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

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Letter from State President & Bid/Host Committee Chairman

Ralph Johnson

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Letter from South-Central Regional Director

Rebecca Burgin

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Letter from South-Central Executive Committee Members

YD-Missouri President Chris Miller

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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

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.

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!

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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

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 GUEST 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.

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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:

ROOM RATES:

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

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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 QTY MONTHS AMOUNT TOTAL

Direct Donor Contact 20 1 $ 100 $ 2,000 Call time solicitations

In-Kind Contributions 1 1 $ 3,000 $ 3,000

Affinity Group Donations 1 1 $ 3,000 $ 3,000

Welcome Bash General Tickets 120 1 $ 25 $ 3,000 120 people @ $25 each

Conference Registration Fees 200 1 $ 50 $10,000 200 people attending @ $50 each

TOTAL $21,000

EXPENSES QTY MONTHS AMOUNT TOTAL

Conference Operations

Host Committee Expenses 1 1 $ 500 $ 500

Pre-Meetings & Site Visits 2 1 $ 250 $ 500

Banking and Accounting 1 1 $ 250 $ 250

Fundraising Costs 1 1 $ 250 $ 250

Postage & Supplies 1 1 $ 500 $ 500

Web/Email Hosting 1 1 $ 100 $ 100

Conference Events

Audio-Visual Expenses 1 1 $ 3,000 $ 3,000

Welcome Bash 1 1 $ 2,500 $ 2,500

Chum and Materials 1 1 $ 500 $ 500

Trainings & Trainer Expenses 4 1 $ 250 $ 1,000

Staff Rooms and Expenses 1 1 $ 1,400 $ 1,400

Miscellaneous 1 1 $ 250 $ 500

TOTAL $11,000

REVENUE (income - expenses) $10,000

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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.

Revenue Source: 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

Estimated

Cost

Actual Cost Notes

Individual Donors $2000

Individual In-Kind $3000

Individual Affinity Groups $3000

Event Welcome Bash $3000

Event Conference Fees $10000

TOTAL $21000

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TRANSPORTATION

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 Chicago 198

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 Pittsburgh 124

Portland 168 Raleigh-Durham 110 Sacramento 284 St Louis 178 Salt Lake City 298

San Antonio 168 San Diego 168 San Jose 274 San Francisco 228 Seattle 184

Tampa 114 Toronto 318 Vancouver 370 Washington 218

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 in-

state 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.

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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.

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

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.

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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 Times-

Picayune 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.

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.

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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 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!

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 hand-in-hand along the Mississippi. It’s the abandon of red-hot live music and the gratification of all-night 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.

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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!

2010 YDA Winter Conference New Orleans Bid/Host Committee

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

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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.

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.

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.

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PROSPECTIVE CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

C. Ray Nagin

Mayor of New Orleans

Mitch Landrieu

Lieutenant Governor

Mary Landrieu

U.S. Senator

Joel T. Chaisson, II

Senate President

Charlie Melancon

U.S. Congressman-3r d

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.

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America’s Most Unique and Resilient City

We look forward to hosting the members of Young Democrats of America and our guest in February!