How to lure the DNC into picking Philly for its convention? With Patti LaBelle, Rival Bros. coffee, and Tastykake treats
At the Democratic National Committee’s annual spring meeting in New Orleans, Philly brought out some of its time-honored legends to strengthen its pitch to be host city in 2028.
The stakes are high for Philadelphia’s bid to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention.
In a battle against other host city hopefuls like Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, and Boston, the city is pulling out all the stops, including tapping iconic singers for its promotional push.
Last week, Patti LaBelle made an appearance at the Democratic National Committee’s annual spring meeting in New Orleans. The “Godmother of Soul” joined Pick Pennsylvania, the city’s official host committee, to convince DNC officials that Philly is perfectly suited to take on hosting duties.
While LaBelle didn’t perform her soulful classics, she happily snapped photos and chatted with guests at the event.
Other host city finalists also sent contingents to the spring meeting, along with free merch, coffee, and treats central to the city ‘s identity. Among Philly’s offerings were Pick Philadelphia-branded hats and shirts, free cups of Rival Bros. coffee, and center pieces with Tastykake snacks.
“Everyone who had a cup of Rival Bros. coffee and a Tastykake loved it,” Aren Platt, a senior adviser for the city host committee, wrote in an email to The Inquirer.
It’s too early to claim victory on behalf of our famed snacks, though. There are still several steps before DNC chair Ken Martin and other committee leaders decide which city gets to call itself the host.
“We have a lot more we’re looking forward to sharing and showcasing as the bid process moves forward,” said Platt.
After the city submitted a confidential proposal last month, which included details about the city’s hotels and the voltage capacity at Xfinity Mobile Arena, the DNC is preparing to conduct a site visit in Philly from April 29 to May 1 as part of the selection process.
If selected, the convention would take place from Aug. 7-10, 2028, at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Philadelphia isn’t new to being at the epicenter of political celebration, discourse, or debate.
In 1948, the city hosted three major political conventions in a matter of five weeks: the DNC, the Republican National Convention, and the convention for the Progressive Party, a then-popular upstart group led by former U.S. Vice President Henry A. Wallace.
It would be more than 50 years until the next political convention rolled into Philadelphia.
The Republican National Convention in 2000 marked Philadelphia’s return as a political convention hub. The city went on to host the DNC again in 2016. .
While it’s been a decade since Philly last hosted another major political convention, the region has maintained a consistent political presence for decades.
Philly and its surrounding suburbs were among the most visited regions for presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential race. The two candidates debated at the National Constitution Center in September 2024, then dropped into various locations in and around Philadelphia proper.
With LaBelle — and local treasures like Rival Bros. coffee and Tastykake snacks — already impressing Democratic Party members, what more does Philly need to do to inch closer to landing the deal?
Platt said the next step is to show the Martin-led DNC everything the city has to offer, from Xfinity Mobile Arena’s technical capacities to the dining, nightlife, and other cultural experiences that “make Philly special.”
