February 06, 2008

Long-time Event Logistics Professional to Design, Manage Transportation System for Fourth Consecutive Democratic National Convention 

Denver-based Company Selected to Coordinate, Implement DNCC’s Transportation Program During Convention Week in August 

DENVER – The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced two moves to ramp up transportation planning in the lead up to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. Andrew Ballard, a transportation professional with nearly 20 years of experience managing large-scale events, has been named Director of Transportation for the organization while Denver-based Event Transportation Associates, Inc. (ETA) has been selected as the transportation management consultant for the Convention’s bus shuttle system. 

“From presidential inaugurations to Super Bowls and Olympic Games, Andrew has managed complex logistics and transportation systems for events across the globe,” said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. “We’re pleased to welcome both Andrew and Denver’s own ETA back to the Democratic National Convention. I have the utmost confidence that they will design and implement a first-rate transportation system making travel around Denver easy and convenient for all of our guests.” 

As the DNCC’s Director of Transportation, Ballard will manage the motorpool, airport operation, bus shuttle system and special services transport, which includes coordination for people with disabilities and VIPs for events outside of the Pepsi Center. His duties will also include building a manifest for arrivals and departures at Denver International Airport and designing a “meet and greet” operation guiding Convention attendees to their transportation source from airport to hotel. Ballard worked in similar capacities at the last three Democratic National Conventions. 

“Our mission is two-fold,” said Ballard. “We’re focused on getting everyone to and from the Pepsi Center in a safe, convenient way while also taking care to minimize the effect on Denver residents during Convention week. This should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, regardless of whether you’re inside the Convention hall.”   

This marks a return to Denver for Ballard, who directed transportation efforts during the 1997 Summit of the Eight. His resume also includes managing transportation logistics at the 2007 NCAA Men’s Final Four in Atlanta, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake, Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Ballard also managed transportation logistics for high-profile events including the 1997 and 1993 presidential inaugurations in Washington, D.C. and a 1995 papal visit to Baltimore.  

In 2005, he spent five months in Louisiana coordinating transportation in support of the U.S. Department of Transportation and FEMA’s operations following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Ballard and his team were later recognized with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation’s “Team Award” for managing the evacuation of more than 12,000 people in Louisiana and Texas before Hurricane Rita made landfall. 

Ballard will report to Cameron Moody, Deputy CEO for “Outside the Hall” Operations. 

ETA will coordinate and implement the bus shuttle system designed by Ballard to accommodate delegates, dignitaries, elected officials, members of the media and any other credentialed Convention participants requiring transportation to and from the Pepsi Center and their designated Convention hotels. In total, the DNCC’s shuttle system will serve more than 35,000 people at some 100 hotels throughout the Denver area.  

"It is an honor to be selected for the third time to provide transportation management for the Democratic National Convention's shuttle system," said Brian Clark, ETA's chief operating officer. "We look forward to showing off our hometown of Denver while providing an environmentally-sustainable and seamless transportation operation for all of the delegates and special guests attending the Convention." 

In addition to working on the 1992 and 2000 Democratic National Conventions, ETA coordinated transportation for the last two Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) shows, the largest trade show in Denver’s history, and the 2007 World Series, also hosted by the Mile High City. The company has also worked on 17 National Hockey League All-Star games, three Olympics and two Daytona 500 races.  

In light of the DNCC’s efforts to make this the most sustainably-produced political Convention in history, ETA has committed to offsetting its carbon footprint by supporting renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects around the world through its partnership with Carbonfund.org, one of the world’s leading carbon offset providers. They will also assist the DNCC in calculating the entire carbon footprint for the bus shuttle system.  

Held from August 25-28, 2008, the Convention is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area’s economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors to the region. 

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About the DNCC:
The 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee responsible for planning and organizing the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. www.demconvention.com

Paid for by 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc. www.demconvention.com  

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.