Columbus Shines in Light of Democratic National Convention Bid

    COLUMBUS, OH, February 13, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Democratic National Committee has announced that its 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC) will take place in Philadelphia. While Columbus was not selected to host the DNC, its collaborative hospitality, business and political communities were thrilled to have had the opportunity to work together to bid on the convention and to have been selected as a finalist with just two of the nation's largest cities -- New York and Philadelphia -- both of which have hosted multiple political conventions.

"We're proud that Columbus put together an extremely competitive bid," said Brian Ross, president and CEO of Experience Columbus. "Through this process, our city has gained new respect and recognition as a major American city on the rise. We know that our national Democratic leaders really enjoyed Columbus' warmth, openness and creativity and that their experiences here made selecting the convention site a very tough decision."

Columbus will rapidly become an epicenter for political journalists and pundits. As the capital of what is arguably the country's most important swing state, the city's role in determining the nation's next president will result in repeat visits from international media covering the 2016 presidential election.

"We are prepared to welcome the waves of reporters and analysts who will visit Columbus during this election cycle," Ross said. "We know that while they're here covering the election, they'll find an informed and open electorate, as well as one of the country's most dynamic culinary, arts, music and fashion scenes. These are hallmarks of Columbus, a city that's on the forefront of community planning, development and visitor experience and has a great story to tell."

Columbus offers visitors more than 26,000 hotel rooms, including stylish new hotels to welcome those covering the 2016 election. Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph, opened Jan. 22 in the Short North Arts District. With an art collection of more than 280 original works by major artists with a strong connection to Columbus, Hilton Columbus also opened in the Short North just two years ago. A boutique Marriott Autograph Collection property is expected to open in 2015 in the heart of downtown at Columbus' historic LeVeque Tower, revered for its stunning Art Deco architecture. Additionally, three hotels developed by Columbus-based Indus will open; two near The Ohio State University and one in Dublin. Uncommon walkability and transit options, such as Uber, Lyft, Car2Go, CoGo Bikeshare, CBus Circulator free downtown bus line and other choices make it easy for visitors to get around.

Columbus is a city unlike any other. Vibrant and alive, Ohio's capital is known for its open attitude, smart style and entrepreneurial spirit. Columbus' uncommon blend of neighborhoods, arts and culinary experiences, events, attractions and accommodations are made unforgettable by its diversity of outgoing locals who warmly welcome visitors. Free travel guides, maps, online booking and detailed information are available at www.ExperienceColumbus.com or 866.397.2657 (866.EXP.COLS). Visitor information is also available on Facebook: facebook.com/ExperienceColumbus and facebook.com/ColumbusFoodScene, Twitter: @ExpCols and Pinterest.

Journalists covering the election are encouraged to contact us for travel and coverage support, including additional information, recommendations, sources, access, fact checking, images and press trips. Contact Amy Weirick, (614) 848-8380 or [email protected]

Weirick Communications is the public relations agency representing Experience Columbus.

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