STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

RPOF Staff
Blaise Ingoglia
RPOF Chairman
blaise@rpof.org
George Riley
RPOF Executive Director
griley@rpof.org

Delegate Packet for

2016 Convention
table of contents
Welcome Letter (p. 2)
FAQ Page (p. 3-4)

Ivey Rooney
RPOF Finance Director
irooney@rpof.org
Paige Harris
RPOF Finance Assistant
pharris@rpof.org
Kimberly Simpson
Director of HR
ksimpson@rpof.org

Tentative Schedule (p. 5-7)

Taxi Information (p. 8)
Hotel Information (p. 9-10)
Transportation Info (p. 11)
Florida GOP Convention Events
Breakdown (p. 12-14)

Welcome Event
FL Delegation Event
Southern States Game Day Tailgate
Pre-session Rally with NY Delegation
Red, White and Brew Reception with
AZ Delegation

Fun facts about Cleveland (p. 15)

Things to Do (p. 16)
Convention Overview (p. 17)
Paid for by the Republican Party of Florida. Not authorized
by any candidate or candidate committee. www.florida.gop

DELEGATE FAQ
1.

Who can attend the Republican National Convention?

Space is limited. As a result, only delegates, alternates, federal and state elected officials
and certain invited guests will be able to attend the Republican National Convention.

2.

Is there a schedule of events for the 2016 Convention?

Enclosed in this packet you will find a tentative schedule. The RNC and the RPOF are
still in the process of making the final arrangements on these activities and are subject
to change.

3.

How many delegates does Florida have to the Convention?

Florida has 99 delegates and 96 alternates for the 2016 Republican National
Convention.

4.

I have elected to bring a guest to the convention. Will they automatically be able to go
everywhere that a delegate will be able to go?
No. Guests brought to Cleveland will be able to attend RPOF related functions so long
as they pay the RPOF activities fee. There are also several other events and functions
that guests will be able to take part in. The official RNC guest credential will give your
guest access into the Quicken Loans Arena but not access to the delegate floor.

5.

Is there a specific hotel assigned to the Florida Delegation?

Yes. The Florida delegation has been assigned the Embassy Suites Hotel Cleveland
Rockside. This will serve as the primary hotel for the delegation. A secondary hotel,
Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland Independence, has also been assigned to the Florida
delegation. Both hotels are approximately 25 minutes away from the Quicken Loans
Arena. With minimal traffic, they are 15 minutes away. There is a 5-night minimum
stay at both hotels.

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DELEGATE FAQ
6.

Is there a fee for attending the convention?

Although there is no fee to attend the convention itself or to be a delegate, alternate
delegate, or guest to the 2016 Convention, all travel and other expenses must be
covered by each attending individual. Additionally, there is an activities fee for all
delegates, alternate delegates, and guests who wish to attend the Florida delegation
events.

7.

Am I responsible for transporting myself to and from the hotel on arrival/departure?

Yes. Delegates, alternate delegates, and guests are responsible for their own
transportation to and from the airport. There are hotel shuttles available for both of the
delegation hotels. However, with the increased amount of arrivals/departures there may
be a lengthy wait. Please see page 8 for taxi, rental car, and hired car information.

8.

When do I wear my official Florida Delegation polo?

The Florida Delegation will be wearing their official delegation polo shirt (see picture) on
Tuesday, July 19th.

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FLORIDA GOP CONVENTION EVENTS

Official RNC Convention schedule is TBA

Sunday, July 17th

Welcome to Cleveland/Registration
Location: Florida Delegation Hotel, Embassy Suites, Independence, OH
Time: Noon-6pm

Host Committee Welcome Event

Location: North Coast Harbor
Time: 4pm-6:30pm

mOnday, July 18th

Credential Pickup
Time: 6:30am-7:30am*

Breakfast Buffet & Speaker Series with Frank Luntz

Hosted by Florida House Speaker-designate Richard Corcoran and RPOF
Location: Florida Delegation Hotel, Embassy Suites, Independence, OH
Time: 7:30am-8:30am

Rock & Roll with the Florida Delegation

Location: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Time: 4pm-6:30pm
Tour the world famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where you will be able to see exclusive
exhibits from your favorite bands and artists. Our private access to the Hall will include
cocktails, appetizers, and access to the newest exhibit Louder Than Words: Rock, Power
and Politics.

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FLORIDA GOP CONVENTION EVENTS

tuesday, July 19th
Credential Pickup

Time: 7:30am-8:45am*

Adam Putnams Florida Grown Breakfast

Location: Florida Delegation Hotel, Embassy Suites, Independence, OH

Time: 8am-10:30am

Southern States Game Day Tailgate

Location: FirstEnergy Stadium
Time: 11am-2pm

Join us to celebrate with southern state delegations at the Republican National Convention!
The game day style tailgate will include a live name band, tailgate food favorites, craft beer,
corn hole, and traditional game day activities! You will even be able to test your football skills
at the GOP practice field! Guests are encouraged to wear patriotic versions of their game day
best!

Red, White and Brew Reception with the AZ Delegation

Location: Nano Brew Cleveland
Time: 10pm-2am

Post-Session reception with Florida republicans, invited VIPs, and special guests. Nano Brew
Cleveland is a friendly neighborhood brewpub with craft beers on draft both inside the bar
and at the lively outdoor Beer Garden Bar. This is located in the trendy Ohio City
neighborhood. Your guests will have an amazing time at this event with a menu of fresh local
food, live music, brews, and an ice cream treat!

wednesday, July 20th

Free day to explore Cleveland!

Credential Pickup

Time: 9am-10:45am*

Brunch Buffet & Speaker Series

Hosted by Florida House Speaker-designate Richard Corcoran and RPOF

Location: Florida Delegation Hotel, Embassy Suites, Independence, OH
Time: 10am-11:30m

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FLORIDA GOP CONVENTION EVENTS

thursday, July 21st
Credential Pickup

Time: 7:30am-8:45am*

Breakfast Buffet & Speaker Series

Hosted by Florida House Speaker-designate Richard Corcoran and RPOF

Location: Florida Delegation Hotel, Embassy Suites, Independence, OH
Time: 8am-9:30am

Florida at FWD Pre-Session Rally

Location: FWD Day + Night Club
Time: 11am-2pm

This is one of Clevelands hottest venues located in the Flats at East Bank. FWD is the
perfect place to celebrate the week and enjoy music with a beautiful view.

Friday, July 22nd

Safe travels home!

*Credentials will be given out to Florida Delegation members on a daily basis each morning before
breakfast. If you wish to attend any Florida Delegation events, you must pick up your credentials at
this time.

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TAXI INFORMATION
For passengers leaving the airport, CLE offers a dedicated taxicab service. To use the taxi service, look
for the taxi entrance at the orange wall on the south end of baggage claim, adjacent to Carousel 11.
Pickups are made at this location only. Taxis are available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

Authorized Taxi Companies

Phone #

Ace Taxi

216-361-4700 / 877-361-8294

Yellow Cab Company

216-623-1500

Americab

216-881-1111

RENTAL CAR INFORMATION

Cleveland Hopkins Airport has a consolidated rental car facility located off the airport grounds. Shuttle
service is available for all rental car customers from the main terminal to the rental car facility. Shuttles
are located on the lower roadway island and can be accessed by exiting from Door #2 on the baggage
claim level of the main terminal. For travelers needing assistance, a telephone center with rental car
information is located near Door #1.
The shuttle bus ride from the terminal to the rental care facility (located at 19601 Maplewood Avenue,
Cleveland, OH 44135) takes approximately 5-7 minutes.

Authorized Rental Companies

Phone #

Website

Alamo

888-826-6893

www.alamo.com

Avis

216-265-3700

www.avis.com

Budget

216-433-4434

www.budget.com

Dollar

866-434-2226

www.dollar.com

Enterprise

216-898-2200

www.enterprise.com

Hertz

216-267-8900

www.hertz.com

National

216-912-3917

www.national.com

Thrifty

877-283-0898

www.thrifty.com

HIRED CAR SERVICE INFORMATION

UBER AND LYFT ARE AVAILABLE IN CLEVELAND DURING THE CONVENTION
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DELEGATE HOTEL INFORMATION

Embassy Suites Hotel Cleveland Rockside
5800 Rockside Woods Blvd N
Independence, OH 44131
Phone: 216-986-9900
Fax: 216-986-9901
Highlights

This all-suite hotel with an 8-story atrium lobby is

9.4 miles from downtown Cleveland.

Complimentary parking

Complimentary airport/area shuttle

Amenities also include a grill-style restaurant/bar

Indoor pool and hot tub

Fitness/business centers

Non-smoking
Guest Room Information
(may vary by room type)
General Room Amenities

Featuring wood furnishings

Pull-out sofa

Mini fridge and microwave

Flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels

Living area with a sofa bed

Armchair and well-lit work table

Wet bar and coffeemaker

High-Speed Internet Access

WiFi is available
On-site Restaurant

Embassy Grille
Nearby Restaurants

Bonefish Grill

Outback Steakhouse

Corleones

Delmonicos Steakhouse

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FLORIDA DELEGATION OVERFLOW HOTEL

Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland Independence
5051 W Creek Rd
Independence, OH 44131
Phone: 216-901-9988
Highlights

Smoke free

Starbucks

Swimming pool (indoor)

Fitness center

Free off-site parking

Guest Room Information
(may vary by room type)
General Room Amenities

Coffeemaker

Ironing board

Phone

Cable TV

Complimentary wireless internet throughout

entire hotel
Room Entertainment

Free HBO

Pay per view movies

High Speed Internet Access

Complimentary WiFi
On-site Restaurant

The Bistro

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10

DELEGATE TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

GOP EXPRESS SHUTTLE SYSTEM
The GOP Express is the official shuttle system for the 2016 Republican National Convention and is free
to all credentialed delegates, alternate delegates, Convention guests, and accredited members of the
media to and from their respective hotels and The Q.
The GOP Express will service a color-coded zone system. The purpose of the color-coded zones is to
easily identify the appropriate shuttle to board when departing The Q.

Hours of Operation
Shuttle service will begin on Monday, July 18th, 2016 and continue through the last
session on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The GOP Express will begin operation approximately
2-3 hours before the start of each session. Post-session service will begin immediately upon
adjournment and continue up until one hour after the end of session.

Boarding Pass Requirements

An official 2016 Republican National Convention credential with the appropriate session
number will serve as your boarding pass.

Pick-up and Drop-off Locations

All hotels on the GOP Express shuttle system will service the Quicken Loans Arena. Signs in
each hotel lobby will provide informational and additional instructions. When departing The
Q after sessions, there will be ample way finding and signage to lead you from your seat to
you designated pick-up points. Loading zones will be located conveniently around the RNC
complex and will be staffed with Convention volunteers to assist you.

Persons with Disabilities

The GOP Express includes vehicles that are ADA compliant. However, to increase the level
of service, we are building an individualized system to ensure prompt and convenient service. If you are in need of this service, please pre-arrange your transportation by contacting
Andy King, ADA Coordinator, at aking@gopconvention2016.com or at 216-263-2140. A
vehicle will be dispatched to pick you up at the pre-arranged time and location.

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11

EVENTS BREAKDOWN

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12

EVENTS BREAKDOWN

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13

EVENTS BREAKDOWN

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14

2016 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION , JULY 17-21 CLEVELAND

Overview
Cleveland is a major city in Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie. The host city is preparing to accommodate
as many as 50,000 extra people who will travel to Cleveland for the convention.

What Theyre Saying

There is a definite buzz about Cleveland and for good reason. The host city is ready for its close-up in
2016.

Did You Know?

The Cuyahoga River, which runs

through Cleveland, is known as The River
that Caught Fire. The river has caught fire
on thirteen different occasions.

Cleveland was founded by General Moses

Cleaveland. As the story goes, the name was
reduced to Cleveland when the local
newspaper discovered the name was one
character too long for its masthead.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was

founded in Cleveland in 1983. To date, 749
people have been inducted.

Clevelands Playhouse Square Center is the

second largest performing arts venue in the
United States.

Cleveland is a city that knows how to rock.

Hang On Sloopy by the The McCoys is the
citys official song.

Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals

in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, was from
Cleveland.

A suburban home in Cleveland was the

setting for the beloved film A Christmas
Story. It has since been purchased on
eBay, and renovated to an exact replica of
the house in the film.

Cleveland is home to the worlds largest

indoor Ferris wheel, built in 1985. It
stands more than 120 feet high.

Joe Schuster and Jerry Siegel created

the famous comic hero Superman in
Cleveland, where they were born.

The worlds largest rubber stamp, created

for the Standard Oil Company, has a
home in Clevelands Willard Park.

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15

THINGS TO DO
Arts and Entertainment

Sports and Fitness

The Cleveland area offers a truly astounding array

of cultural treasures and entertainment options.

Progressive Field

JACK Cleveland Casino

University Circle

Playhouse Square

People say the regions motto should be cheap

and easy because its relatively inexpensive and
easy to get around.
Hidden gems are there for your finding, with
places to explore, food to relish, and annual
events to celebrate. Yes, there are lots of reasons
to love the city and surrounding areas.

Environment and Natural Beauty

Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall

Lake View Cemetery

James A. Garfield Monument

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Historic Little Italy in Cleveland

Cleveland is home to four of the parks in the

countywide Cleveland Metroparks system, as
well as the: Washington Park, Brookside Park and
parts of the Rocky River and Washington
Reservations. Known locally as the Emerald
Necklace, the Olmsted-inspired Metroparks
encircle Cuyahoga county. Included in the system
is the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Located in
Big Creek Valley, the Zoo contains one of the
largest collection of primates in North America. In
addition to the Metroparks system, the Cleveland
Lakefront State Park district provides public
access to Lake Erie.

Great Lakes Science Center

USS Cod Submarine Memorial

Cleveland Public Library

Heinens Downtown

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Cleveland Metroparks

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

West Side Market

Rocky River Reservation

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16

THE QUICKEN LOANS ARENA

Quicken Loans Arena, commonly known as

The Q, is a multi-purpose arena in downtown

Cleveland, Ohio, United States. The building is
the home to the Cleveland Cavaliers of the
National Basketball Association (NBA), the Lake
Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League
(AHL), and the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena
Football League (AFL). It also serves as a secondary arena for Cleveland State Vikings mens and
womens basketball teams.

What Others Are Saying

Great Entertainment Experience

Quicken Loans Arena has much to offer

and everyone was helpful and
professional.

Arena Highlights
From its opening until August 2005, it was known as Gund Arena, named for former Cavaliers
owner Gordon Gund, after he paid for the naming rights.
The Q replaced the Richfield Coliseum as the primary entertainment facility for the region and
the home of the Cavaliers, and supplanted the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University, which
opened in 1990, as the primary concert and athletic venue in downtown Cleveland.
Quicken Loans Arena is located in a great spot in downtown Cleveland.
There is easy access in and out and parking is close.
The Arena is surrounded by an incredible amount of restaurants and bars.
The arena opened in October 1994 as part of the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex with
adjacent Progressive Field, which opened in April of that year.
It is named after the retail mortgage lender Quicken Loans, whose chairman and founder is the
Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert.

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17