2024 Republican National Convention; Milwaukee launches 'Vendor Connection'

MILWAUKEE - When the Grand Old Party (GOP) comes in July 2024, Milwaukee will host thousands of events, meetings, and parties, and that could mean an influx of cash for local business and service providers.

The Milwaukee 2024 Host Committee and city leaders announced on Thursday, April 20 the launch of "Vendor Connection", which will connect businesses and convention-related business opportunities.

Junior's Smoked BBQ at Sherman Phoenix, along with other small businesses across the city, might serve some of the expected 50,000 people.

"With the RNC coming, that’s a lot of money that’s coming to the state of Wisconsin or Milwaukee itself -- and as a small business owner, especially a restaurant, being able to supply that much food to people, it’s something we always like to do," said Kevin Junior of Junior's Smoked BBQ.

The Vendor Connection website asks for information that will be included in a database, which the Host Committee and convention can access. It will also allow the committee to share information with the businesses. 

Vendors the host committee seeks business types from A to V. The checklist on the portal lists these options: audio/visual, catering, cleaning, construction, electrician, event planners, floral, lodging, other, parking, printing, promotional items, restaurant & bars, spa & salon services, tours, technology (IT), transportation and venues.

The form also asks if a business is a certified diverse-owned business. Per an agreement between the city and the convention, "The Host Committee shall use its best efforts to employ diverse and historically underutilized businesses within the City of Milwaukee to provide the services necessary to host the Convention."

"We want more diverse businesses to have the opportunity to earn dollars, to raise their profile, to have the opportunity to be engaged with the RNC and create jobs, create employment and really put some money in their pockets," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

"This is an incredible opportunity for an economic infusion for businesses in Milwaukee and in our area – and that’s why we want everybody to go to the website and sign up today," said Johnson. 

Jerome Bryant of J's Tours is ready. 

"I would feel honored and privileged -- and what business owner doesn’t want more business and to be known as a household name," Bryant said. 

Since August, Bryant has owned a 47-passenger coach bus for weddings, reunions, and trips across the country. Next year, he may use it for the RNC. 

"We basically would love to be a part of that. And being the only African American bus company, that would be a perfect opportunity for us, that we can be of service," Bryant said. 

Then after the RNC wraps up, the information might still lead to business leads.

"Our goal with the vendor connection is to drive lasting economic impact across the greater Milwaukee area and the state of Wisconsin," said Alison Prange, MKE 2024 Host Committee Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor.

"After the 2024 Republican National Convention departs Milwaukee, VISIT Milwaukee will retain the entries in this Vendor Connection so that we can put them in front of meeting planners who choose Milwaukee in future years," said Peggy Williams-Smith, President and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. "Believe me, our leads have more than doubled since we announced hosting the 2024 Republican National Convention."