“Media, National News and Celebrities Are Coming To Chicago’s DNC 2024”: How Local Businesses Can Gain New Customers From Chicago’s Big Event

The city of Chicago will once again host the Democratic National Convention to be held at the United Center on August 19th through the 22nd.  It was 1996, 28 years ago since the last DNC was held in Chicago and the city’s Mayor Johnson, who only been in office since May 2023, is ecstatic about its return.

1996 was also a time where I worked as a freelance Newstape/Film Editor in Los Angeles and Chicago. One of my most memorable projects was working for BET’s (Black Entertainment Television) coverage of the DNC 1996.  It was an exciting experience being a member of a four person news team, where I was responsible of editing news stories that aired daily on the BET network.

During that time at the United Center, I was among hundreds of production crew members that included camera operators, stagehands, and reporters from national and international media outlets. Most of us worked on assignments during the day in trailers or in offices, but in the evening, the city was bustling with journalists looking for excitement, food, and drinks.

This August, it will be a momentous opportunity once again for Chicago local businesses to capitalize on approximately 15,000 members of the media attending the convention. Here are a few of my observations that I learned 28 years ago that can help today’s small and minority owned businesses attract new customers and profit from one of the cities biggest events.

1.   Production crew members arriving 3 to 5 days before the event.

Some production crew members like stagehands and technical engineers will fly out a few days prior to the first day of the convention to help set-up the stage with camera equipment, flooring and power lines.  They’ll also stay a few days after the event to ‘tear down’ the set, so they’ll be in Chicago longer than other crew members. Plan ahead and consider conventioneers, production crew members and tourists staying in the Chicago area for at least 10 days.

2.   Let visitors know how close you are from the United Center.

Inform customers on how close your business is to familiar landmarks. On your advertisement, you can write, “we’re located in Hyde Park just a few blocks from the newly built Barack Obama Presidential Center,” or “we’re 15 minutes from the beautiful Buckingham Fountain.”  Also mention convenient perks such as ‘valet service’,  ‘free entry before 10 pm’, or ‘lots of parking available’. Offer special discounts for members of the media if they show their press credentials. 


3.  Personalize your business by offering DNC memorabilia.

Once visitors arrive to Chicago they’ll want to savor memories by buying unique souvenir items like coffee mugs, thermos, or key chains. People from the media enjoy collecting souvenirs especially if its their first time visiting the city.   And if you’re the owner of a restaurant or sports bar, create a signature drink or food item with a memorable name like “The DNC 2024 Tequila Sunrise” or “The DNC 2024 Breakfast Omelet.’

4.  Don’t be shy to take photos of celebrities visiting your establishment.

From politicians to movie stars, a myriad of famous people will also be visiting Chicago and if they arrive at your business, be ready.  They’ll be expecting some fanfare so don’t be shy to ask for a selfie, and make sure you ask how they heard about your business.   After your famous guest leaves, write a short paragraph describing your experience and post it on social media along with your photograph. More importantly, email it to the ‘assignment desks’ of every local television news and radio station in Chicago.  
They’ll love to hear the news.

5.   Promote your food and drink products with restaurants and caterers.

If you have a dessert pastry, bottled drink or a salad dressing being sold at local stores, pair up with a restaurant and have your product featured as a ‘specialty item’. It’s a great way for the restaurant to attract new customers and you benefit from the exposure to a new audience. If you’re selling gift items on-line, ask to have your printed advertisements placed near the front desk of a hotel or restaurant. Also co-sponsor parties and catered events by offering ‘free tasting samples’ but make sure your contact information is attached to each item so that new customers would know how to make future purchases.. 

6.  Every production crew member is always looking for fun things to do.

Production crew members and conventioneers will be excited about visiting Chicago and most will be familiar with the city’s music history.  They know that Chicago is the originators of House Music and the home of music legends like Earth Wind and Fire and Chaka Kahn, so visitors are definitely looking forward to a musical experience.

If you’re a party promoter, establish a partnership with hotels, restaurants, and beach-front bars to have your flyers and advertisements distributed and available for guests to pick up.

7.  Start promoting your business on your website as early as May.

When booking flights and hotel accommodations for popular events like the convention, most press and media outlets plan their travel arrangements months in advance. To take advantage of their early planning schedule, promote your events and products starting in May. Use attractive banners like “We Welcome Chicago DNC 2024” and “Chicago Loves DNC 2024” on your website and social media ads. Also stay current on convention updates by registering your business as a participating DNC 2024 vendor. Visit the city’s official website at https://chicago2024.com/ .