2010 YDA Winter Conference New Orleans Bid Packet

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid America’s Most Unique and Resilient City

Presented by the Executive Committee of Young Democrats of Louisiana & the YDA 2010: New Orleans Bid/Host Committee RALPH JOHNSON, STATE PRESIDENT & COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN KATRINA ROGERS, NATIONAL COMMITTEEWOMAN & COMMITTEE CO-VICE CHAIRWOMAN JASON WYNNE HUGHES, NATIONAL COMMITTEEMAN & COMMITTEE CO-VICE CHAIRMAN

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

Letter from State President & Bid/Host Committee Chairman Ralph Johnson

1

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

Letter from South-Central Regional Director Rebecca Burgin

2

Letter from South-Central Executive Committee Members

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

YD-Missouri President Chris Miller

3

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid America’s Most Unique & Resilient City Welcome to New Orleans: America’s Most Unique City Here, in this little corner of the American South, where European traditions blend with Caribbean influences, the history is as colorful as the local architecture; the food is the stuff of legend. Haitian and African Creoles developed an exotic, spicy cuisine and were instrumental in creating jazz and Zydeco. Our street names are French and Spanish, our Creole architecture comes in a carnival of tropical colors, and our voodoo is a Caribbean import. The magic is irresistible. A cultural gumbo, we celebrate our differences. In fact, we celebrate almost anything in the Big Easy. We have a saying: LAISSEZ LE BONS TEMPS ROULER -- LET THEGOOD TIMES ROLL. A reminder of our french heritage, a way of life that began three centuries ago.

New Orleans the place to have an event

With thousands of hotel rooms in the metropolitan area, a pleasant climate all year round, with major attractions within walking or a short driving distance, some of the most famous restaurants in the world, plus a host of venues make New Orleans a great sports town. The city has lavished its special brand of hospitality upon sports fans on numerous occasions, including several Super Bowls, NCAA Final Four tournaments, SEC basketball, Olympic track trials, the annual All-State Sugar Bowl, the Zurich PGA Classic, the Essence Music Festival, and many others.

The Sites and Sounds You've seen the parades on television but there is so much more to learn and experience. More than just Fat Tuesday, Carnival is a season that starts on the Twelfth Night of Christmas and moves forward with King Cake parties, masked balls, free-floating revelry and unabashed joie de vivre.

When the sun goes down, New Orleans comes alive with a magical energy all its own. New Orleans’ nightlife is back in full force and continuing to earn its legendary status – a diverse offering full of music, color, flavor, fun and excitement. This city never sleeps . . . and gives you an unmatched range of reasons to stay awake with it. New Orleans nightlife is the neon, noise and revelry of Bourbon Street; but it is also the shadows of moonlit couples walking hand-in-hand along the Mississippi. It’s the abandon of red-hot live music and the gratification of all-night coffee and beignets. That’s just a start…there’s more!

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

Along with being one of the premier convention and travel destinations, the Big Easy is one of the most popular event cities in the country. The same qualities that bring millions of visitors to New Orleans annually make the Crescent City an ideal place to hold a large sports and other events.

4

HOTEL & CONFERENCE FACILITIES

We are excited at the prospect of providing you with a great conference facility, award winning service, and an excellent value in your guest room rates.

You have our commitment to provide that same great service that you have come to expect from Marriott Hotels. By selecting the New Orleans Marriott you will start the process moving toward your most successful conference ever. Here are some reasons why:

LOCATION

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

Our attendees will be pleased that we have selected the New Orleans Marriott, because we are located where the French Quarter begins. They can easily squeeze in a quick gallery or museum tour or shopping spree between events with our easy access. Whether they choose the Audubon Aquarium of the America’s or Harrah’s Casino, our guests are only a few short blocks away. Our attendees will thank you for bringing them to the closest major hotel to the French Quarter, the location of some of the most famous restaurants, antique shops and night clubs in the world.

EVENT MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE The New Orleans Marriott is staffed to assist you with any and all food and beverage functions, in-house or off-site. We can provide the perfect ingredients for a successful event. Our professional service staff and creative culinary team will enhance your convention through innovative and creative choices. By vote of professional meeting planners through Successful Meetings magazine and Meetings and Conventions magazine, we have been awarded

The Pinnacle Award and the Gold Key Hall of Fame (17 years) --- a testament to our expertise in event management!

CUSTOMER FOCUSED G UEST CARE Our attendees will experience exemplary service and a worry free stay because quality service is the foundation of our service culture on which we stake our reputation.

Because of our attentive service, your attendees will be more able to focus on the important things...like the program and enjoying our city! Marriott’s commitment to “Every Guest Leaves Satisfied” is our first priority.

5

LANGIAPPE – New Orleans for “just a little extra” The city of New Orleans and the New Orleans Marriott can offer what no other city can!      

Location – just steps away from the French Quarter.

Off Premise – where else in the world can you close streets in the city and PARADE all of your attendees to an off premise venue just a few blocks away – we can make all of the arrangements!

Catering – the New Orleans Marriott can cater at over 25 venues in the city.

Golf – New Orleans offers 9 courses within 10 minutes of downtown Spa – We partner with the Ritz Carlton New Orleans, just steps away from the Marriott!

Shopping – Canal Street Shopping, River Walk, French Market, just to name a few!

The New Orleans Marriott is offering the following:

Start Date

End Date

Room Type

Single

Double

Suites

2/14/2010

2/21/2010

Standard

99.00

99.00

599.00

Hotel confirms the above non-commissionable group rates plus applicable taxes (currently 13% plus $3.00 per room, per night, city occupancy fee) in effect at the time of check-in.

SPECIAL CONCESSIONS 1. Two (2) complimentary VIP round trip airport transfers 2. Two (2) complimentary CIP parking passes for staff/VIP personnel 3. Two (2) complimentary VIP welcome amenities – hotel’s choice 4. Two (2) suite upgrades at group rate with complimentary access to Concierge Level 5. Suites at a discounted rate of $599 for those who want to upgrade, based on availability 6. Six (6) staff rooms at 50% of the group rate 7. One (1) complimentary room for every thirty-five (35) used at group rate 8. Complimentary reservation link for attendees to complete reservations 9. Meeting room rental waived 10. Complimentary daily wireless internet access in lobby for attendees (up to 4 hours) 11. Twenty percent (20%) discount on banquet catering menus 12. Twenty percent (20%) discount on in-house audio visual pricing, provided Marriott Event Technology is selected as audio visual provider 13. Complimentary access to fitness center 14. Onsite laundry facilities and valet services available to attendees 15. No charge for refrigerators, if requested for medical purposes 16. “Marriott Rewarding Events” points for personal rewards or future meeting credit 17. Hotel will provide twenty percent (20%) discount off valet parking 18. Rate includes high speed internet access 19. One (1) complimentary internet connection in the meeting space 20. If group picks up one hundred (100) room nights (cumulative) group will also receive a two percent (2%) rebate off the master account 21. Double Marriott Rewards Points 22. Four (4) complimentary rooms for one night for site tour of property, based on availability 23. No attrition policy 24. Fourteen (14) day cancellation policy prior to arrival date

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

ROOM RATES:

6

FINANCING The budget, expenses, and revenue of any conference is key to making the decision on where and who should be awarded the honor of hosting a conference. As evidenced in the hotel negotiations and the rates and concessions received, Young Democrats of Louisiana is committed to ensuring the financial success of the conference and making sure that is financially feasible for our organization.

Please see the expense and revenue sheet and finance plans for the 2010 YDA Winter Conference in New Orleans:

2010 YDA Winter Conference Expense-Revenue INCOME Direct Donor Contact In-Kind Contributions Affinity Group Donations Welcome Bash General Tickets

QTY 20 1 1 120

MONTHS 1 1 1 1

200

1

QTY

MONTHS

Conference Operations Host Committee Expenses Pre-Meetings & Site Visits Banking and Accounting Fundraising Costs Postage & Supplies Web/Email Hosting

1 2 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1

$ $ $ $ $ $

500 250 250 250 500 100

$ $ $ $ $ $

500 500 250 250 500 100

Conference Events Audio-Visual Expenses Welcome Bash Chum and Materials Trainings & Trainer Expenses Staff Rooms and Expenses Miscellaneous

1 1 1 4 1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1

$ 3,000 $ 2,500 $ 500 $ 250 $ 1,400 $ 250

$ $ $ $ $ $

3,000 2,500 500 1,000 1,400 500

Conference Registration Fees TOTAL Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

EXPENSES

TOTAL REVENUE (income - expenses)

7

AMOUNT $ 100 $ 3,000 $ 3,000 $ 25 $

50

$ $ $ $

TOTAL 2,000 3,000 3,000 3,000

$10,000 $21,000

AMOUNT

TOTAL

$11,000 $10,000

Call time solicitations

120 people @ $25 each 200 people attending @ $50 each

2010 YDA Winter Conference Finance Plan Revenue Source:

Direct Donor Contact (Call Time)

Revenue Generated:

$1500

Description: President and Vice President of Finance will call prospective donors seeking a $100 donation to Conference Fund. This effort has been successful in small part during monthly call time.

Revenue Source:

In-Kind Contributions

Revenue Generated:

$2500

Description: Contributions that will reduce the cost of the overall conference including printing Revenue Source:

Affinity Groups

Revenue Generated:

$3000

Description: Donors who have pledge continued amounts to the YDL program.

Welcome Bash General Public Tickets

Revenue Generated:

$3000

Description: 120 General public tickets purchased for the welcome bash at $25

Revenue Source:

Conference Registration Fees

Revenue Generated:

$10000

Description: Conference registration at $50 with a 200 members attending Category

Source

Fundraising Goal

Individual

Donors

$2000

Individual

In-Kind

$3000

Individual

Affinity Groups

$3000

Event

Welcome Bash

$3000

Event

Conference Fees

$10000

TOTAL

$21000

Estimated Cost

Actual Cost

Notes

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

Revenue Source:

8

TRANSPORTATION

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

At this time transportation rates are quite inexpensive to the Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY). Below is a table of current airfares to New Orleans from select cities: Atlanta 128

Baltimore 142

Boston 178

Charlotte 158

Cincinnati 288

Cleveland 238

Columbus 126

Dallas-Ft. Worth 104 Dayton 134

Denver 178

Detroit 238

Honolulu 406

Houston 104

Indianapolis 194

Jacksonville 112

Kansas City 154

Los Angeles 274

Louisville 136

Las Vegas 188

Memphis 186

Miami 176

Milwaukee 148

Minneapolis 258

Montreal 318

New York 188

Orlando 136

Philadelphia 158 Phoenix 198

Portland 168

Raleigh-Durham 110 Sacramento 284

Pittsburgh 124

St Louis 178

Salt Lake City 298 Seattle 184

San Antonio 168 San Diego 168

San Jose 274

San Francisco 228

Tampa 114

Vancouver 370

Washington 218

Toronto 318

Chicago 198

Airline Travel Partners We are proud to announce American, Northwest, and Delta as travel partners for the 2010 YDA Winter Conference in New Orleans is giving us a discount fares as well as low-rate zone fares.

American Rate Code: TBA

Northwest & Delta Codes: TBA

Rental Car Travel Partners We are also pleased to offer discounted car rental rates with our instate partner Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Amtrak Service: The City of New Orleans train is running to Memphis and Chicago, while the Crescent runs to Atlanta, Greensboro, Washington D.C. and New York. The Sunset Limited runs to San Antonio and Los Angeles.

9

Taxicabs: A cab ride costs $28.00 from the airport to the Central Business District (CBD) for one or two persons and $12.00 (per passenger) for three or more passengers. Pick-up is on the lower level, outside the baggage claim area. There are thousands of taxis available on New Orleans streets and at major hotels. Taxi rates are $4.50 plus $1.60 per mile (.20 per one-eighth mile) thereafter. There is also an additional charge of $1.00 per passenger after the first passenger.

During peak visitor times (including Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest) taxi rates are $4 per person or the meter rate, whichever is greater. A fixed rate of $28 (one to two people) is charged from the airport to most areas of New Orleans. For parties of more than two, the fare is $12 per person.

NOTE: Effective January 1, 2010, every taxicab driver shall accept cash and/or major credit cards as payment for services rendered and shall accept any and all risk on non-payment. No additional charge will be levied against the passenger for use of credit cards nor shall any passenger be refused service. Taxicab operators shall not set a minimum or maximum charge for any credit card transactions. Taxicab operators shall provide all credit card paying customers with a copy of their credit.

minutes from the Central Business District where our hotel is located. While the hotel does not provide a complimentary shuttle service we are working to provide such service through our partner organizations and corporations. Shuttle service is available from the airport to the hotels in the CBD for $15.00 (per person, one-way) or $30.00 (per person, round-trip). ADA Complaint vehicles are available.

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

Airport Shuttle Service: The Louis Armstrong International Airport is approximately 15

10

MEDIA The Greater New Orleans Area has more than 30 media outlets. 10 newspapers, 8 television stations, and numerous radio stations and bloggers are in the area that would allow us to do major outreach. Here are some highlights from the major stations in New Orleans: The Times-Picayune: Established as The Picayune in 1837, the paper's initial price was one picayune—a Spanish coin equivalent to 6¼¢ (1/16 $US).[1] It became The TimesPicayune after merging with its rival paper, the New Orleans Times, in 1914. S.I. Newhouse bought The Times-Picayune and the other remaining New Orleans daily, the States-Item, in 1962, and merged the papers in 1980. The merged paper was called The Times-Picayune/The States-Item from 1980 to 1986.[2] Specific community editions of the newspaper are also circulated and retain the Picayune name (e.g., Gretna Picayune for nearby Gretna). The paper is owned by Advance Publications, owned by the Newhouse family. In the vernacular of its circulation area the newspaper continues to be often called just the Picayune.

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

WDSU: The NBC affiliate for the New Orleans, Louisiana television market.

It is owned by Hearst Television, which in turn is wholly owned by the Hearst Corporation. It broadcasts on virtual channel 6. Its transmitter is located in Chalmette, Louisiana; while its studios are located in downtown New Orleans. The station also serves as the default NBC affiliate for most of the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi (including Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula) since that area doesn't have an NBC affiliate of its own, and is carried on Cable One systems in southern Mississippi. As of December 14, 2008 Sun Herald a local newspaper on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is partnering with WDSU TV to give more news and weather coverage for South Mississippi.

WGNO: The ABC affiliate for the greater New Orleans, Louisiana area, as well parts of southern and coastal Mississippi. It broadcasts on channel 26, and is owned by Tribune Broadcasting.

WWL-TV: The CBS affiliate serving New Orleans, Louisiana, southeast Louisiana and parts of southern and coastal Mississippi, and is the primary CBS station for South and Coastal Mississippi. It broadcasts on virtual channel 4. Its main studios and offices are located on Rampart Street in the historic French Quarter, with a North Shore bureau located on North Causeway Boulevard in suburban Mandeville. Its transmitter is located at 4 Cooper Road in Gretna, Louisiana.

11

ENTERTAINMENT Where do we even start?! There is never a dull moment in the city of New Orleans.

Entertainment is endless, but here are some highlights: New Orleans Hornets We are privileged that during the days leading up to the conference the New Orleans Hornets will be playing at home in the New Orleans Arena just a short distance from the host hotel.

Wednesday, February 17th vs. Utah Jazz 7:00pm Friday, February 19th vs. Indiana Pacers 7:00pm Sunday, February 21st vs. Houston Rockets 6:00pm

New Orleans Nightlife When the sun goes down, New Orleans comes alive with a magical energy all its own. New Orleans’ nightlife is back in full force and continuing to earn its legendary status – a diverse offering full of music, color, flavor, fun and excitement.

This city never sleeps . . . and gives you an unmatched range of reasons to stay awake with it.

New Orleans nightlife is the neon, noise and revelry of Bourbon Street; but it is also the shadows of moonlit couples walking handin-hand along the Mississippi. It’s the abandon of red-hot live music and the gratification of allnight coffee and beignets. It’s beer, bands and bowling – all together, all night long. It’s the clinking of chips, the ringing of slots and cheers of the lucky at world-class casinos. It’s unforgettable performances – from street music to opera, comedy to cabaret, and cinema to theater.

It’s just about anything you can imagine and many more things you can’t. Wild and unbridled or relaxed and subdued, nights in New Orleans will always be unforgettable.

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

Mardi Gras 2010 Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 16th, 2010. We will be at the tail end of carnivale. Our host hotel has been gracious to give us the rate from Sunday, February 14th-21st, 2010 so that you will be able to experience the best fun ever!

12

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT The Young Democrats of Louisiana Executive Committee and the Bid/Host Committee has put together a bid/host committee that will make this conference the best conference ever!

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

2010 YDA Winter Conference New Orleans Bid/Host Committee

13

Ralph Johnson

Conference Chairperson

Katrina Rogers

Conference Co-Vice Chairperson

Jason Wynne Hughes

Conference Co-Vice Chairperson

Theo Richard

Logistics Sub-Committee Co-Chair

Christopher Plummer

Logistics Sub-Committee Co-Chair

Jermaine Watson

Hospitality Sub-Committee Co-Chair

Travis Johnson

Hospitality Sub-Committee Co-Chair

Daniel Manuel

Program Sub-Committee Chair

Lynncal Bering

Speakers Sub-Committee Chair

Laura Veazey

Finance Sub-Committee Chair

Kristen Cosper

Service Sub-Committee Chair

Landon Franklin

Entertainment Sub-Committee Chair

Brett Jackson

Caucuses & Committees Liaison

Carrie Wilson

Media & Public Relations Liaison

Steven Nevels

Technology Coordinator

Robert Reed

ADA Compliance Officer

Jamal Bates

Gabriel Bordenave

Herman Gravolet

Donald Hodge

Davante Lewis

Rachel Jones

Vincent Trombatore

Steve Verzwyvelt

David Wilburn

14

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

CONFERENCE PROGRAM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010 -Young Democrats of Louisiana is proposing that the official conference dates be Thursday, February 18-Sunday, February 21, 2010. We are asking that the National Board of Directors add Thursday as a program day for the purpose of YDA serving the community. Thursday, February 18 will be “YDA Serves� Day of Service, no official business would be conducted on this day. Regular program would start officially as normal on Friday, February 19. We are working with local non-profits to design the day so that we will be able to work as one large group or in small groups to assist a community that so desperately needs it.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010 -Normal Business would be conducted as in usual meetings.

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

Welcome Bash- The Host Committee is exploring different options with this right now including run of the house at a local nightlife establishment, hosting our attendees at the New Orleans Hornets versus Indiana Pacer game, and many other options! We will consult with the YDA Meetings Director and National officers to develop this event.

15

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2010-Normal Business would be conducted as in usual meetings.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010-Normal Business would be conducted as in usual meetings.

C. Ray Nagin Mayor of New Orleans

Mary Landrieu U.S. Senator

Charlie Melancon U.S. Congressman-3 r d

Mitch Landrieu Lieutenant Govern or

Joel T. Chaisson , II Senate President

Karen Carter-Peterson Speaker Pro-Tempore

Other Speakers to Include: Jared Brossett, State Representative & Young Democrat Walker Hines, State Representative & Young Democrat Norby Chabert, State Senator & Young Democrat Ravi Sangisetty, Candidate for Congress & Young Democrat Members of the New Orleans City Council Members of the New Orleans Legislative Delegation *This list is not by any means exhaustive We have also appointed a caucus & committee liaison to assist those bodies identify and schedule speakers to their needs.

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

PROSPECTIVE CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

16

Young Democrats of America Winter Conference Bid | February 18-21, 2010

America’s Most Unique and Resilient City We look forward to hosting the members of Young Democrats of America and our guest in February!