Preparations underway for Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- We are now six months away from the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Mayor Jim Kenney and the Democratic Democratic National Convention CEO Leah Daughtry held a news conference Thursday to keep everyone up to date on preparations.
"I can't tell you how excited we are, for a number of reasons. Number one, we believe the city's going to shine, the region's going to shine," Kevin Washo, Executive Director of the Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee, said.
It was an upbeat message from those behind DNC2016.
15,000 hotel rooms have been booked. Planning for the massive event is well underway.
While they would not share fundraising figures they said everything is rolling along.
"As CEO of the convention, I am pleased to share that we are on time, on task, and on budget," Daughtry said.
Local hospitality operations like the Garces Group are gearing up for a wave of delegates.
"Our job is to provide them with what we like to term as inspired hospitality," Rob Keddie of the Garces Group said.
A Twitter based outreach to smaller eateries is on the agenda to let them know how they might get a slice of the estimated $350-million of spending connected to the convention.
"Please stay tuned for more details, but I promise you this: Democrats love to eat," Daughtry said.
Eat and hopefully play tourist.
Should a wondering delegate need guidance, the mayor suggested locals should step in and be nice.
"That really makes a difference when it comes to people from Ohio, and California, and Alaska, and Florida, that they've had positive interactions with Philadelphians, go out and mingle with them at the bars and restaurants, and have a great time," Kenny said.
Another way people can get involved is to become a volunteer. Convention organizers say they still need about 3,000 more volunteers for transportation, hospitality, and social media efforts. You can sign up here.
