Chicago 2024 Host Committee
Wednesday, August 7th, 2024
Press@Chicago2024.com
Democratic National Convention Selects Iconic Chicago Locations for Marquee Events
CHICAGO, IL — Today, the Chicago 2024 Host Committee announced the locations of the three large-scale events being held in the lead-up to the Democratic National Convention. The Volunteer Appreciation Rally and Media and Delegate Welcome Parties will welcome tens of thousands of guests to two of Chicago’s most iconic locations: Wrigley Field and Navy Pier.“Chicago knows how to party, and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of volunteers, delegates, and members of the media to some of the most memorable locations our city has to offer,” said Chicago 2024 Host Committee Executive Director Christy George. “We are thrilled to showcase some of the region’s best food, beverages, and talent, and we are confident guests will leave these events energized and excited for the week of business ahead.”
“We are thrilled to support these exciting events with signature Chicago elements that will wow delegates and members of the media alike,” said Choose Chicago Interim President and CEO Rich Gamble. “No one does it like Chicago and we can’t wait to add our style to these incredible events.”
Volunteer Appreciation Rally
The week before the convention, thousands of convention volunteers will gather in the Lakeview neighborhood at the historic Wrigley Field, the second oldest ballpark in the world and the home of the Chicago Cubs. The rally will be an opportunity for volunteers to receive a briefing on assignment information, meet their fellow volunteers, and get energized for the monumental week ahead. Attendees will have the chance to stand on the home plate of the Chicago Cubs and snag a photo with the 2016 World Series trophy. The event will also feature performances by local talent, including the Kenwood Academy Marching Broncos and Majorettes.
Media Welcome Party
The Media Welcome Party will kick off at Navy Pier with an expected attendance of several thousand members of the international media. Sponsored by the United Association, the Media Welcome Party will be a true showcase of Chicago’s 77 community areas. In coordination with the Paramount Group, a Chicago-based, woman-owned catering company, guests will be able to enjoy items from local favorites such as Yum Dum Truck, Brown Sugar Bakery, Antique Taco, Sanders BBQ Supply Co., Demera Restaurant, Saigon Sisters and more. The party will feature a performance by a super group of Chicago blues and house music talent: Billy Branch, Wayne Baker Brooks, Lori Branch and DJ Chip E., sponsored by Choose Chicago. Attendees will also get to experience the acclaimed Navy Pier fireworks.
“Navy Pier was proud to play an instrumental role in the 1996 convention, and we are thrilled to once again welcome delegates and members of the media back to our incredible venue,” said Chief Administrative and Equity Officer of Navy Pier Arnie Rivera. “We look forward to showing the world what our city can do.”
Delegate Welcome Party
The Delegate Welcome Party will welcome thousands of attendees back to Navy Pier for another celebration of Chicago. Sponsored by the National Education Association and United Association, the event will also feature performances by Chicago guitarists and vocalists. The Delegate and Welcome events also include two "big cakes" made by Eli’s Cheesecake, each weighing 1,000 pounds and decorated with 50 state placards. The evening will end with a special Sunday-night fireworks show sponsored by Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc., Phantom Fireworks, Inc., & TNT Fireworks, Inc.
In March, following a rigorous search and selection process, the Host Committee and the Democratic National Convention Committee selected two local, diverse-owned teams with extensive large-scale event planning and execution experience to produce the official hospitality events.
About the Chicago 2024 Host Committee
The Chicago 2024 Host Committee (Development Now for Chicago) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization responsible for fundraising and ensuring individuals and businesses across Illinois have the opportunity to experience the benefits of hosting the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The Host Committee liaises between the Democratic National Convention Committee, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois to create a world-class experience for all convention attendees and residents, and drives lasting social and economic impact across the Chicagoland area. For more information, visit https://chicago2024.com
Contact: Maureen
Schulman, 773-908-6425, maureen.
For: Eli's Cheesecake Bakery of Chicago
Re: Big plans and Big cakes for the
Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention announced some big plans for the Convention – and by big, we mean two 1,000-pound cheesecakes made by Chicago's famous Eli’s Cheesecake. The “big cakes,” which will be served at the Delegate and Media Welcome events at Navy Pier, will be decorated with all 50 state placards.
What: Sneak Peek making the Big Cakes
Where: Eli's Bakery, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive, Chicago
When: Friday, August 16th, 10:30 am
-1:00 pm
Additional Information:
- Watch us put the finishing touches on our Big Cakes:
- View the enormous amounts of ingredients it takes to make these 4' x 5' cakes, plus decorators on ladders, placing the 50 state placards and other decorations. Cows will be working overtime to produce the 450 pounds of cream cheese needed along the mind-boggling grocery list which includes: 70 pounds of sugar, 50 pounds of sour cream, 63 pounds of Eli’s Shortbread Cookie Crust, 65 pounds of eggs, 2 pounds of vanilla, 150 pounds of old fashioned buttercream icing, 105 pounds of edible cookie dough and 5 pounds of graham cracker crumbs, 30 lbs red, white and blue fondant and 10 pounds of cherry glaze.
- Among those working on the cakes are some of Eli's 80 refugees from 14 countries. (One of our main decorators is Ivanna Yatskiv, from the Ukraine).
- We can facilitate interviews with Eli's pastry chefs and Eli's president and son of Eli, Marc Schulman, who can speak to Eli’s history of big cakes and what it means to have the Convention in Chicago.
- Can supply B Roll and photos of making and decorating the big cakes.
- Eating your way through Chicago: Given Vice President Harris’ passion for cooking and Chicago being a food city, celebrate the Convention by highlighting some of Chicago's most iconic foods. Eli's Cheesecake, of course, but others as well, like pizza, hot dogs, ribs. We could round up a “Taste of Chicago” for a special segment.