured appropriately.

The problem is they cannot heat it above 50 degrees.  It was not designed for winter use.

(I remember reading/hearing somewhere.  Does this ring true?)

[GooooMarquette]

My understanding is Miller field is technically big enough and could be configured appropriately.

The problem is they cannot heat it above 50 degrees.  It was not designed for winter use.

(I remember reading/hearing somewhere.  Does this ring true?)

I remember reading that they can heat it up to 30 degrees above the outside temperature. That's fine if it's in the 40s or higher, but that isn't always guaranteed in Milwaukee this time of year....

[Galway Eagle]

I remember reading that they can heat it up to 30 degrees above the outside temperature. That's fine if it's in the 40s or higher, but that isn't always guaranteed in Milwaukee this time of year....

Does that include factoring in all the heat from a full crowd? I'd wonder what the final temp would actually come to or if they could figure out a way to get that 30 to a 40.

Seems like it'd also give MKE more massive concerts during the winter as well.

[Not A Serious Person]

I remember reading that they can heat it up to 30 degrees above the outside temperature. That's fine if it's in the 40s or higher, but that isn't always guaranteed in Milwaukee this time of year....

Sounds like they were just interested in keeping it above freezing in the winter to prevent pipes freezing.

If they did not design it to be properly heated when full, controlling humidity inside with a full house when it is 10 degrees outside will be tough.  They will not get it comfortable to use it.

[Not A Serious Person]

Lots of 1%-ers in the DNC

Milwaukee residents who put their homes on Airbnb during DNC can expect more than $1,000 a night

https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2019/03/14/airbnb-hosts-cash-democratic-convention-milwaukee/3162008002/

[Galway Eagle]

Lots of 1%-ers in the DNC

Milwaukee residents who put their homes on Airbnb during DNC can expect more than $1,000 a night

https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2019/03/14/airbnb-hosts-cash-democratic-convention-milwaukee/3162008002/

Shut up Heisenberg it's supply and demand prices were the same for your convention

https://www.google.com/amp/amp.timeinc.net/time/money/4406942/renting-home-on-airbnb-rnc-dnc-2016

[Not A Serious Person]

Shut up Heisenberg it's supply and demand prices were the same for your convention

https://www.google.com/amp/amp.timeinc.net/time/money/4406942/renting-home-on-airbnb-rnc-dnc-2016

Struck a nerve.

Don't worry Galway, all the billionaires that are renting those homes over $1k/day will pretend they give a sh!t about what the people like you find important.

On the other end, those attending that think they matter will be staying here ...

Bid document, contracts reveal massive scale of 2020 DNC in Milwaukee
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2019/03/29/dnc-2020-milwaukee-bid-contracts-reveal-massive-scope-convention/3204205002/

More than 15,000 hotel rooms and suites were identified in the bid, with the Hilton Milwaukee and Hyatt Regency proposed as headquarters hotels.

Dorms at Marquette University and Milwaukee School of Engineering could be used for low-cost accommodations. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee dorms were also mentioned.

[Galway Eagle]

Struck a nerve.

Don't worry Galway, all the billionaires that are renting those homes over $1k/day will pretend they give a sh!t about what the people like you find important.

On the other end, those attending that think they matter will be staying here ...

Bid document, contracts reveal massive scale of 2020 DNC in Milwaukee
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2019/03/29/dnc-2020-milwaukee-bid-contracts-reveal-massive-scope-convention/3204205002/

More than 15,000 hotel rooms and suites were identified in the bid, with the Hilton Milwaukee and Hyatt Regency proposed as headquarters hotels.

Dorms at Marquette University and Milwaukee School of Engineering could be used for low-cost accommodations. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee dorms were also mentioned.

Again it's the same cost on both sides you're just spinning it to create a narrative that there's only money on one side. You know that's not true but I guess its not surprising coming from you.

[Benny B]

I remember reading that they can heat it up to 30 degrees above the outside temperature. That's fine if it's in the 40s or higher, but that isn't always guaranteed in Milwaukee this time of year....

+30 was the original spec.  But it seems like either the original HVAC (well, HV, anyway) is dying or the weather stripping is shrinking because it sure as hell wasn’t 30 over outside a week ago Sunday.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

The Brewers wouldn’t allow their field to be covered with a court and seating for nearly a week right at the start of baseball season.

[warriorchick]

Marquette is already planning:

https://today.marquette.edu/2019/04/steering-committee-will-centralize-university-preparations-related-to-milwaukee-hosting-national-political-convention-in-2020/

Steering committee will centralize university preparations related to Milwaukee hosting national political convention in 2020
APRIL 8, 2019

The Democratic National Committee recently announced it will hold its next nominating convention in Milwaukee, July 13–16, 2020. Anticipating the more than 50,000 visitors the convention is projected to bring to the city, Marquette has started preparing for the opportunities this presents for the university in terms of academic programming, student experiences, financial revenue and national visibility, as well as for the operational and security challenges related to an event of this magnitude.

A Convention Steering Committee has been created to make programming and operational decisions related to the convention, keep the Executive Leadership Team informed and bring forward recommendations, as necessary. Any and all events, requests for university, college-specific or residence hall space, and programming or other activities related to the convention must go through the steering committee. Given the magnitude of an event this size and scope and the multiple areas across campus impacted, the committee is seeking to coordinate all requests through this centralized process.

The Convention Steering Committee, which will also handle matters related to the university’s mission and/or items of a political nature, comprises the following:

Mary Czech-Mrochinski, co-chair, associate vice president for public affairs
Lynn Sheka, co-chair, senior director of university communication
Rana Altenburg, vice president for public affairs
Cindy Bauer, vice president and general counsel
Jean Dole, chief of staff, Office of the Senior Vice President
Dr. Sarah Feldner, acting dean, Diederich College of Communication
Steve Frieder, senior advisor to the president and corporate secretary
Edith Hudson, chief of police
Dave Murphy, vice president for marketing and communication
Lora Strigens, vice president for planning and facilities management
Those who wish to engage in any way with the convention should contact Mary Czech-Mrochinski in the Office of Public Affairs. To submit questions or ideas related to the convention, please fill out this form.

The steering committee has developed five subcommittees, which will consider impacts on students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors. The subcommittees and its leaders are:

Academic (faculty and student opportunities) — Dr. Sarah Feldner
Brand/Communications — Dave Murphy
Facilities and Financial — Lora Strigens
Operational Impact — Jean Dole
Security — Edith Hudson
According to the steering committee, initial discussions are underway regarding the potentially broad impact the convention will have on university operations, faculty and student engagement, logistics, staffing and other such implications. The committee and its subcommittees will work over the next several months to formulate plans for operational continuity, but also for maximizing the unique opportunity an event of this scale presents to the university. The steering committee will also hold listening sessions during the fall semester to help shape those plans.

Please direct any questions regarding the work of the subcommittees to its respective leader.

[Benny B]

The Brewers wouldn’t allow their field to be covered with a court and seating for nearly a week right at the start of baseball season.

Wrigley Field was.  All except the court, anyway.

[Plaque Lives Matter!]

Marquette is already planning:

https://today.marquette.edu/2019/04/steering-committee-will-centralize-university-preparations-related-to-milwaukee-hosting-national-political-convention-in-2020/

Steering committee will centralize university preparations related to Milwaukee hosting national political convention in 2020
APRIL 8, 2019

The Democratic National Committee recently announced it will hold its next nominating convention in Milwaukee, July 13–16, 2020. Anticipating the more than 50,000 visitors the convention is projected to bring to the city, Marquette has started preparing for the opportunities this presents for the university in terms of academic programming, student experiences, financial revenue and national visibility, as well as for the operational and security challenges related to an event of this magnitude.

A Convention Steering Committee has been created to make programming and operational decisions related to the convention, keep the Executive Leadership Team informed and bring forward recommendations, as necessary. Any and all events, requests for university, college-specific or residence hall space, and programming or other activities related to the convention must go through the steering committee. Given the magnitude of an event this size and scope and the multiple areas across campus impacted, the committee is seeking to coordinate all requests through this centralized process.

The Convention Steering Committee, which will also handle matters related to the university’s mission and/or items of a political nature, comprises the following:

Mary Czech-Mrochinski, co-chair, associate vice president for public affairs
Lynn Sheka, co-chair, senior director of university communication
Rana Altenburg, vice president for public affairs
Cindy Bauer, vice president and general counsel
Jean Dole, chief of staff, Office of the Senior Vice President
Dr. Sarah Feldner, acting dean, Diederich College of Communication
Steve Frieder, senior advisor to the president and corporate secretary
Edith Hudson, chief of police
Dave Murphy, vice president for marketing and communication
Lora Strigens, vice president for planning and facilities management
Those who wish to engage in any way with the convention should contact Mary Czech-Mrochinski in the Office of Public Affairs. To submit questions or ideas related to the convention, please fill out this form.

The steering committee has developed five subcommittees, which will consider impacts on students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors. The subcommittees and its leaders are:

Academic (faculty and student opportunities) — Dr. Sarah Feldner
Brand/Communications — Dave Murphy
Facilities and Financial — Lora Strigens
Operational Impact — Jean Dole
Security — Edith Hudson
According to the steering committee, initial discussions are underway regarding the potentially broad impact the convention will have on university operations, faculty and student engagement, logistics, staffing and other such implications. The committee and its subcommittees will work over the next several months to formulate plans for operational continuity, but also for maximizing the unique opportunity an event of this scale presents to the university. The steering committee will also hold listening sessions during the fall semester to help shape those plans.

Please direct any questions regarding the work of the subcommittees to its respective leader.

Great to hear. Let's get the journalism school and Arts and sciences turbocharged!