As DNC Convention Decision Nears, Questions Over Milwaukee's Hotel Room Inventory Loom

[brooklynite]

Wisconsin Public Radio

What city lands the 2020 Democratic National Convention is expected to be announced this week. Many say Milwaukee is a favorite, but if it's awarded the bid, one major obstacle could be finding enough hotel rooms to accommodate the expected 50,000 attendees.

Greg Hanis, a hotel industry analyst and president of the New Berlin-based company Hospitality Marketers International Inc., said he was surprised to hear Milwaukee was being considered for the convention.

"When you look at the other cities and the thousands of rooms they have, it is phenomenal, and it will definitely impact the convention and picking Milwaukee," Hanis said. "It would be a feather in its cap if (Milwaukee) could get it, but I just don't see how it could accommodate all these people."

Milwaukee is a finalist, along with Houston and Miami, to host the 2020 convention that runs from July 13 to July 16. The convention is expected to have an economic impact of $200 million to $300 million throughout the state.

That was my opinion when I passed through...

[LisaM]

1. I couldn't even find 5 rooms one time

When they were holding the Amateur PGA.

[WeekiWater]

2. DNC has rooms blocked for July 2020 across Milwaukee

But WISN 12 News checked and the Democratic National Committee already has rooms booked around the city.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wisn.com/amp/article/dnc-has-rooms-blocked-for-july-2020-across-milwaukee/26596795

Doubt this means much.

[Gothmog]

3. I am still hoping for Houston

We have plenty of hotel rooms and great facilities

[demosincebirth]

4. Too hot and humid

[Gothmog]

6. We know how to air condition in Houston

[demosincebirth]

13. How about that

[Blue_true]

14. But is Satan going to be there to cool people down.

I have never been to hell, but my opinion is Houston in July likely comes close.

Seriously, since most of the convention will be inside and then delegates get on air conditioned coaches back to hotels, Houston would work.

What I believe should happen is the platform construction should be done in one of the final cities that don't get the convention. That for example would take away the hotel room issue for Milwaukee. The DNC could have some of it's other organizational mechanations in the city at the same time.

[Cha]

5. I didn't think about that when

I thought Milwaukee would be best.

The heat in the other states wouldn't bother me. But, I know it's a consideration for many.

There's always Air Conditioning.

[dsc]

7. Use barges and boats on Lake Michigan

You could have cruise ships come in, those are usually pretty swanky. I assume the downtown is by the waterfront. Hotel room problems can be solved.

[brooklynite]

8. How many cruise ships can you get into Lake Michigan?

[dsc]

11. They need a total of 50k rooms

lets assume they have 25k and need 25k. Find 10 ships with 2500 rooms each or 100 with 250 each or some other combo.

[Blue_true]

15. Won't that look a little oligarchi?

Maybe it is just me, but luxury ships isn't a good look.

[SidDithers]

9. Sorry, DNC shouldn't go to Wisconsin...

The state that gave us Paul Ryan and Scott Walker, and rejected Russ Feingold and Hillary Clinton.

Put the DNC Convention in a blue city in a blue state.

Sid

[jcgoldie]

10. I mean isnt this precisely why they choose a purple state?

In order to build local support for democratic candidates? Hillary lost WI by a few thousand votes... we all hope it isnt that close this time, but any bit of excitement and momentum we can build there could swing the 2020 election.

[BlueWI]

12. Texas hasn't been a Democratic stronghold either.

Milwaukee is a strong Democratic city, diverse and always rocking in summertime. Show some love to the Democrats who defeated Walker in 2018!

[Blue_true]

16. Since you are there. What is the hotel room situation like?

Perez is a sharp Chairman. My guess is that he has a workable plan. What about the idea of local democrats hosting delegates and convention goers in their homes for say a hotel room fee per night?

[BlueWI]

17. There's a lot of potential for room or house sharing.

It's a big city but quite personable. Chicagoland might be an option too - the northern suburbs get pretty close to Milwaukee. Depending on your tolerance for driving, Madison area is a little over an hour. But staying closer would be better.

[brooklynite]

20. Delegates, candidates and Party officials don't generally stay in "room or house sharing"

[Blue_true]

21. It would be a nice touch for once.

To have loyal democrats host loyal democratic guests to their area.

[Blue_true]

22. Thanks for your insight. My belief from the information given by you is

that the room situation is workable. I would love to see your city get the convention.

[BlueWI]

23. Thanks for the best wishes!

Good luck to all of us in 2020!

[allgood33]

18. What cities are in contention for the DNC convention? nt

[brooklynite]

19. Milwaukee, Houston and Miami Beach