Yacht parties, free snacks, multiple lounges: That’s what the Democratic National Convention in Chicago is like for the invited influencers and creators so far. For the first time ever, 200 creators have been given access to cover the convention as part of the Democratic Party’s efforts to reach younger voters. But while they’re getting the VIP treatment, credentialed journalists are struggling to find an outlet to plug in their laptops.
As the Democratic National Convention kicked off on Monday, security lines formed for hours around the city, stranding influencers, delegates, lawmakers, CNN anchors, and journalists like Dana Bash and Wolf Blitzer. Getting in and out of the convention was cumbersome, and creators and journalists had to wait in lines for up to an hour to be screened by security. “Maybe it was a mistake,” Bash said of her choice to leave the convention and return later.
But inside the United Center, everything was different. At least four different photo locations were available for qualified influencers. On the convention floor, there were three-tiered platforms where influencers and creators could sit, with a direct view of the stage. They were also allowed up into a gallery next to the traditional writing press box. On Monday, many influencers spent most of their time in one of two creator-only lounges, where convention staff were replenishing buffet tables with wine and complimentary food, including prime rib sandwiches.
Before heading to the convention center, the creators were treated to an exclusive party on the yacht, where the onboard bar served “Midwest Margaritas” and “I’m Speaking Spritz” and the creators mingled with members of Harris’ campaign team and Gwen Walz, wife of Gov. Tim Walz.
Though journalists and creators are similarly accredited, the amenities and floor access for creators stand in stark contrast to what the DNC offers accredited media organizations. With 15,000 media accredited for the event, and some major media organizations setting up in trailers outside the convention center, journalists have complained they have far less floor access and work space than at previous party conventions. Some had trouble finding a place to sit, and one press section did not have enough power strips for the journalists in attendance.
“We are concerned that the decision to reduce dedicated, accessible work spaces by hundreds compared to previous conventions will hinder journalists’ ability to cover this historic convention,” the Permanent Press Committee, an organization that represents journalists covering the convention, said in a statement to WIRED on Tuesday. “The Permanent Press Committee has requested that print journalists attending this year’s Chicago convention be allocated significantly more work space than the Democratic National Committee has determined.”
Influencers have become a staple of both sides’ digital strategies this election cycle. On Monday, The New York Times reported that five creators are scheduled to speak at this week’s party convention. Some of the speakers are primarily lifestyle influencers, while others create content to advocate for specific issues, such as reproductive rights.
“Inviting creators to our convention expands our reach and allows everyone to witness democracy in action,” Kayana McKee Nance, director of digital strategy for DNCC, said in a statement earlier this month. “When people around the world tune into Chicago on their phones, tablets and televisions in August, we believe they’ll get a clear picture of who the Democratic Party is and what the future we aspire to be.”
