16,000 Rooms in 100+ Hotels Booked Throughout Minneapolis-Saint Paul Metropolitan Area

SAINT PAUL, Minn., Nov. 15, PRNewswire-USNewswire
The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced that planners have finalized the official convention hotel block. Roughly 16,000 rooms in more than 100 hotels throughout Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, and the surrounding
areas have been blocked to host many of the 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media, and other guests expected to attend the four-day convention. Working closely with the Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, Committee on Arrangements (COA) staff secured the rooms for official convention use next September and will begin making hotel assignments in the spring.

“Securing our block of hotel rooms is a significant achievement — for us as planners and for the host cities as beneficiaries — and a labor-intensive process that we are pleased to have completed,” said Jo Ann Davidson, Chairman of the COA and Republican National Committee Co-Chairman. “The more than 100 participating hotels will ensure that visiting state delegations, media representatives, party officials, volunteers, and all of our convention guests have access to the official
proceedings and everything the host cities have to offer.”

Davidson also lauded the efforts of the COA’s Housing Subcommittee, which is chaired by Wisconsin National Committeewoman Mary Buestrin and vice chaired by Maryland National Committeeman Louis Pope. Other members of
the subcommittee are New Mexico National Committeewoman Rosie Tripp and West Virginia National Committeeman Jim Reed.

Visitors staying at one of the designated hotels will benefit from the full range of services and programs arranged for convention participants and their guests. The official hotels will be part of the 2008 Republican National Convention transportation system, which is currently being developed, as well as part of the Host Committee’s Welcome and Delegate
Experience Plans.

“A significant aspect of our bid to host the 2008 Republican National Convention was our ability to provide delegates, media, and other attendees with quality hotel rooms within a reasonable distance of the Xcel Energy Center,” said Host Committee CEO Jeff Larson. “We are proud of the efforts our hotels and convention and visitors bureaus continue to put forth to ensure our guests are provided with the finest accommodations in the cities.”

Today’s announcement is just one way in which the local business community is reaping the benefits of the 2008 Republican National Convention. The host cities are projected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost, but pre-convention planning may push the final total even higher. Throughout the host cities, venues are being
reserved, vendors are providing services, and the Committee on Arrangements has a staff of more than 20 who are living, dining and shopping locally, and that number will eventually grow to more than 140. The economic boost to the host cities will also be magnified as the convention falls at a time of year when tourism is not generally at its peak.

“Saint Paul values the convention guests who shop, stay and dine in our city — and we look forward to hosting the official convention proceedings at the Xcel Energy Center,” said Karolyn Kirchgesler, Saint Paul RiverCentre Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO. “It is an honor to have been chosen as the site of the Republican Party’s 39th
nominating convention and we are confident the city will host the best convention ever.”

Guests who travel to the 2008 Republican National Convention will experience the diverse communities, exceptional cultural institutions, outstanding hotels and event venues, natural beauty, and fantastic quality of life that make the host cities world-class destinations. With the arrival of the convention crowds, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, and the surrounding areas will be showcased on an international level.

“Minneapolis looks forward to welcoming guests of the 2008 Republican National Convention,” said Melvin Tennant, interim president and CEO for Meet Minneapolis. “When the convention is not in session, visitors will have no shortage of options to explore. From the city’s vibrant downtown, to its critically acclaimed arts scene, to the natural beauty of its lakes
and parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

“We are thrilled to introduce visitors from around the world — as well as those watching the convention from home — to Bloomington, Minnesota,” Bonnie Carlson, President and CEO of the Bloomington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, stated. “Guests staying at hotels in Bloomington will have the Mall of America and the convenience of downtown Minneapolis and
Saint Paul just minutes away.”

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at
http://www.GOPConvention2008.com.