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ABUNDANT RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA COVERING 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
29 August 2008
RNC Downtown Minneapolis Convention industry Travel industry
MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (Aug. 29, 2008) – The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee today announced several information sources that will be provided to the 15,000 journalists covering the 2008 Republican National Convention. Catering to traditional and social journalists from around the world, these resources will provide easy access to complete convention and host cities information delivered through a staffed media resource center, online media rooms, media hotline, email blasts, video packages and more.
Stay on top of the latest news
If media are currently not getting MSP 2008’s media email blasts, they can sign up to receive daily updates that will include the news of the day, information on events, the day’s live shot opportunities and more. Simply email media@msp2008.com to sign up. The email blasts also are available on a mobile device by bookmarking m.mspnewsroom.com. For any and all media questions before and during the convention, media should call 651.677.2980.
MSP 2008 Media Resource Center
From Aug. 29 – Sept. 4, a media resource center will be open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Staffed by communications experts familiar with host committee events and with thorough knowledge of the host cities, the MSP 2008 Media Resource Center will provide information, ideas and options for convention- and non-convention related media stories. Here, media can stop to watch convention television coverage, pick up b-roll, find spokespeople for feature stories, identify beauty shot locations and learn more about unique aspects of Minneapolis Saint Paul. The MSP 2008 Media Resource Center will be located in lower Roy Wilkins Auditorium in the media workspace area, next to the media lounge. An additional media resource center will be staffed at the Minneapolis Convention Center, inside CivicFest, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. each day.
Online media rooms
Key websites have been created specially for the convention that feature detailed information about convention-related events and the host cities: MSP2008.com – The official site of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee provides information about volunteering, delegate experience programs, host committee events and initiatives, convention apparel and more. mspnewsroom.com – Created by Meet Minneapolis™, Official Convention + Visitors Association, this site offers an in-depth media resource for showcasing the region, including an interactive “beauty shot” map, morning live shot opportunities and other story ideas, print-quality downloadable images of the area, media and community events, downloadable b-roll assets and more. The site can be accessed on mobile devices at m.mspnewsroom.com.
B-roll
Media can use a 90-minute B-roll package featuring the top attractions, panoramic views of the cities’ skylines, shots of the Xcel Energy Center, iconic beauty shots of the Minneapolis Saint Paul area, footage of the area’s innovative business community and more. Access B-roll in the following ways. Additional footage available upon request.
1. Download broadcast-quality two-minute B-roll clips in a variety of categories on mspnewsroom.com.
2. Get the full package by satellite feed.
Schedule:
Friday, Aug. 29, 5:45 – 7:30 a.m. CT. Coordinates:
0645-0830E AMC16 tx 14 14280V 11980H
Monday, Sept. 1, 5:45 – 7:30 a.m. CT. Coordinates:
0645-0830E AMC16 tx 14 14280V 11980H
Monday, Sept. 1, 1:25 – 3:30 p.m. CT. Coordinates:
1445-1630 E AMC16 tx 14 14280V 11980H
Tuesday, Sept 2, 5:45 – 7:30 a.m. CT. Coordinates:
0645-0830E AMC16 tx 14 14280V 11980H
3. Pick up a broadcast-quality DVD in the media resource centers at both Roy Wilkins Auditorium and Minneapolis Convention Center.
Video assets and images
To make it easier for media outlets with smaller on-site crews, a host of pre-packaged stories will be available. Each package comes ready-to-air with pre-timed footage, a script and clips from spokespeople. Starting Aug. 29, packages can be picked up at media resource centers. Or call the media hotline or email media@msp2008.com. Stories include:
- Innovative business community. Why is Minneapolis Saint Paul home to so many Fortune 500s and companies doing ground-breaking things? Includes spokespeople from 3M and Pentair and Nate Garvis, Vice President of Government Affairs for Target Corporation.
- Life sciences. Why is Minnesota a place of so many medical firsts? Learn from Children's Hospital of Minnesota and researcher Dr. Jeffrey McCullough, M.D. from the University of Minnesota, one of the country’s leading research universities.
- Year-round outdoor recreation. Warm water or cold snow, Minneapolis Saint Paul residents embrace four full seasons. And, the urban green forest that provides the backdrop for active residents truly stunning. Includes sound bites from a Saint Paul Parks spokesperson.
- An arts and culture Mecca. Why is Minneapolis Saint Paul a hub for innovative museums and show-stopping theater? Spokespeople include the Guthrie Theater’s Artistic Director Joe Dowling, the Walker Art Center’s Director Olga Viso and the Penumbra Theatre’s Artistic Director Lou Bellamy.
- Design City. Former Star Tribune architecture critic and MinnPost.com reporter Linda Mack and award-winning local architect Julie Snow reveal why and how Minneapolis Saint Paul is making headlines with stunning new buildings and renovations.
About The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee
The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is a non-partisan, 501c3 nonprofit charged with promoting the commerce, image and prestige of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the entire region in preparation for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The Host Committee is made up of community leaders who are committed to educating people and businesses to come to Minnesota to work, live, play, visit and invest. For more information, visit www.msp2008.com.
A guide to mspnewsroom.com
