A Democratic convention with more diversity...told to "break the mold" and think outside the box.

[madfloridian]

A different kind of convention, at least this year.

Dem convention designers told to "to break the mold and take our thinking outside the box."

The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) has hired four entertainment industry experts to design the look of the Pepsi Center for the Democratic National Convention slated to hit Denver Aug. 25-28, convention officials announced Wednesday.

Bruce Rodgers -- designer of the 2008 Super Bowl half-time show -- will be the production designer; Lisa Geers, a veteran producer in political and entertainment events, will be the line producer; Bob Dickenson, a lighting designer in the entertainment industry, will be the lighting designer; and Pat Baltzell, a four-time Emmy winner who specializes in live televised specials including two Olympic Games, will be the audio designer.

"From Olympic Games to Super Bowls and everything in between, this team has done it all," Ricky Kirshner, executive producer for the convention, said in a statement. "(Chairman of the Democratic National Committee) Gov. Howard Dean gave us a mandate for our convention planning early on -- to break the mold and take our thinking outside the box. This team is well suited to do just that, and their early work already reflects the cutting-edge approach we're applying to numerous elements throughout the Convention Hall."

The DNC will bring an estimated 35,000 people to Denver with an estimated economic impact of $160 million -- a prediction of the Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Striving for diversity.

Hispanic Appointments Reflect Strength, Diversity and Energy of Democratic Party

DENVER, Jan. 16 -- The Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) unanimously elected DNC Chairman Howard Dean's nominations for the Chairs and members of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Standing Committees. Among Dean's appointments are Hispanic leaders and activists from all across the country, who as members of the Standing Committees will be responsible for reviewing Convention business and formulating recommendations for consideration by Convention delegates. The
diversity of the appointments reflects the Democratic Party's fundamental values rooted in creating greater opportunities and ensuring full participation by all of America's citizens.

More minorities, Native Americans. Dean promised, and he is following through.

DNC elects six Native Americans to convention committee

The Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) unanimously elected DNC Chairman Howard Dean's nominations for the Chairs and members of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Standing Committees, including an unprecedented six Native American members.

..."The Democratic Party has always been a champion of Indian Country and this historic election is no different," added Frank LaMere, chair of the DNC's Native American Coordinating Council and member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. "Chairman Dean understands that America's strength comes from its diversity, and has worked hard to make the DNC and our 2008 Convention representative of our nation. The work of these exceptional leaders will not only ensure a successful Convention, but will help build the momentum that will take our eventual nominee to the White House."

More diversity on the convention committee.

Record number of LGBT members elected to convention committee

Appointments Reflect Strength, Diversity and Energy of Democratic Party

DENVER - The Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) unanimously elected DNC Chairman Howard Dean’s nominations for the Chairs and members of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Standing Committees, including a record number of openly LGBT members.....In addition to appointing a record number of LGBT standing committee members, Dean was also the first DNC chair to appoint a member of the transgender community to a Convention committee.

“The record turnout and enthusiasm we’ve seen for our Democratic candidates is a clear sign that Americans trust Democrats to bring much needed change to our country,” said Governor Dean. “These outstanding leaders reflect the great strength, diversity and energy of the Democratic Party, and I’m confident their efforts will ensure our Convention in Denver is reflective of our shared values and our nominee’s vision for America.”

Howard Dean, head of the Democratic National Committee, helps paint a room in Manual High School east of downtown Denver as part of a community-outreach effort through the Volunteers of America on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008. Dean joined other volunteers to paint the room in the high school, which reopened in the fall of 2007. Dean was in Denver for a meeting regarding the upcoming Democratic National Convention, which will be staged in the Mile High City in late August of this year. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)