The Democratic National Convention is the formal event where Democrats from all 50 states and the U.S. territories will gather in Chicago to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, our Democratic nominees for President and Vice President of the United States. Democrats will celebrate our achievements under the Biden-Harris Administration and chart a path for the future. Primetime programming will be held at the United Center and other party activities will be conducted at the McCormick Place Convention Center, both planned in close coordination with the Chicago Host Committee, City of Chicago, State of Illinois, and the Democratic National Committee.
The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) is the convention arm of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), responsible for planning the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19-22, 2024.
Chicago is the perfect place to bring the story of Vice President Harris, Governor Walz, and the Democratic Party to the American people. Chicago represents the diversity of the Democratic Party and the country. It’s a union city that sits at the heart of the Midwest, and it’s a Democratic stronghold that was part of the “blue wall” crucial to the Biden-Harris victory in 2020 and will be for a Harris-Walz victory in November. Across the city and entire region, Midwesterners are seeing the progress that is possible under Democratic leadership, including a manufacturing boom that has created good-paying jobs and uplifted communities who have been left behind.
For delegates and non-delegates alike, the 2024 Democratic National Convention will present an incredible opportunity to be a part of history in the making. In addition to the over 5,000 delegates and alternates who will convene in Chicago this summer, 12,000 volunteers will help keep the convention running smoothly.
People can also connect with the Democratic National Convention on social media. You can follow the DNCC on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter.
We look forward to welcoming 50,000 total visitors to the city for the convention, including 5,000 delegates and alternates and 15,000 members of the media.
The Democratic National Convention Committee will work with the 2024 Chicago Host Committee to ensure the DNC leaves a positive impact on neighborhoods and communities across Chicago. We expect to see an incredible economic impact across the Chicagoland area, benefiting the entire metro region, in line with the hundreds of millions of dollars past host cities have seen.
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau found that the 2016 Democratic National Convention hosted in Philadelphia generated $230.9 million in total economic impact. An independent economic impact study concluded that the 2012 Democratic National Convention resulted in an estimated $163.6 million benefit to the Charlotte regional economy. After hosting the 2008 convention, Denver reported an estimated $266.1 million in regional economic benefit to Metro Denver, of which $153.9 million occurred within the City and County of Denver.
Our sustainability advisors, Bright Beat and Purpose, are developing and implementing a sustainability program for the convention, including strategies that cut emissions, prevent waste, reuse materials, donate food, and more. These efforts will ensure this is the most sustainable Democratic National Convention in history. Learn more at demconvention.com/sustainability.
The Chicago 2024 Host Committee launched its DNC Vendor Directory and Venue Map, which include more than 1,700 businesses and venues available for this summer’s Democratic National Convention.
The vendor directory and venue map aim to connect the 50,000 delegates and other visitors to the wealth of local vendors available in Chicago leading up to, during, and after the Convention.
The vendor directory and venue map are made up of Chicagoland businesses, individuals, and venues––of which more than 70% identified as diverse.
If you are interested in contracting with the Host Committee, DNCC, or with ancillary events surrounding the week of the Convention, please complete the Vendor Interest Form on the Chicago 2024 Host Committee’s website.
If you are interested in responding to a specific request for proposal (RFP) related to the Convention, please visit the RFP Information Page.
If you have questions regarding the Vendor Interest Form, please contact vendors@Chicago2024.com.
Only credentialed delegates, media, and guests can attend the convention in-person. We are building a convention to reach all Americans and will provide opportunities to participate.
The DNCC highly encourages members of the Chicago community and beyond to participate in the convention by signing up to become a volunteer. Volunteer roles include supporting security, transportation, wayfinding, event staffing, technology, operations, communications, and more.
People can also connect with the Democratic National Convention on social media. You can follow the DNCC on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter.
Are you hosting an event in Chicago for the 2024 Democratic National Convention?
As we continue preparations for the convention, the DNCC is building a list of third-party events – breakfasts, luncheons, panels, receptions, happy hours, watch parties, late-night parties, and more. These events will start on Friday, August 16, and continue through Friday, August 23.
This list of events will serve as a resource to delegates, elected officials, allied groups, partners, friends, and more who are traveling to Chicago for the DNC. If your event details are confirmed, please complete the form by Wednesday, July 17. We will continue to accept confirmed events on a rolling basis. Please use the same form through early August.
Are you still looking for an event venue? If yes, please contact Marisol Aquino at marisol@chicago2024.com for assistance in identifying a venue that matches your needs.
Do you need assistance with making your event accessible? Check out the Host Committee’s vendor directory for a list of accessibility services, and reach out to accessibility@demconvention.com with any accessibility questions you may have around your events.
Note: We will only share events approved by the host(s) organization. Following are examples of what a public event might look like on the list:
Thank you in advance for hosting an event and for contributing to all the festivities that will be taking place during the DNC.
Hotel allocations and reservations will be managed by the DNCC Housing Department who will remain in close touch with official state delegations and other stakeholders to understand and meet their housing needs for convention week.
We have contracted thousands of hotel rooms at more than 40 properties around the city for delegates, alternates, media, and members of the Democratic family.
All delegate hotels are located downtown within a five-mile radius of the United Center and/or McCormick Place.
In addition to Chicago’s robust public transit options, the DNCC transportation team will coordinate buses and shuttles to ensure guests can easily travel between official convention locations.
Official proceedings, primetime programming, and speeches will take place at the United Center, which has hosted 70 million guests since its opening in 1994, including the 1996 Democratic National Convention. Home to the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, the arena will host more than 200 events this year, including the convention.
Official daytime party business, meetings, and briefings will be held at McCormick Place, North America’s largest convention center. Hotels on the McCormick Place campus will also serve as the headquarters hotel for Democratic staff and media. McCormick Place hosts more than 200 conferences each year that draw 1.8 million guests and create an estimated $1.8 billion in economic impact.
In 2020, Democrats held a virtual convention – breaking new ground using technology, creativity, and ingenuity. Democrats produced programming that reached historic numbers of Americans and allowed more Americans than ever to participate in the convention in real and meaningful ways. In 2024, we are going to build on that success – reaching not only delegates in the United Center but people watching, gathering, and participating across the country.
The Department of Homeland Security has designated both parties’ conventions as National Special Security Events (NSSEs), putting the U.S. Secret Service in charge of coordinating security efforts across federal, state, and local law enforcement, who have been working together since last August.
The safety and security of convention delegates, guests, and the public is a top priority, and Chicago has a proven track record of hosting safe, large-scale events. The DNCC will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners and support them in their efforts to host a safe and secure convention, which includes planning for citizens expressing their First Amendment rights.
The U.S. Secret Service is coordinating public safety efforts with the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC). More information on public safety efforts, including how the public can sign up for updates, is available at: Chicago.gov/OEMC.
For specific security needs related to guests at official DNC events, please reach out to security@demconvention.com.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee adheres to current guidance from relevant public health authorities regarding COVID-19. Masking is not required at convention events, but any participant desiring to wear a mask is welcome to do so.
The DNCC has added an Accessibility Advisor to their team in pursuit of its mission of hosting the most accessible Democratic National Convention in history. The Accessibility Advisor will work closely with the DNCC, Host Committee, United Center, McCormick Place, airports, hotels, and other venues as well as the Mayor’s Office for Persons with Disabilities and other key experts to ensure the physical infrastructure and material presented during the 2024 Democratic National Convention meets and exceeds all relevant accessibility standards.
Accessible Shuttle service for credentialed guests from the designated DNC Hotels to McCormick Place
ADA Magnatomer Positions for security clearance
Electric Scooters and Companion Wheelchairs for use within the McCormick Center are available with advance request.
Caucus and Council Meetings will have ASL interpretations, real time captioning band assistive listening devices available.
The Expo will have ASL Interpreters available upon request
Wayfinding and seating assistance
Wheelchair and assistive technology charging stations
Wheelchair repair stations will be available for limited hours
Quiet room and sensory room
Accessibility help desks for general assistance
Accessible Shuttle service for credentialed guests from the designated DNC Hotels to United Center
ADA Magnatomer Positions for security clearance
Golf Cart assistance for travel from Rideshare Drop Off area to United Center entrance
Electric Scooters and Companion Wheelchairs for use within the United Center are available with advance request.
All convention programming will have ASL interpretations, real time captioning, audio description, and assistive listening devices available.
Wayfinding and seating assistance
Wheelchair and assistive technology charging stations
Wheelchair repair stations will be available for limited hours.
Quiet room and sensory rooms
Accessibility help desks for general assistance
Exceptions to prohibited items will be made on a case-by case basis depending on individual need due to disability. Additional screening will be required.
Yes, masks will be allowed if necessary due to a disability. You may be asked to remove your mask when going through security.
O’Hare has one adult changing station. It’s located in Terminal 2, near security checkpoint 5 (Gate F3). It can be reserved by clicking here. Midway Airport does not have an adult changing station.
At both airports, accessible restrooms are available in all terminals. Family/companion restrooms are also available. You can search for designated restroom signs, or ask the nearest information desk when you arrive at the airport.
Yes, both O’Hare and Midway Airports have all-gender restrooms. At O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you can find all-gender restrooms in:
Terminal 1 near Gate B5
Terminal 2 near Gate E4
Terminal 3 near Gate H8 and K5
Terminal 5 near Gate M12
At Midway Airport (MDW), all-gender restrooms are located in:
Concourse A near Gate A5 and A9
Concourse B near Gate B7
O’Hare Airport has service animal relief areas available in each terminal. Locations are marked on airport maps. At Midway Airport, service animal relief areas are available on the lower level of the terminal near each baggage claim. If you need assistance, ask the nearest information desk for more assistance.
Yes, both O’Hare and Midway Airports have self-serve Wheelchair Repair stations/kits available 24/7. These kits are equipped with the necessary equipment for minor wheelchair repairs and adjustments. At O’Hare, you can find them in the baggage claim areas of Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. At Midway, there will be a kit in each terminal’s baggage area.
Both O’Hare and Midway Airports offer additional wheelchair assistance that can be requested through the airline when booking your ticket or at the airport by contacting your airline’s customer service desk.
Both O’Hare and Midway Airports offer TTY phones, visual paging, and other assistance for travelers who are blind or low vision and deaf or hard of hearing. Contact the airport’s information desk for more details: Midway, O’Hare
At both O’Hare and Midway Airports, you should contactyour airline in advance to arrange for a sign language interpreter. The airport’s customer service desk can also assist in coordinating this service: Midway, O’Hare
Yes. O’Hare and Midway Airports have partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to offer additional support to travelers with disabilities such as autism, PTSD, or hearing loss. The program provides sunflower-themed lanyards and accessories to signal to airport staff that the wearer may need additional assistance, understanding, or more time. For detailed instructions on how to obtain and use these lanyards, please visit the airports’ accessibility pages: Midway, O’Hare
Both O’Hare and Midway Airports have Braille and tactile signs for wayfinding. This includes elevators, restrooms, and exits.
Yes. O’Hare has accessible drop-off and pick-up areas for private vehicles. Areas are equipped with curb ramps. Accessible drop-off and pick-up areas for private vehicles are located on both the arrival and departure levels of the airport. Curbside check-in is available in the drop off zones listed here.
Midway provides accessible drop-off and pick-up areas on both the upper and lower levels of the terminal roadway. These areas are also equipped with curb ramps. Learn more.
It is recommended that you inform the airline of your need for assistance before your flight. Airline staff will be available at gates, baggage claim areas, and terminal exits to provide assistance.
Both O’Hare and Midway Airports provide designated charging stations for mobility aids, such as electric wheelchairs and scooters, which are located at various points throughout terminals. These charging stations are equipped with standard power outlets compatible with most electric mobility aids. You must provide your own charging cables and adaptors. You can inquire about the specific locations of these charging stations at any of the airport’s information desks or refer to the airport maps both on-site and online.
Both Uber or Lyft offer WAV service at the airports. Reservations need to be made via their Mobile App. Both Uber and Lyft have added the option to “advance schedule” a ride to their App. Pick-up for WAV vehicles is available outside the baggage areas of each terminal at O’Hare and outside Baggage Claim at Midway. Non-accessible vehicle pick up is at Terminal 2 at O’Hare and outside Baggage Claim at Midway.
Yes. Individuals can obtain an accessible taxi by making a request at the designated taxi stand outside the baggage area at each terminal at O’Hare and at the taxi stand outside of the baggage area at Midway.
Yes, accessible taxi cabs can be scheduled through the CURB app or by calling 1-888-928-2227.
Instructions for requesting an accessible cab on the CURB app:
If a driver is available, you’ll see their details and estimated time of arrival
Open the Curb app and set up a profile if you do not already have one
Go to your profile and toggle “Accessible Vehicle Preferred”
Request a ride
Pace will provide ADA Paratransit Service for visitors with disabilities. Out-of-town visitors should request eligibility for Pace ADA Paratransit Service at least one business day before the first desired day of travel. It is recommended that you request this process as soon as possible to ensure the service will be available to you.
Visitors who already have ADA paratransit eligibility from another transit agency need to contact Pace and provide proof of eligibility, such as a valid ADA Paratransit ID card or a letter from the transit agency that certified the person’s ADA paratransit eligibility.
Visitors who do not have ADA paratransit eligibility with another transit agency must provide documentation of place of residence (such as a driver’s license or state ID card) and a statement that they have a disability and are unable to use fixed route service. Additional documentation may be required if the disability is not apparent.
Information about accessible public transportation routes in Chicago can be found through the following resources:
Transit Chicago Features Guide: Explore the RTA Accessibility page for resources and support for accessible travel, including travel training and trip planning assistance.
CTA Accessibility: Visit the CTA Accessibility page for details on bus and train accessibility, including accessible station features and elevator status.
Metra Accessibility Guide: Access information on accessible services, train schedules, and station accessibility on the Metra Accessibility page and Metra Accessibility Guide.
Arrange an ASL interpreter for your visit in Chicago through the following recommended vendors:
All information regarding press credentialing for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19-22 can be found at DemConvention.com/media/credentials. For any additional questions on credentialing, you can reach out to medialogistics@demconvention.com.
Sign up for media updates from the DNCC here and contact press@demconvention.com with any additional questions. People can also connect with the Democratic National Convention on social media. You can follow the DNC on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter.
For media organizations that do not receive credentials by the Congressional Press Galleries, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) will review applications to receive credentials through the DNCC Press Gallery. Relevant applicants would include student media and media with political or religious affiliation. To request a DNCC Press Gallery application, please email medialogistics@demconvention.com.
Media outlets will be notified by their respective galleries in the late spring.
Yes, after receiving a credential through the respective press gallery, media will then apply for a USSS credential. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Requests were due by Thursday, February 29. If you would still like to make a request for housing, please email medialogistics@demconvention.com for an application.
Allocations will begin on a rolling basis through the spring.
Outlets will be contacted directly via a designated point of contact for each media outlet. Outlets will have one week following the allocation notification to confirm whether they will use the offered rooms. Thereafter, unconfirmed rooms will be released back to the DNCC and assigned to other organizations.
During convention week, there is a four-night minimum stay starting the evening of Monday, August 19, 2024 through the evening of Thursday, August 22, 2024.
Media can request parking spaces on the workspace applications through their respective credentialing gallery. Media will be notified directly by the DNCC regarding their requests and parking locations. Additional details including any associated fees per parking spot will be announced closer to the convention.
Yes. The details of the locations will be communicated closer to the convention.
Yes. The details of the locations will be communicated closer to the convention.
Yes. There will be buses that run to and from the United Center and contracted media hotels. We will have more information available on the transportation, including hours of operation closer to the convention.
The DNCC is working extensively with cellular carriers to encourage them to provide cellular coverage for all attendees in and around Convention venues including with the use of additional cell phone towers and equipment.
The DNCC is working extensively with technology partners to provide WiFi for the general public at Convention venues. The United Center will have public WiFi and we are working with additional venues to provide WiFi as well.
There will be a mobile version of the website www.demconvention.com which will be formatted and optimized for cell phones and tablets. The mobile website will have extensive logistical information for Delegates, Media, and other attendees.
