Political conventions are exciting, high-energy events that provide opportunities to network, rally support, and advance party goals. Whether you're a seasoned delegate or attending your first convention, proper preparation is key to making the most out of the experience. Successful political conventions rely on well-organized logistics, clear communication, engaged participants, and a shared sense of purpose. They bring together leaders, volunteers, and supporters to collaborate on strategies, unify common goals, and build momentum for future initiatives.
Key elements of a successful convention include strong attendance, meaningful discussions, actionable resolutions, and an atmosphere that inspires attendees to stay involved beyond the event itself.
Strong Attendance: A well-attended convention ensures diverse representation, fosters dynamic discussions, and demonstrates broad support for shared goals.
Meaningful Discussions: Open and focused conversations allow attendees to address critical issues, share ideas, and build consensus on key topics.
Actionable Resolutions: Resolutions should lead to clear, achievable outcomes that guide future actions and strategies.
Inspiring Atmosphere: An optimistic and motivational environment keeps participants engaged, energized, and committed to advancing the party's mission beyond the convention.
Buzz360 is a powerful tool designed to streamline your preparation and help you stay organized before, during, and after the convention. Here's how you can maximize its features for a seamless experience.
Getting Started:
1. Pre-Convention
This step uses Buzz360 media/document upload, emails, forms, websites, and events.
Once your delegates and alternates have been elected, you will want to import them using a CSV file into the Contact portion of Buzz360 CRM system. You create a “Tag” of “Delegate/Alternate” and add the year of the convention and title. Ex.: 2025 County Convention Del/Alt. If they are already in your Contacts, you will want to do an "update" to add the tag to the contact. You can now create an audience for the convention using the “Tags” feature of the contacts associated with your district.
Once you have the Convention Call and other official documents, you can upload them in the Media>Documents section. A link will be available to copy for emails and websites.
Create a convention webpage within your Buzz 360 website.
Creating the webpage provides easy access to essential documents, including the Official Convention Call, Agenda, By-laws, and local and party Constitutions. Having these materials readily available ensures attendees can reference crucial rules and guidelines at any time during the event.
Create a Buz360 form to capture the Delegate/Alternate names, locations, and other necessary information. Remember, the information gathered in the forms can be quickly added to the delegate contact record in the Buzz360 CRM.
You will also want to create a Buzz360 event including the details of the schedule to ensure your Convention is promoted in the events on your website and the Group website (CD or State Party if they are using Buzz360).
2. Pre-registration and Access to Official Documents
This step uses Buzz360 media/document upload, and Buzz360 emails.
Buzz360 allows attendees to pre-register on the webpage and form discussed in Step 1 for the convention, ensuring a smooth check-in process.
The official Conventional Call, Agenda, By-laws, Constitution, and other important information/documents can be emailed to the Delegates and Alternates from the Buzz360 Outreach feature with the call and registration link. Organizers can access a real-time registration list, track attendance, and plan coordination easier by reviewing the submissions on the Form. Read how to create an email
In addition, you can track the statistics of each individual receiving the e-mail. You can use the Filter to see whose e-mail has bounced or failed, you can text a link to the call on your website or event asking them to confirm receipt of the call. If you do not receive confirmation, you'll need to send a paper copy to the individual delegate. If you see it was delivered but that delegate has not opened their e-mail, a phone call or text to follow up by a local chair is recommended.
3. Reminders
This step uses Buzz360 Outreach>Text Messaging or Broadcast email.
Send a reminder text message to the delegate and alternate to give them last-minute details and remind them to pre-register 4 days before registration closes and a text or email 1 day before.
IT'S CONVENTION DAY
1. Credentialing
This step uses Buzz360 Audience, Audience Export
The Credentials team can use Buzz360 to do electronic sign-in if there are computers or tablets and WiFi available or Export the Convention audience to have the delegation list in Excel or use paper. If done electronically, create a Tag like "2025 Convention Signed In", select the "2025 Convention Audience" and tag the attendee. The benefit of electronic is you can correct information on the fly and share it with the Party.
2. Convention Communications
This step uses Buzz360 Outreach>Text Messaging.
Buzz360 allows you to provide a detailed schedule of convention events, including keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. This includes pre-scheduled text messages from the Outreach in Buzz360 during the convention.
A convention-based election presents an ideal environment for the usage of SwipeRed™! Whether a convention is virtual or in person, ideally you want to be completely confident of your delegate count and set to win by the time the convention begins. Your voter universe is – relatively - small and consists of people who are friends with each other with a common interest. Read More
SwipeRed is used for networking and engagement discussed in Steps 4 through 9
1. Connect with Other Attendees Using SwipeRed
Use the SwipeRed app's networking feature to connect with fellow attendees, delegates, and organizers. Send messages or schedule one-on-one meetings in advance. SwipeRed allows broad and granular communication opportunities from the entire Congressional District to the smallest precinct.
2. Stay Updated with Notifications
Enable push notifications to stay informed about last-minute schedule changes, location updates, or important announcements. Staying in the loop is crucial in a demanding environment.
3. Prepare Talking Points and Materials
Upload your talking points, brochures, or presentation materials directly into the app. This ensures you have everything at your fingertips and eliminates the risk of forgetting essential documents. It assists with transparency and communication of reference materials and directions for all users.
4. Participate in Polls and Surveys
Many conventions use live polls and surveys to gauge opinions and make real-time decisions. Stay engaged and share your input directly through the SwipeRed App.
5. Plan Your Logistics
The app often includes maps, venue layouts, and travel information. Review these details in advance to minimize confusion and maximize your time at the convention.
6. Engage on Social Media
Buzz360 integrates with social media platforms, sharing updates, photos, and key takeaways from the convention easily. Use event-specific hashtags to increase visibility.
AFTER THE CONVENTION
1. Follow Up After the Event
Once the convention wraps up, use the app to follow up with new contacts. Send thank-you messages, schedule follow-up meetings, and share any promised materials. Create a Tag of attendees and alternates who were seated and participated in the convention.
Final Thoughts
Buzz360 is an invaluable resource for anyone attending or organizing a political convention. Its features help you stay organized, make meaningful connections, and ensure a productive and memorable experience. Download the app, familiarize yourself with its tools, and prepare to make a significant impact at your next political convention!