MILWAUKEE -- The Democratic National Convention hits Milwaukee starting Aug. 17, and most of it will be virtual, with delegates and members of Congress staying home. About 20 days out, a planner Monday, July 27 confirmed some speakers won't be here in Milwaukee -- yet another blow to the convention that was supposed to draw 50,000 to the Brew City, and with them, $200 million plus for businesses. Also Monday, organizers revealed the health protocols for the convention.
The coronavirus pandemic has dried up that original dream of a DNC business boom.
Originally, those 50,000 people were going to stay in hotels as far away as Madison and northern Illinois.
"They are still using some downtown hotels that there will be a presence of Secret Service, that there will be a presence of some speakers and some candidates, and the candidate who will be here," said Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. "At least that's what it's saying at this point."
Delegates won't come, but instead, vote virtually on the party platform and nomination. We saw a preview with the DNC Platform Committee meeting virtually -- hearing from the union president of Milwaukee Area Service & Hospitality Workers.
Peter Rickman
"It's time for the Democratic Party to embrace our history as a working-people's party, to adapt that spirit of the New Deal to the 21st century with that bold, inspirational vision to once again transform our economy and the nation," said Peter Rickman, president.
Airbnb and Vrbo demand is no longer seeing a massive surge. According to firm AirDNA Monday, there are 1,366 nights booked the week of the convention compared with 1,251 last year, a rise of 9%, but less than the bumps in surrounding weeks in Milwaukee.
Alderman Bob Bauman
"I mean there's going to be no delegates here, no members of Congress here, no elected officials here," said Alderman Bob Bauman.
Joe Biden plans to accept the presidential nomination in Milwaukee, but who else will be here?
"Everything will be anchored in Milwaukee, but I don't know what it looks like yet," said Williams-Smith. "We're still waiting on the exact details."
Politico reported the DNC will be trimmed to just two hours each night, with speakers joining from swing states. The Daily Beast reported some speakers: Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders, but added: "Of those, only Biden is currently expected to speak from the convention state in Milwaukee."
Meanwhile, DNC officials on Monday released these health protocols that must be adhered to during the convention:
Meanwhile, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett issued this statement Monday on the DNC health protocols:
The DNC communications director issued this statement: