Events

The IOP hosts Chicago Treks in partnership with the Harris School's Center for Effective Government. Each trek offers 20 students the chance to dive into a political issue area through meeting with a broad range of public service practitioners.

On this Trek participants will explore: How are cities selected for conventions? Are there certain bonafides that are consistent from cycle to cycle?
What are the logistics that go into planning a convention? Specifically, how do you move delegates and very important persons from place to place?
What happens at conventions? Has the agenda changed historically from conventions in the past? Are conventions just gigantic marketing efforts for parties?
How can conventions contribute to the economic development of the cities they are located in? Are they boosters for the local politicians of the host cities?

Speakers for this Trek include: Lynn Sweet, Washington Bureau Chief for the Chicago Sun-Times, Republican National Committee, and Maurice (Mo) Green IV, Senior Director of Civic & Community Engagement at Chicago 2024 Democratic National Convention. Additional speakers may be added.