FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 21, 2024
CONTACT:
Press@Chicago2024.com
Chicago 2024 Host Committee and Democratic National Convention Committee Host First Arena Operations Vendor Summit
Chicago, IL – Today, the Chicago 2024 Host Committee and Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) hosted more than 250 vendors at the United Center and virtually for an exposition services and construction vendor summit and matchmaking session. Participants were given a first look at upcoming arena operations subcontracting opportunities and had the chance to network with fellow industry professionals.
“Ensuring convention opportunities are shared far and wide with Chicago’s subcontracting community is a top priority for the Host Committee,” said Chicago 2024 Host Committee Executive Director Christy George. “Today’s summit gave vendors an opportunity to connect directly with convention prime contractors, as well as network with other industry professionals to form partnerships. These networking sessions are critical for building the next bench of talent in Chicago that can provide competitive services for future large-scale events, long after the convention has ended.”
“Chicago is the embodiment of the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda, and we’re thrilled to be building this year’s convention with premier skill, labor, and talent from across the Windy City,” said Democratic National Convention Committee Executive Director Alex Hornbrook. “While putting on an event of this scale is no easy feat, we’re confident that Chicago’s rich subcontracting community will help ensure this year’s Democratic National Convention is a success, and we look forward to showcasing the world class services this city has to offer.”
At the summit, participants also received a first look at the DNC contracting plan for Arena Operations. This comprehensive contracting plan outlines the anticipated procurement needs of DNC prime contractors, offering businesses and subcontractors a proactive chance to prepare and engage in the upcoming solicitations.
The plan is part of the Host Committee and DNCC’s ongoing efforts to ensure economic inclusiveness throughout the convention. It remains the policy of the Host Committee, Democratic National Convention Committee, and all contracting partners to provide equal opportunity to all business enterprises to participate in all aspects of contracting and purchasing programs without regard to race, color, ethnic identity, sex, creed, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, economic status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status.
The Host Committee continues to aggressively circulate contracting opportunities to vendors across the region. To date, the Host Committee and DNCC have held 5 procurement outreach sessions both virtually and in various neighborhoods across the city.
Earlier this year the Host Committee and DNCC announced the selection of four major vendors who play a critical role in executing the convention at the United Center including Construction Manager, Event Architect, Event Manager, and Exposition Services. Exposition Services was awarded to Show Strategy, the first Black-owned firm to ever receive the contract. K + P Advisory, LLC, a certified WBE, was selected to serve as Owner’s Representative last November.
All of the selected firms demonstrated a commitment to community engagement and providing local mentorship and internship opportunities.
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