DENVER, MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: The organizers of the 2008 Democratic and Republican national conventions are working closely with local area PR agencies, businesses, and civic leaders, who see the events as a way to promote their respective cities and states.

With the Democratic party slated to nominate either the first female or the first black candidate, Denver's convention, to be held August 25 to 28, is expected to draw intense national and international interest, beyond the 35,000 expected official visitors - including ...