Want to do business with 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee? Here's where to sign up
The signup has begun for businesses looking to do work with the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
The convention's host committee launched Thursday what it's calling a vendor connection on its website at www.mke2024host.org.
Opportunities could be available beginning in the fall with most of the work taking place next year ahead of the convention, July 15-18, 2024.
In an effort to show it's looking to include all neighborhoods in the city and beyond, the committee made the formal announcement at Sherman Phoenix, a hub for Black-owned small businesses. As part of the event's agreement with Milwaukee, the host committee has promised to use "best efforts to employ diverse and historically underutilized businesses within the City of Milwaukee to provide the services necessary to host the Convention."
Alison Prange, chief of staff and senior advisor for the MKE 2024 Host Committee, said: "Our goal with the vendor connection is to drive lasting economic impact across the Greater Milwaukee area and the state. This is an online tool built to connect local businesses with potential opportunities around the 2024 Republican National Convention."
Even though he is a Democrat, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said bringing the convention to the city provides a big economic opportunity.
"I want local businesses here in our city, here in our state to be able to make money," he said. "I want them to be able to hire employees. I want them to be able to spread the benefits of having big convention throughout our economy."
Here's what you need to know about the signup.
How does a business register?
Go to www.mke2024host.org/vendors/. There's a registration form for contact information.
What businesses are convention organizers looking for?
The convention needs all types of services, according to the website. The contact form includes a pulldown menu of specialty services that are due to be in high demand. They include such things as catering, cleaning, construction, lodging, parking, printing and restaurant venues. Those vendors whose services aren't on the main list should register under "other."
More: Bars and restaurants in 14 counties could stay open until 4 a.m. during the RNC under Evers' budget
What happens after a vendor has registered?
A database will be compiled and convention organizers will provide email updates as opportunities become available.
Will the list simply disappear after the convention is completed?
No. The information will be used by VISIT Milwaukee for other large-scale events. The aim is to be able to provide the list to "meeting planners who choose Milwaukee in future years," said Peggy Williams-Smith, VISIT Milwaukee president and chief executive.
More: 2024 Milwaukee RNC could include as many as 4,500 outside police officers
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Vendor signup begins for Republican National Convention in Milwaukee
