MILWAUKEE – (July 15, 2022) Today the Republican National Committee’s Site Selection Committee announced that Milwaukee is its choice to host its 2024 convention. The decision still needs to be voted on by the party at its August summer meeting. This convention will bring roughly 45,000 attendees from around the country, giving a much-needed boost to Milwaukee businesses that serve Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike.
While the short-term benefits are significant, the long-term benefits of Milwaukee being on a global stage will go a long way to help accelerate the recovery of Milwaukee’s travel and tourism economy, which employs over 50,000 Milwaukeeans who have been hit hard these past two years.
Milwaukee’s bid was the result of sustained collaboration from a diverse coalition of small business owners, large venues, hotels, corporations, elected officials, and neighbors who worked together to bring the benefits of an event this size to our community. These groups include the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, VISIT Milwaukee, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Wisconsin Center District, Fiserv Forum, the local host committee spearheaded by Gerard Randall, and many more.
“In just four years’ time, two of the largest and most visible global events have put Milwaukee on the top of their list,” says VISIT Milwaukee President & CEO Peggy Williams-Smith. “It is no surprise the RNC chose Milwaukee. Our city offers world-class amenities alongside top-tier venues and unmatched hospitality, making us well equipped to welcome tens of thousands of visitors.”
Other cities that have hosted either the DNC or the RNC reported significant gains, including up to $200 million in estimated economic impact, dramatic increases in convention bookings post-convention, the attraction of new development and infrastructure investment, and significant media exposure reaching travelers, business owners and meeting planners alike.
There is bipartisan support from the highest levels of local and state government for this convention because all parties realize how much this could benefit the community in the short and long term.
VISIT Milwaukee’s focus is on the hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, venues, transportation companies, suppliers, and others – along with the 50,000 Milwaukeeans they employ – who stand to benefit in the near- and long-term from an event of this size, stature, and global attention.
“In Milwaukee, there’s something for everyone,” Williams-Smith says. “The City of Milwaukee is culturally, racially, ethnically, and politically diverse. That is one of the many reasons why Milwaukee has become a desirable destination for group, business, and leisure travel.”
