We’re only a few days away from the Democratic National Convention, one of the biggest events on the calendar this year in Chicago. The gathering is anticipated to attract more than 50,000 attendees, including members of the media, delegates, alternates, and other guests.

The DNC, which will run from Aug. 19 through Aug. 22, 2024, is expected to create a significant positive economic impact on Chicago and he local tourism community. Previous political conventions have brought over $150 million in direct economic impact to host cities. 

It’s also an opportunity for local vendors to shine on a national stage. After an extensive search, two Chicago-based businesses were selected to produce major aspects of the 2024 DNC. Learn more about how these minority-owned businesses will be playing a pivotal role in the upcoming convention and bringing their own Chicago style to the landmark event.

Show Strategy

Glenn Charles Jr.Show Strategy, a comprehensive general services contractor, is making history as the first Black-owned company to ever receive the contract for Exposition Services at the DNC. 

This pioneering events management company, based in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, has successfully executed thousands of events at major Chicago locations, like McCormick Place and Navy Pier, as well as at venues across the nation.

The dynamic and diverse team is led by Glenn Charles Jr., who has over 20 years of project, operations, and exhibition management experience. With Glenn at the helm, Show Strategy has produced some of the largest trade shows, art fairs, live events, and experiences in the world.

As the first Black-owned firm selected as a prime contractor at the DNC, this years convention is a tremendous opportunity for Show Strategy, says Glenn. It allows us to ‘show off’ our extensive experience in producing major events in Chicago on a national platform. This truly is a Chicago show — created by hardworking and talented men and women who are from Chicago. We are all hands on deck and ready to execute a great convention for our city and show everyone why Chicago is the best city in the world.

As native Chicagoans, the Show Strategy professionals will tap into their local knowledge to anticipate unique opportunities and challenges leading up to the event. The team will collaborate with Juan and Only Events on Exposition Services.

Show Strategy will also serve as one of the Event Managers for the DNC. Their winning proposal included educational opportunities for Chicago students interested in live event production.

Juan and Only Events

Juan TeagueThis minority- and women-owned creative agency has been tapped to produce the​​ largest official hospitality events of the DNC. 

Juan and Only Events, a Chicago-based event production company, specializes in consulting on venues and hotels, community engagement and experiential activations, and co-producing large-scale events, concerts, and festivals. The team has extensive connections across the Chicagoland region.

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With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, Juan B. Teague is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Juan Only Events.

“The DNC coming to Chicago is a dream come true, not just for me and my team, but the businesses that I have collaborated with,” says Juan. “The commitment of the DNC Chicago Host Committee and DNCC to giving opportunities to small businesses is the first time I have seen this happen; that is historic in itself. I am honored and grateful to represent Chicago on this world platform.”

Juan and her team will work closely with the DNC team to provide venue recommendations and ensure that the convention’s goals around accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability are prioritized at each and every event.

Juan and Only will partner with two other Chicago-based events companies, Latino-owned elemento L2 and female-founded All Terrain, to create memorable events welcoming convention attendees. 

Learn more about the upcoming DNC in Chicago, including things to do around the city, upcoming street closures and public transit changes, and events through the week of the convention.