The Opportunities and Risks of the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Congratulations to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper for his well deserved second term in office. Expectations are a mile high. The new term will offer many opportunities and challenges. Perhaps none is bigger than an event I alluded to in my July 13, 2007 blog -- Denver's once-in-a-century opportunity to host a major national political convention. When the Democratic Party comes to town to formally select its 2008 Presidential nominee, it will be 100 years after Denver hosted its first major political convention.

In 1908, when the Democratic National Convention was in Denver, the city was trying to lure residents from the East Coast to the Rocky Mountain West and was in the midst of a major building effort based on then Mayor Speer's embrace of the City Beautiful movement. Today, Denver competes in a fierce struggle to lure global talent, capital and businesses and is experiencing an extended period of urban revitalization and construction.

The 2008 Democratic Convention is an unparalleled opportunity to show the world all that Denver has to offer. Its a chance to add luster to Denver the brand - and to place the metro area into the consciousness of decision makers from around the world as Denver will become the media capital of the planet for a four day period. It will also bring a multi-million dollar economic windfall to several sectors of the metro economy.

With this opportunity comes increased risks --- labor strife, political protest, financial shortfall, logistical snafus and, unfortunately, the possibility of a terrorist attack. If Denver wants to fulfill its aspirations, rise in the rankings of great cities and host future events like the Winter or Summer Olympics, it must successfully manage these risks.

I believe the "can do" spirit of Colorado can make the convention a huge success for Metro Denver, the State of Colorado and the entire region but it will take long days and late nights of planning, hard work and dedication and flawless execution.

Good luck to Elbra Wedgeworth, Mike Dino, Mayor Hickenlooper, Governor Ritter and the people of Colorado.