Public Events Abound During 2008 Democratic National Convention

Denver, CO - July 31, 2008 - Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper today launched a regional marketing campaign promoting the diverse list of events, programs and festivals that will be taking place around the 2008 Democratic National Convention

From viewing an original copy of the Declaration of Independence to world-class art to democracy in action, Denver residents and visitors interested in experiencing the Convention atmosphere will have a wide variety of options during and leading up to the Democratic National Convention, August 25-28. Speaking today at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex, Mayor Hickenlooper praised local efforts to make the August convention truly for the people. 

"This amazing list of public offerings during the Democratic National Convention has been developed for the people, by the people," said Mayor Hickenlooper. "Thanks to a great deal of hard work from hundreds of individuals and partner organizations, Denver has done more than any other Convention host city to create inclusive events that are open to local residents. Not only will Denver be accessible during the Convention, but we're providing fun and creative ways for local residents and visitors to experience this once-in-a-lifetime Rocky Mountain event."

The week during the Convention also will give residents a chance to bump into actors, politicians, musicians and media celebrities planning to visit Denver. Whether you're eating at your favorite restaurant or walking down the 16th St. Mall, you never know who you might run into during the star-studded week.

 "Having the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver is a great opportunity for the Rocky Mountain region and its residents to be a part of history," said Richard Scharf, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Convention and Visitor's Bureau. "Whether you're interested in history, sustainability, film, music, art or politics, there is something for everyone. We hope residents and visitors take advantage and explore the many offerings throughout Denver."

Highlights of Key Events Around the Convention:

Dialog:City
Ten neighborhoods throughout Denver
THUR. 8/21 - FRI. 8/29

The first of many events to open will be Dialog:City, running August 21- 29.  Dialog:City, the first program of its kind at a party convention, unites art, democracy and digital media, and will involve 10 site-specific art installations in neighborhoods throughout Denver. World-renowned artists will work together with local organizations and students to create innovative art. Participating artists include Minsuk Cho (South Korea), Ann Hamilton (Ohio), Krzysztof Wodiczko (Poland) and D.J. Spooky, a.k.a. Paul Miller (New York), among others. Each art exhibition will be open and free to the public. For information visit www.dialogcity.org.

Cinemocracy Rocks!
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
MON. 8/25; 6PM

For those interested in film, the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and the Denver Film Society have created Cinemocracy Rocks!, a short film festival held at Red Rocks Amphitheatre at 6pm on August 25. Cinemocracy Rocks! will screen films chosen by online viewers; all address the topic "How do you define Democracy?" Free tickets for this event are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Secured-seating tickets can be purchased for $20 and include a one-year subscription to GOOD Magazine. Details and ticket information can be found at www.cinemocracy.org.

American Presidential Experience
Invesco Field, Parking Lot D
FRI. 8/22 - FRI. 8/29; 9:30AM - 8:30PM (closes 5PM on 8/29)

Residents and visitors can experience Washington, D.C., up close and personal during the convention by visiting the American Presidential Experience. This unique event invites everyone to experience presidential history and view an original copy of the Declaration of Independence. The spectacular 150,000-square-foot non-partisan exhibit will be located at Invesco Field at Mile High (Parking Lot D) and will celebrate more than two centuries of presidential history. Life-size replicas of Air Force One and the Oval Office will be on hand for visitors to experience. The American Presidential Experience will be open to the public August 22 - 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on August 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at www.presidentialexperience.com.

2008 Rocky Mountain Roundtable
Denver Performing Arts Complex
MON. 8/25 - WED. 8/27

Also open to the public will be the 2008 Rocky Mountain Roundtable, August 25 - 27 at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Fostering civic engagement and substantive dialogue during the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the 2008 Rocky Mountain Roundtable is a series of 10 issue-oriented, non-partisan discussions on many of the most critical issues of the day, including women in leadership, energy and climate change, health, international relations, transportation infrastructure, philanthropy, emergency preparedness, technology, retirement security, and education. Participants include dignitaries from across the country and around the world, including former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, NBC News journalist Tom Brokaw, actor and director Ben Affleck, and former U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.

For specific times and ticket information, please visit www.2008rmr.org.

Unconventional Women
Denver Performing Arts Complex, Temple Buell Theatre
MON. 8/25; 9AM - 2PM

Hosted by Ambassador Swanee Hunt in partnership with The White House Project, the Latina Initiative, Women's Voices Women Vote, and Judi Wagner's Electing Women program, Unconventional Women features non-partisan conversations among internationally-known leaders and experts intended to galvanize women into political action as candidates, supporters, and mentors. It is expected to attract 2,700 women for high-level training toward attracting more women into the political process.

For details visit www.unconventionalwomen.org.

Green Frontier Fest and Green Energy Station
Denver Performing Arts Complex, Sculpture Park
SUN. 8/24; 10AM - 6PM

The City and County of Denver, in partnership with ReDirect Guide, is hosting the Green Frontier Fest, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 24. Green Frontier Fest, a celebration of positive everyday choices that we can make to address global challenges, will feature a full spectrum of sustainable options from renewable technologies to solutions that can be implemented in the home. In addition to Sunday's Green Frontier Fest, Sculpture Park will be the home of the "New Energy Station" from Aug. 24 through Aug. 28, showcasing Denver and Colorado's new energy innovations through a number of loaned displays and applications that highlight environmentally-responsible energy technologies and practices. Green Frontier Fest and New Energy Station invite residents and visitors to enjoy interactive and educational exhibits, a farmers market of local and organic produce, a children's area, eco-carnival games, music, entertainment and special presentations by Van Jones and other guest speakers.

For more information visit www.greenfrontierfest.com.

In addition to the aforementioned events, there are many more activities and events open to the public before and during the convention. For a complete list, please visit www.denverconvention2008.com.