| BID TO HOST 2008 REPUBLICAN
NATIONAL CONVENTION DELIVERED IN WASHINGTON D.C. |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2006 |
CONTACT:
|
Karen Brand
(813) 342-4052 |
Tampa, FL – The Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau traveled to Washington, D.C. today and hand-delivered the area’s bid to host the 2008 Republican National Convention. The bid was received by Ken Mehlman, Chair of the Republican National Committee and Jo Ann Davidson, Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Chair of the Site Selection Committee.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be in consideration to host the 2008 Republican National Convention,” said Paul Catoe, president/CEO of the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This is one of the most prestigious events in the country, and it was with great pride and confidence that we presented our official bid to the RNC.”
The convention, slated for September 1-4, 2008, would bring an estimated $150 million in direct spending and an additional $300 to $400 million in indirect economic impact to the greater Tampa Bay area.
A 10-member delegation made the trip, including Catoe; Al Austin, Chair, Tampa-St. Petersburg Host Committee; John Sykes, Co-Chair, Tampa-St. Petersburg Host Committee; Don DeFosset, Co-Chair, Tampa-St. Petersburg Host Committee; and Norwood Smith, Vice President of Sales, Tampa Bay CVB.
Also accompanying the group were the four-member Men of Note, the a capella vocal group from Busch Gardens and character actor Michael Norton, who portrayed Col. Teddy Roosevelt. “Roosevelt” had made a previous appearance in the video shown to the Site Selection Committee during the April 11 Interested Cities Day in Washington, D.C., outlining the former President’s ties to the Tampa area in 1898.
In response to the requirements set forth by the RNC, some of the elements of the bid include:
• Arena seating for 25,000 (St. Pete Times Forum)The nine-member Site Selection Committee is expected to name finalist cities on July 1. Site visits to the short-listed cities are planned for August 13-26, 2006. Exact dates for specific visits to each finalist city will be announced following the July 1 deadline. A final decision is expected January 2007.
• Media center with 300,000 sq. ft. or more (Tampa Convention Center)
• Availability of 20,000 first class hotel rooms
• Availability of 40,000 sq. ft. of office space
• Ground transportation for visiting delegates
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Hillsborough County, creating economic impact for the community through the visitor and meetings industry. The Bureau is funded, in part, by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners/Tourist Development Council. VisitTampaBay.com |