CORNELIUS –Visit Lake Norman has completed its first phase of preparations for the 2012 Democratic National Convention with online information about what local residents can expect, how local firms can compete for business and trip-planning information for visitors.

The 2012 convention takes place in Charlotte from Sept. 3 through 6, and the Lake Norman tourism agency has created an online link at its website, www.visitlakenorman.org/visitors/2012-democratic-national-convention, offering research results, timelines, upcoming initiatives, key links and resources.

Even as Charlotte was competing to host the convention, Visit Lake Norman helped the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority to secure the 16,000 hotel rooms required to bid.  After Charlotte won the bid, Visit Lake Norman staff met with hoteliers, attraction representatives, marketing committees and others to define initiatives for the 18 months leading up to the convention. The initial phase included creating an online trip builder and a dedicated website section with a sign-up page for businesses and vendors to provide discounts and resources.

The next phase will include printed, themed maps, monthly press releases, securing advertising spots and planning events for convention week.

Davidson College student Keneya Edwards has served as an intern for the tourism agency gathering information about prior conventions, incoming delegates and marketing opportunities.