RNC - DNC - LMNOP

I'm not trying to make a political statement here at all.  My beliefs are my beliefs and have no bearing on what I'm about to voice.

I just don't get these political conventions.  RNC, DNC, LMNOP ... what's up?

They feel so old school with everyone just screaming out the issues, bashing the competition, and talking about how something needs to change.  Yet the convention format hasn't changed in decades, centuries maybe even.  None of it comes off as much of a brand experience, if you ask me.  Sure there are hot spots, and I even shed a tear now and then.  But none of it feels all that fresh from the last four years or from the four years before that.

Why doesn't someone modernize, contemporize, and relevant-ize the entire concept?  How about some panel discussions about how to tackle the issues?  How about hearing from industry experts on topics of consideration?  How about a branding/marketing expert gets in there and creates an experience for the voters?

These folks should start thinking like consumer marketers!

Speech after speech after speech ... it's hard to distinguish them apart except for the occasional stand out (and there are a few) ... But generally those folks stand out just because they are incredible speakers.

Don't you think we need a wholesale reinvention if we are really going to change and make things better?  Can't there be a better convention brand experience from both parties?

What's your experience?  Jim.

Jim Joseph
President, Cohn & Wolfe NA
Author, The Experience Effect series
Professor, NYU