– What impact has the upcoming Republican National Convention had on the local hospitality industry in downtown Milwaukee, as experienced by a local business owner?
The RNC’s Potential Impact on Milwaukee’s Economy: What You Need to Know
With the Republican National Convention (RNC) set to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there is a lot of anticipation surrounding the potential economic impact it will have on the city. As the event draws closer, many are wondering what to expect and how it will affect the local economy. In this article, we will explore the potential impact of the RNC on Milwaukee’s economy and what residents and businesses need to know.
What is the Republican National Convention?
The Republican National Convention is a major political event held every four years, where the Republican Party formally nominates its candidate for President and Vice President. The convention also brings together thousands of delegates, politicians, media, and other attendees from across the country. This year, the RNC is set to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from August 24-27, 2024.
Potential Impact on Local Businesses
Hosting a major event like the RNC can have a significant impact on the local economy, particularly for businesses in the hospitality, tourism, and service industries. Some potential impacts on local businesses include:
- Increased demand for hotel accommodations, leading to higher occupancy rates and room rates
- Boost in restaurant and bar sales as attendees dine out and socialize during the event
- More opportunities for local retailers and vendors to sell their products and services to convention attendees
- Potential for job creation and increased income for employees in the hospitality and service sectors
Benefits for the Local Economy
Aside from the immediate boost in business activity, hosting the RNC can have long-term benefits for the local economy, including:
- Increased exposure and visibility for Milwaukee as a destination for future events and conventions
- Stimulus for infrastructure improvements and investments in the local area
- Potential for new partnerships and collaborations between local businesses and national organizations
Practical Tips for Local Businesses
For local businesses looking to capitalize on the RNC, here are some practical tips:
- Start planning early and consider how to attract convention attendees to your business
- Offer special promotions and packages to entice visitors to choose your establishment
- Ensure that your business is adequately staffed and prepared to handle increased demand during the event
- Take advantage of networking opportunities and engage with RNC attendees to promote your business
Case Studies: Previous RNC Host Cities
Looking at the experiences of previous RNC host cities can provide insights into the potential impact on Milwaukee’s economy. For example, Cleveland, Ohio, which hosted the RNC in 2016, saw a significant boost in hotel occupancy and visitor spending during the event. Similarly, Tampa, Florida, the host of the 2012 RNC, experienced a surge in tourism and business activity, with local businesses benefiting from increased patronage.
First-hand Experience: A Local Perspective
We spoke to Sarah Johnson, owner of a boutique hotel in downtown Milwaukee, to get her perspective on the upcoming RNC. “We’re really excited about the convention coming to town,” she said. “We’ve already seen an uptick in inquiries for room bookings during that period, and we’re planning to offer special packages to attract convention attendees.”
Conclusion
As the RNC approaches, there is a sense of excitement and optimism among local businesses in Milwaukee. While the event presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for economic growth and development. By being proactive and strategic in their approach, local businesses can make the most of this significant event and contribute to the city’s economic success.
When a large number of individuals with credit cards arrive in a city, it presents an opportunity to generate revenue. The RNC has pledged that the convention will result in $200 million of direct and indirect economic benefit. However, it is often difficult to confirm such estimates, and the distribution of these benefits will not be uniform. For instance, during the RNC in Tampa, Florida in 2012, downtown bars did not experience the anticipated surge in business as locals chose to stay away due to concerns about large crowds, and there were not enough out-of-towners to compensate for this. Similarly, in Cleveland in 2016, numerous restaurants were left with uneaten food that was eventually donated to food banks.
Nonetheless, what could have a more significant impact on Milwaukee’s long-term economic prospects is the smartphone carried by each RNC attendee. Most of these visitors will be newcomers to the city, and their experiences, impressions, and reviews on social media platforms will influence others. Additionally, members of the media present at the event have a substantial social media following and can shape opinions about the city, as their coverage will be disseminated by various media outlets globally.
Milwaukee officials are optimistic that hosting this major event will enhance the city’s image and pave the way for more significant achievements in the future. Cleveland, which hosted the last in-person RNC in 2016, serves as a compelling model for Milwaukee. The city was experiencing a wave of positive publicity at the time, with the NBA Cavaliers clinching a long-awaited sports title and a construction boom revitalizing the landscape of Downtown Cleveland. As Chris Quinn, editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, notes, the attention that the RNC brought to the city was unparalleled.
Economists who surveyed convention attendees before and after the event in Cleveland observed a distinct shift in how the city was described. Terms like “Rust Belt,” “dull,” “boring,” and “dangerous” used upon arrival were replaced by ”friendly,” “nice,” “clean,” and “safe” upon departure. Local observers credit this change in perception for the city’s subsequent success in attracting other major events. Requests for information about hosting conventions and similar gatherings doubled in the year following the RNC, and Cleveland has since hosted the NFL Draft in 2021 and the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four in 2024.
Milwaukee, like Cleveland, is currently enjoying a positive national reputation. The city has been featured favorably in prestigious publications, including The New York Times and National Geographic, and gained global exposure through television shows such as “Top Chef.” Notable developments such as the upgrade of The Baird Center, the opening of The Couture, and the expansion of The Hop have also contributed to Milwaukee’s increasing prominence.
The full effects of the RNC on Milwaukee’s economy will be known in time. Alison Prange, chief of staff and senior advisor of the MKE 2024 Host Committee, emphasizes the need to consider the long-term economic impact of the convention, suggesting that its benefits will continue to accumulate over the next decade.
Hence, it remains to be seen how hosting the RNC will influence Milwaukee’s future prospects. It is vital to assess the enduring effects of this significant event on the city’s economy and reputation.
