Tagged: DNC2012

With the Republican and Democratic national conventions about to take place, it might be good to have a Convention 101 lesson. 

Don’t worry — there won’t be an exam (well, not until Nov. 6 — but there will be more study guides along the way).

First, we think of conventions as being unruly and hotly contested meetings, but unfortunately, modern conventions haven’t lived up to this historical image.

In about two weeks, the Democratic National Convention will have come and gone in Charlotte. But a group of city officials and economic development agencies are working to extend the economic afterglow of the DNC.

Political conventions don't just draw elected officials, media and political junkies. They're also a magnet for high-ranking business people looking to make connections with the powerful.

While they're here, Center City Partners CEO Michael Smith wants to meet them, too.

Street closures during the DNC have many Uptown businesses planning to close or operate on limited hours. But the EpiCentre will be open and it's shaping into one of the best spots for celebrity watching and a taste of convention excitement.

The EpiCentre is kitty-corner from Time Warner Cable Arena and inside the DNC security zone. So basically it's the convention's "front porch," says EpiCentre business development manager Ed Camp.

It's an obvious choice for delegates, reporters and celebrities looking for a quick bite or a drink outside the arena.

The group that represents hundreds of private bus companies wants to prevent the Charlotte Area Transit System from leasing out its buses during the DNC.

Thousands of delegates and media will be hopping on buses to get from their hotels to the main convention area. DNC organizers expect it will take about 250 450 buses to get people around. But they found they don't have enough buses to accommodate wheelchairs.

Police officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District are going door-to-door Uptown giving parents the run-down on bus changes and security restrictions during the Democratic National Convention.

CMS Police Chief Bud Cesena says the first week of September will pose some challenges for the 372 students and their families who live inside the I-277 loop.

"Some bus stops - because they're in the hot zone - won't exist any more," says Cesena. "So we're making sure the children and their parents know exactly where to go."