Editor’s note: BizTimes Milwaukee will provide extensive coverage of the 2024 Republican National Convention, to be held July 15-18 in Milwaukee. Check back here throughout the week for the latest updates of this historic event.
July 19
RNC attendees share their thoughts on Milwaukee
Thousands of visitors have wrapped up their time in the City of Milwaukee following the final day of the Republican National Convention. For many of those visitors, the trip was their first visit to Wisconsin. Both the state and the city have drawn varying reactions from attendees.
– BizTimes staff
July 18
Scenes from the fourth, and final, night of 2024 RNC
Milwaukee’s week in the national spotlight has come to an end. The GOP convention wrapped up late Thursday night following a record-breaking hour-and-a-half-long acceptance speech by former President Donald Trump. Delegates and guests packed the convention floor at Fiserv Forum to cheer and show their support for their party’s leader. Earlier in the night, billionaire Wisconsin businesswoman — and big time Wisconsin GOP donor — Diane Hendricks took the stage to share her success story, belief in conservative values and voice her support of Trump. A tradition to mark the end of the four-day event, 100,000 balloons dropped from the ceiling of the arena as opera singer Christopher Maccio performed.
And that’s a wrap on the 2024 RNC.
Two years of prep, an estimated 50,000 attendees, a supposed $200 million economic impact and 100,000 balloons pic.twitter.com/jcTggAQYX1
— Hunter Turpin (@HunterDTurpin) July 19, 2024
– Maredithe Meyer and Hunter Turpin
RNC’s Convention Fest gives local businesses a ‘piece of the pie’
While the Republican National Convention’s impact has fallen short of expectations for many bars and restaurants outside of the event’s secure perimeter, dozens of local businesses benefitted from being at the center of the action as vendors at Convention Fest, a street festival that was held each day of the RNC outside of the Baird Center.
– Maredithe Meyer
Speaking at the RNC on its final night, Diane Hendricks says businesses need Trump
Billionaire Wisconsin businesswoman Diane Hendricks spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention Thursday night at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, sharing her story of success and voicing her support for former President Donald Trump.
– Hunter Turpin
Uber sees busy week, but rates remain average
In addition to the influx of buses and planes that have come to Milwaukee this week, rideshare service provider Uber is reporting a busy week in the city.
“During the week of the convention, we saw an increase in demand for rides in Milwaukee’s downtown area compared to the week prior, while overall reliability remained high due to close coordination with city and event officials and increased earnings opportunities for drivers during peak times,” a spokesperson said.
Uber declined to provide specific data on rides and rates, but most trips between key locations like downtown Milwaukee and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport appeared to be about the same price this week as last week, according to the Uber app.
– Hunter Turpin
July 17
Wisconsin delegates tout Milwaukee’s moment in the spotlight
“I’ll tell you people are loving Milwaukee,” said Hilario Deleon, who is the chairman of the Milwaukee County Republican Party, in an interview with BizTimes. “Everyone’s having a great time, they can’t believe how beautiful Milwaukee is, from the architecture to the lakefront. … This is putting Milwaukee back on the map. People always kind of knew Milwaukee but they didn’t really know Milwaukee.”
– Maredithe Meyer
Foot traffic picking up downtown
Wednesday brought with it cooler, more comfortable temperatures and an increase in pedestrian activity near Fiserv Forum and Milwaukee’s Third Ward. Walking along North Doctor M.L.K. Jr Drive, the street was packed with convention attendees seeking food and beverage options. Restaurants that appeared empty for most of the day Monday, like Carson’s Prime Steaks, welcomed several more parties for lunch, who could be seen through the windows Wednesday at around 1 p.m. In the Third Ward, there was also a visible uptick in foot traffic. The Milwaukee Public Market, another popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, had a steady stream of guests walking through it on Wednesday, although the crowds were noticeably smaller than an average summer day.
– Ashley Smart
Many restaurants outside the RNC security perimeter struggling with lack of bookings
In the months leading up to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, business and political leaders touted the event as an economic boon for the region that could have an economic impact of $200 million.
The reality for several restaurants outside the RNC’s security perimeter is shaping up to be very different than what was promised, according to several business owners who spoke with BizTimes Milwaukee.
But for restaurants in the immediate area of Fiserv Forum and near the pedestrian restricted perimeter surrounding the arena, business is booming.
– Ashley Smart and JT Schultz
Milwaukee mayor encourages greater support for downtown businesses during RNC
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson encouraged greater patronage of downtown businesses during the Republican National Convention this week in Milwaukee, in comments made at his Wednesday morning press conference outside City Hall.
Several businesses outside of the immediate RNC area around Fiserv Forum have expressed concerns about revenue, Johnson said. Some area businesses near the RNC perimeter have experienced less foot traffic than usual this week as some downtown workers are working from home and other regular customers of downtown businesses have been staying away to avoid RNC-related traffic. The security area around the convention has also made it more challenging for people to come and go through the area, putting a damper on activity for some businesses in the area.
“I’ve heard some restaurants and businesses downtown were expecting a little bit more,” Johnson said.
– Samantha Dietel
July 16
Snapshots from day two of the RNC
Cooler, more comfortable temperatures ushered in the second day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee — and the energy among Republicans remains high. Vendors at Convention Fest saw more traffic than Monday thanks to the weather and official programming starting later. By 5 p.m., the public plaza outside Fiserv Forum was humming with activity.
The theme of Tuesday night’s program at Fiserv Forum was “Make America Safe Again.” Just hours earlier, a group of five police officers from Columbus, Ohio, shot and killed a Milwaukee man near 14th and Vliet streets, about 1 mile west of Fiserv Forum. The officer-involved shooting occurred outside the RNC’s security footprint. See the latest reporting on the situation from WISN-TV Channel 12 a media partner of BizTimes Milwaukee.
– Maredithe Meyer
Ohio officers shoot, kill man near RNC venue in Milwaukee
Police officers from Columbus, Ohio, who are in Milwaukee to help provide security for the Republican National Convention, shot and killed a man at about 1:10 p.m. Tuesday near 14th and Vliet streets in Milwaukee, which is about 1 mile from Fiserv Forum, the main RNC venue.
The man was identified as Samuel Sharpe, according to reporting by WISN-TV Channel 12, a media partner of BizTimes Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson addressed the officer-involved shooting at his Wednesday morning press conference outside City Hall.
Johnson did not mention Sharpe by name. Johnson said Sharpe held two knives while threatening an unarmed individual. The Columbus officers, noticing this confrontation, approached Sharpe and ordered him to drop the knives multiple times, Johnson said.
Johnson said the officers fired after Sharpe refused to drop the knives and moved to attack the unarmed individual.
Johnson said he anticipates “a full as well as thorough investigation,” which he said will be conducted by the Milwaukee area investigative team.
Johnson said he is “sad to see loss of life” and that his thoughts are with Sharpe’s friends and family. Johnson said his thoughts are also with the Columbus officers.
“I’m sure they did not expect to be drawn into a tragic situation such as the one that they were involved in yesterday,” he said. “The information we have leaves a clear impression that these Columbus officers, they saved the life of an unarmed man from death or perhaps serious injury.”
Johnson said he is “certain” that Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman will be in contact with the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies following Tuesday’s shooting.
“Anytime there’s loss of life, that’s a tragic thing,” Johnson said. “I don’t want to see anybody be hurt, whether it’s somebody in our community, whether it’s somebody here. I never want to see that. I also didn’t want to see the individual who was being lunged at with two knives be hurt either. I never want to see violence befall anybody.”
See more from WISN-TV Channel 12, a media partner of BizTimes Milwaukee:
A vigil was held Tuesday night for Samuel Sharpe, the man who was shot by the police officers.
– Samantha Dietel
Mitchell Park Domes, Bradley Symphony Center, others hold RNC-related events
While Fiserv Forum and the Deer District are the center of RNC action this week, dozens of private events are being held daily at venues throughout the city.
On Monday evening at AJ Bombers, located just outside of the security zone, the National Defense Political Action Committee hosted a fundraiser and mixer.
On Tuesday, the Mitchell Park Domes held the American Energy CARES Reception, hosted by the Conservative Climate Foundation, Clearpath, American Conservation Coalition and CRES Forum.
“We wanted to have an environmental theme,” an event organizer said. The groups hosted another event at Discovery World on Tuesday evening.
Other prominent venues that landed RNC-related bookings Monday and Tuesday include the Bradley Symphony Center, Harley-Davidson Museum, Grain Exchange and The Pfister Hotel, among others.
Delegates from across the nation had nothing but fun touring the Harley-Davidson Museum 🏍️ pic.twitter.com/1DxtPlzGwi
— MKE2024HostCommittee (@MKEHost2024) July 17, 2024
– Hunter Turpin
Milwaukee mayor says ‘things are going pretty well’ after first day of RNC
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said Tuesday that the city garnered positive attention and maintained safety during the first day of the Republican National Convention.
“Milwaukee is receiving very positive attention,” Johnson said. “Not just across the U.S., but literally around the world, and that’s really exciting to me.”
Johnson said he spoke with visitors who were happy to explore parts of Milwaukee and walk along Lake Michigan.
– Samantha Dietel
July 15
First day of RNC highlighted by VP pick, Trump appearance
The first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention culminated in former President Donald Trump’s first public appearance since Saturday’s assassination attempt.
Trump arrived at Fiserv Forum just before 9 p.m. and entered the arena to much fanfare, including chants of “We love Trump,” “Fight, fight, fight” and “USA.” He sat in his reserved box suite for the final hour of Monday’s program, standing and clapping periodically as speakers delivered their remarks.
Trump sat next to his newly named running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, who he announced as his pick for VP earlier Monday afternoon. He was also joined by Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.
The theme of Monday’s programming was “Make America Wealthy Once Again” and featured a musical performance by country singer Chris Janson. Sen. Ron Johnson was among the GOP officials and “every day Americans” who took the stage Monday evening — the only keynote speaker from Wisconsin.
– Maredithe Meyer
Scenes of the news media covering the RNC in Milwaukee
The 50,000 people expected to come to Milwaukee for the 2024 Republican National Convention includes an estimated 15,000 members of the news media, representing outlets from across the country and from other parts of the world.
Milwaukee civic leaders are hoping the massive media coverage of the RNC will help raise awareness of Milwaukee in a positive way.
In addition to working and covering the RNC from the convention hall at Fiserv Forum, members of the media are working from the Baird Center and at media row at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, where the arena floor is divided up into sections for different broadcast media outlets.
– Andrew Weiland
Drivers report spending hours to enter security zone
Traffic throughout downtown Milwaukee was rather slow Monday afternoon and evening, with many city streets nearly empty even during rush hour.
However, lines to enter the security perimeter, which has five vehicle screening points, often stretched for blocks. Some drivers interviewed by BizTimes reported spending upwards of two hours in line Monday afternoon and evening at the Michigan Street screening point, while drivers at other screening points reported spending only about 30 minutes.
“Things are running very smoothly for us so far,” said Dean Brown, general manager of Lamers Bus Lines, which is using about 35 of its coaches for the RNC. “However, getting in and out of the (security zone) has been a challenge, but yesterday for dry runs it was even slow.”
-Hunter Turpin
Restaurants experiencing varying levels of foot traffic
The Monday lunch hour appeared to be a slow one for many restaurants and bars located outside the hard perimeter zone for the RNC. Several restaurants along Water Street heading north towards Fiserv Forum appeared to be completely empty at noon.
At 2 p.m. Major Goolsby’s had filled eight tables with customers for the lunch hour. Jessica Mullins, a manager at the restaurant, said staff members are trying their best to let locals know they are open via social media.
One restaurant that did experience heavy foot traffic was Mader’s. The German restaurant is located just outside the hard perimeter zone that encompasses Fiserv Forum.
Victor Mader, owner of Mader’s, flew from Oregon just to be present for the RNC. He’s doubled the number of staff members on hand to 40 to help manage demand. Mader’s also expanded hours to add a breakfast and brunch offering, which has been a popular addition.
“We knew if you bring a party or group of 50,000 convention attendees, you’re gonna get slammed,” said Mader. “That’s probably the biggest group in history that’s come to Milwaukee for a convention.”
Within the hard perimeter zone, The New Fashioned was bustling with customers Monday afternoon. The bar and restaurant is located directly across from Fiserv Forum.
Marla Poytinger, president and CEO of Bars & Rec, which operates The New Fashioned, said the venue is completely booked out every day this week.
“What we’ve been telling our team is to expect, at least from walking traffic, the same amount as a Bucks game every day, potentially multiple Bucks games,” said Poytinger.
Back in the Third Ward, foot traffic once again died down. A manager at The Edison, located at 322 N. Broadway, said at around 3 p.m. Monday that the restaurant has been pretty dead and that they have not received any dinner bookings.
–Ashley Smart
Demonstrators rally at Red Arrow Park
Red Arrow Park buzzed with a cacophony of chants and passionate speeches Monday morning as several different groups of demonstrators — including pro-life, pro-choice, pro-Palestine, anti-Trump, and others — organized for a march throughout downtown Milwaukee.
The rally and following march was led by the Coalition to March on the RNC, which, in short, is protesting against the “racist and reactionary agenda of the Republican Party.” Its member organizations represent various movements: immigrant rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ, labor, and many others, according to distributed press materials.
The group has repeatedly made headlines in the weeks leading up the 2024 RNC as it vocally fought for the city’s approval to march along a route that was different from the official march route the city had previously designated, as part of the larger RNC security plan. The group even retained the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin to sue the City of Milwaukee on its behalf, arguing the city had “severely restricting the rights of those seeking to protest” by placing the march route out of “sight and sound” of Fiserv Forum, the convention’s main venue.
The lawsuit was ultimately dropped, and the coalition reached a “handshake agreement” with the city on new march route within sight and sound of the Fiserv Forum.
– Maredithe Meyer
Media gather at Baird Center for daily press briefing
Roughly 150 members of the media Monday morning attended a daily press briefing, held by the Donald J. Trump Campaign and the Republican National Committee, at the Baird Center. The briefing was off the record and meant for planning purposes only.
– Maredithe Meyer
Mayor expresses confidence in public safety for RNC, says downtown is ‘open for commerce’
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson addressed public safety concerns and expressed support for downtown businesses at a press conference ahead of the Republican National Convention Monday morning.
“I feel pretty confident in what we’ve worked to establish in terms of public safety for this event over the course of the last 18 months,” Johnson said.
Johnson said he hopes Milwaukee hosting the RNC will help attract more conventions and large scale political, business, sports and entertainment events to Milwaukee in the future.
“That will build our tourism business, creating more jobs, creating more economic activity right here in Milwaukee,” Johnson said.
He said it’s important to leave a “positive impression of Milwaukee” at this time.
“My whole goal here is to create a virtuous economic cycle for the people who live here, who work here, who own businesses here in Milwaukee,” Johnson said. “And I think the RNC will open that door across the country, and really around the world, for people to see Milwaukee as a place to bring that sort of business.”
– Samantha Dietel
News links
ABC News video about Milwaukee and why it’s hosting the RNC
July 14
2024 RNC kicks off with massive ‘Red, White and Brew’ welcome party at Summerfest grounds
A crowd of 15,000 was expected at Sunday’s “Red, White and Brew” welcome party to kick off the 2024 Republican National Convention this week in Milwaukee.
The welcome party for delegates and credentialed guests was held at Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward Sunday evening. It featured a spread of Wisconsin food and drinks as well as live entertainment — headlined by country music artist Trace Adkins — and a fireworks show.
While the event was closed to the press, members of the local media got a “sneak peak” of the party’s setup Sunday afternoon before attendees arrived.
– Maredithe Meyer
RNC visitors arriving in Milwaukee boost airport traffic
Thousands of people from across the nation arrived in Milwaukee this weekend for the 2024 Republican National Convention, with the airport prepped with more flights, more security and RNC-related advertising.
On a typical summer day, Mitchell handles about 9,000 travelers arriving and 9,000 passengers departing. This weekend, it’s estimated that between 11,000 and 12,000 people arrived, mostly boosted by RNC attendees, according to Harold Mester, director of public affairs for Mitchell.
– Hunter Turpin
New York Times: After shooting at Trump rally, officials say RNC security is ‘ready to go’
Milwaukee was always an unlikely host for the Republican National Convention: small in population with 560,000 residents, short on hotel rooms and unaccustomed to holding large-scale gatherings.
The city is now facing even more scrutiny in the wake of an assassination attempt Saturday night against former President Donald J. Trump at a Pennsylvania rally. On Sunday, Milwaukee officials and the U.S. Secret Service spent the eve of the convention scrambling to reassure the public that the event would be safe, as delegates began arriving and thousands of protesters prepared to gather on Monday in a large demonstration near the convention site.
City and convention leaders have touted the event as an economic boost and a chance for Milwaukee to sparkle in the national spotlight, despite questions over the city’s ability to pull off a nationally televised four-day party.
Click here to read the rest of the report, which includes photos of: security outside of Fiserv Forum, Major Goolsby’s decorated for the RNC, security on a raft on the Milwaukee River in downtown Milwaukee
– Andrew Weiland
CNN broadcasting with Fiserv Forum as a backdrop
CNN programming today featured live shots in front of Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee in advance of the 2024 Republican National Convention.
CNN and Politico are basing their RNC coverage out of Turner Hall, turning the iconic Milwaukee venue into the “CNN | Politico Grill.” Turner Hall is located just outside of Fiserv Forum.
– Andrew Weiland
Secret Service: RNC security plan to ‘remain in place’
As of late Sunday afternoon, the existing operational security plan for the 2024 Republican National Convention “will remain in place,” with no changes anticipated.
That was the main messaging to come out of a press briefing held by the U.S. Secret Service and federal, state and local law agencies at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Centennial Hall at the Milwaukee Public Library’s central branch. The press briefing took place less than 24 hours after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident has raised questions about possible adjustments to security protocols for the RNC in Milwaukee.
“We have been working on the RNC security plan for more than a year and have been in constant coordination with our partners and the Republican National Committee,” said Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, Secret Service RNC coordinator. “During our extensive planning efforts, we have accounted for various security scenarios that may arise and we are confident in the plan we have implemented for the Republican National Convention this week. That security plan will remain in place.”
Gibson-Cicchino noted planning for designated National Special Security Events is based on a “layered approach” that involves multiple federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety agencies.
“We will continue to assess the security environment and adapt our security measures as appropriate,” she said.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee Police chief Jeffrey Norman both emphasized the seriousness of public safety and touted the time and collaboration that went into the RNC’s security planning.
Check out a recording of the press briefing here.
– Maredithe Meyer
Trump arrives in Milwaukee
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, former President Donald Trump said he will arrive in Milwaukee today for the Republican National Convention, which starts on Monday, July 15, and runs through Thursday, July 18.
Trump survived an assassination attempt on Saturday at a campaign rally when he was struck in the right ear by a bullet.
“Based on yesterday’s terrible events, I was going to delay my trip to Wisconsin, and The Republican National Convention, by two days, but have just decided that I cannot allow a “shooter,” or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else. Therefore I will be leaving for Milwaukee, as scheduled, at 3:30 p.m. TODAY. Thank you! DJT”
Trump arrived in Milwaukee at about 5:45 p.m.
– Andrew Weiland
‘The Daily Show’ cancels plans to broadcast in Milwaukee this week
Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on Saturday in Pennsylvania, Comedy Central TV series “The Daily Show” has cancelled its plans to broadcast in Milwaukee this week during the Republican National Convention.
The show was scheduled to be recorded at the Marcus Performing Arts Center on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and show host Jon Stewart was scheduled to host a live broadcast of the show there on Thursday, following the convention’s final night of programming.
“Our apologies for the inconvenience, but due to logistical issues and the evolving situation in Milwaukee, we will not broadcast from Wisconsin this week,” the show said in an email to individuals with tickets.
“In light of the incredibly shocking and sad events that took place yesterday in Pennsylvania, ‘The Daily Show’ will no longer broadcast from Milwaukee at the Marcus Performing Arts Center during the Republican National Convention,” said Marcus Center spokeswoman Jennifer Han. “While we were all looking forward to the events, it is the right thing to do, and we support their decision. The safety and well-being of our audience members, guests, and staff is the highest priority to the Marcus Performing Arts Center, and ‘The Daily Show.’ We know that this was not an easy choice to make, but out of respect for the situation and an abundance of caution for everyone, this was a necessary decision. We are deeply grateful for your support, and we apologize for this unexpected change. Thank you so very much for your understanding.”
– Andrew Weiland
News links:
ABC News: Milwaukee on high alert ahead of RNC following Trump assassination attempt
CBS News: Republican National Convention in Milwaukee has law enforcement on heightened awareness
July 13
Recovering from attempted assassination at Pennsylvania rally, Trump ‘looks forward’ to RNC in Milwaukee, campaign says
After an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally on Saturday, in which Trump said he was hit in his right ear by a bullet, the Trump Campaign and the Republican National Committee issued a statement saying Trump is “doing well” and “looks forward to joining you in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention.”
Two days before the 2024 Republican National Convention is to begin in Milwaukee, shots were fired at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, as the former president was speaking to the crowd. He grabbed his ear and then quickly crouched down as U.S. Secret Service personnel rushed to cover him. When Trump stood up his right ear was covered in blood and blood was streaked across his cheek. As the Secret Service escorted him out of the rally Trump raised his fist to the crowd.
The U.S. Secret Service said a shooter fired multiple shots from an “elevated position” outside of the Trump rally before Secret Service personnel “neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased.” A bystander was also killed from the shooting at the rally, ABC News reported.
The FBI has officially deemed the incident as an assassination attempt of Trump.
“President Trump is doing well and grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their fast action” the statement from the Trump campaign and the RNC says. “President Trump looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee as we proceed with our convention to nominate him to serve as the 47th President of the United States.”
Reince Priebus, chairman of the MKE 2024 Host Committee for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee also issued a statement saying: “President Trump is in my prayers after surviving this assassination attempt. We are also heartbroken that reports indicate that at least one innocent person has been killed and perhaps others have been injured. This horrific violence has no place in America.”
“Guest have already begun to arrive in Wisconsin and we look forward to working with the Republican National Committee to welcome everyone to Milwaukee this week,” Priebus said.
The MKE 2024 Host Committee is scheduled to host a welcome party for RNC attendees on Sunday night at Henry Maier Festival Park. At this time that event is still planned to go on as scheduled, according to a representative for the Host Committee.
– Andrew Weiland
Diane Hendricks to speak at RNC
Diane Hendricks, the chairman, owner and co-founder of Beloit-based ABC Supply and the owner of Hendricks Holding Co. is on the list of expected speakers for the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee.
Hendricks topped Forbes magazine’s 2024 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women with an estimated net worth of $20.9 billion.
Hendricks has long been a supporter and major contributor for Republican politicians.
A full list of speakers planned for the RNC can be seen in this report on CNN’s website, which includes a photo of Fiserv Forum.
– Andrew Weiland
July 12
NY Times: How a largely Democratic Milwaukee is feeling about welcoming thousands of Republicans
A New York Times report, featuring a photo of the downtown Milwaukee skyline and based on interviews with more than two dozen residents of the Milwaukee area, takes a look at “How a largely Democratic Milwaukee is feeling about welcoming thousands of Republicans.”
“Some voters in the city, which is heavily Democratic, described the convention as an exciting and long-awaited chance to showcase Milwaukee to the rest of the country. Others called the gathering a terrible idea that would disrupt daily life and, they suspected, do little to help the local economy.”
In addition, a Bloomberg report examines how Milwaukee is getting ready for the RNC.
– Andrew Weiland
July 11
2024 RNC host committee exceeds fundraising goal
The MKE 2024 Host Committee announced Thursday it has raised more than $85 million for the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, far surpassing its initial goal of $68 million.
The total represents a record amount raised by any host committee for a Republican convention in history, according to a news release.
– Maredithe Meyer
July 9
After hours RNC warehouse party to be held in Brewers Hill
A vacant Brewers Hill neighborhood warehouse is slated to be used for a five-night, after-hours party related to the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Tennessee-based Declan Weir Productions (DWP), an event management company, filed a permit with the City of Milwaukee for the property at 1929 N. Buffum St., which is a vacant industrial building built in 1913.
– Hunter Turpin
July 8
See where RNC-related events will be held throughout the Milwaukee area
The Republican National Committee and its local Host Committee have released a “master calendar” of events taking place the week of the RNC.
Some notable Milwaukee venues, such as The Pfister Hotel, Harley-Davidson Museum and Bradley Symphony Center, are slated to host some notable groups, such as conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation and the European Union.
– Hunter Turpin
July 2
See photos: Fiserv Forum transforms for RNC
The build-out project includes the construction and installation of media risers, special seating, the central podium and electric lines to facilitate audio-visual equipment.
– Hunter Turpin
June 28
American Family Field to host massive RNC delegation event
American Family Field has been booked for an event hosted by the Republican National Committee’s southern region, which covers 14 states in the southeastern part of the U.S. Between that group of state parties and other delegates from across the country, the event is expected to draw “several thousand people,” said John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama GOP and vice chair of the party’s southern region.
– Maredithe Meyer
CNN, Politico taking over Turner Hall for Republican National Convention
CNN and Politico will base their 2024 Republican National Convention out of Turner Hall, turning the iconic Milwaukee venue into the “CNN | Politico Grill.”
– Hunter Turpin
June 25
Fox News taking over Deer District space for RNC coverage
Fox News will take over Deer District event venue Gather for coverage of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
– Maredithe Meyer
Details unveiled for RNC welcome party at Summerfest grounds
The “Red, White and Brew” party will feature Wisconsin food and drinks as well as a performance by country music artist Trace Adkins.
– Maredithe Meyer
June 21
Cover Story: The RNC in MKE
Taking place July 15-18 in downtown Milwaukee, the RNC will be one of the largest and highest-profile events the city has ever hosted at a time when the state of American politics seems more divided than ever – and the eyes of the world are watching. Politics aside, local leaders who helped lure the RNC here – including Mayor Cavalier Johnson – have touted the event as a huge boost for the city’s economy and notoriety. And over the past two years, RNC organizers have emphasized their efforts to channel convention-related business to Milwaukee- and Wisconsin-based companies. This special report previews some of the business-related, non-political aspects of the convention – and what to expect during its four-day run – and profiles some of the local businesses that are capitalizing on the occasion. Also included is an analysis by BizTimes editor Andrew Weiland examining the high stakes of such a high-profile event for the city of Milwaukee.
