Ten days before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, local organizers are still waiting to secure some of the most coveted perks being sought by major sponsors.
In return for donations of as much as $1 million, the convention's host committee has promised a variety of rewards that include advertising in convention programs and VIP tickets to cocktail parties. The committee also intends to supply some of its major donors with credentials and convention hall sky boxes--the most sought-after perks of all.
But the local committee is coming up short, largely because organizers do not have control over the most desired perks.
For credentials and sky boxes, the committee must turn to the Democratic National Convention Committee, which doles out the goods to various groups.
Local organizers asked the national convention committee for 15 sky boxes and 30 credentials per box. The local leaders have been told unofficially that they will receive three sky boxes. They are still waiting to hear about a package of credentials for the sky boxes, the convention floor and other parts of Staples Center.
The dearth of top perks has left the host committee with what one observer called a "major problem." Committee staffers are receiving several phone calls an hour from sponsors, asking whether they are getting sky boxes or credentials.
"Every time the phone rings, we expect it to be about credentials," said one committee insider.
Those sponsors--corporations and individuals alike--have contributed more than $48 million. Mayor Richard Riordan, developer Eli Broad and billionaire investor Ron Burkle have chipped in $1 million apiece of their own money.
Given their level of contribution, all of these sponsors believe they have earned the right to boxes. Nevertheless, some remain anxious. Even Broad, one of the city's most powerful and affluent citizens, and one of its most prodigious political contributors, has expressed concerns.
"We would hope that the record level of fund-raising will translate into credentials and suites," said Noelia Rodriguez, president and chief executive of the L.A. Convention 2000 host committee.
Convention Chairman Terry McAuliffe reacted with surprise when asked about host committee concerns over sky boxes and credentials. McAuliffe said he and Rodriguez will meet Monday to review a variety of issues, including the perks.
"Everyone will be happy at the end of the day," said McAuliffe.
