2016 DNC: Commitment to Diversity and Opportunity

As the 2016 Democratic Convention draws nearer, the DNC Host Committee has been putting on events, webinars, and town halls to engage the Philadelphia business community in their efforts. While many of the opportunities for local vendors are yet to be announced, the DNC Host Committee is laying the foundation for a successful convention by preparing local businesses now.

Tiffany Newmuis of the DNC Host Committee says, “We are committed to working with local vendors to fulfill specific service needs for the Convention. Some needs will be publicized via a Request for Proposal and some will be made known as the need arises. It is our goal to communicate appropriate opportunities with the local business community as much as possible. We look forward to working with many organizations from throughout the Philadelphia region, including diverse vendors and contractors. We encourage such business owners – including minorities, women, veterans, and members of the LGTB and disabled communities – to register for contract consideration. “

The best way to get involved in potential opportunities is to register for the 2016 Vendor Directory. The process for doing so is simple: go to the DNC website, www.phldnc.com and click on the “vendor” button at the top right of the page. That will take you to a form asking you to provide your contact information, the name of your business, the kind of services you offer, and similar details.

Currently there are 1,500 vendors registered in the Host Committee vendor directory. Of those, 35% vendors identify as diverse. 68% are based in Pennsylvania, and 45% are based in Philadelphia. The vendor directory will be used by the Host Committee and the DNCC for needed services to help present the Convention. It will also be provided to third parties that may be interested in holding events during Convention week, and that have contracted needs in order to put on those events.

From services, the DNC Host Committee will go through the RFP process but it is their goal to communicate these needs in advance of opening the RFP so that interested businesses have the time and information that they need to submit a proposal for the RFP. RFPs will be announced and then posted to the Host Committee’s website at www.phldnc.com. When a registered applicant matches a need of the DNC Host Committee, they will get a notification.

Once the Convention ends, the vendor directory will be provided to local partners such as the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Philadelphia, and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity for future contract needs. This is why it’s very critical for businesses to register even if you do not think your business will be able to offer services needed specifically for the Host Committee’s needs or the DNCC’s needs.

Not only will the directory provide the Convention team with suppliers leading up to and during the event, but it will also offer a comprehensive listing of vendors that can be used for a variety of events and by an array of entities beyond this event.

IBA members should take advantage of this incredible opportunity today. The DNC website will be constantly updated. The DNC Host Committee is committed to making the Philadelphia Convention the best in history, but they can’t do it without the help of our local business community.