Convention Daybook: Obama's Big Night – Brought to you by CIT

Welcome to National Journal’s Convention Daybook, which provides a floor schedule and a list of major events at the Democratic National Convention each day.

FLOOR SCHEDULE:

At 10:10 p.m. tonight, President Obama will give his convention-closing speech and accept the Democratic nomination for president, according to the White House. The president will make his address at the Time Warner Cable Arena, rather than in the Bank of America Stadium, a change of venue that was attributed to weather. Though convention organizers did not release a detailed schedule by press time, a full lineup of Democratic officials was expected to speak. A schedule may be available later today on the convention website.

TODAY’S EVENTS

Event times and information are subject to changes and updates throughout the day. For the latest information, please visit National Journal’s events page, log in to NJ’s mobile apps, or contact event organizers.

TBA – Michelle Obama, Jill Biden Create Care Packages
First lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden will help pack care packages to greet military service members on their arrival back in the states. The service project was organized by the Democratic National Convention Committee and the USO of North Carolina. Exact timing to be announced. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. Media RSVP: press@demconvention.com.

7 A.M. – Run For Your Life
Run for your life! Not literally—that’s just the name of the Charlotte running specialty store hosting early morning group runs throughout the convention. Participants can choose between 3-, 5- and 7-mile options. Elizabeth Park at Little Sugar Creek Greenway, 101 N. Kings Drive. Free and open to the public. Click here to RSVP. Contact: 704-358-0713.

7-7:55 A.M. – Yoga on the Greenway
Sneak in some time outdoors and get to know Charlotte’s yogis with this series of poses organized by local studio Yoga Shala. Yoga on the Greenway attendees should bring a yoga mat, towel, and water. Midtown Park, South Kings Drive. Free. Click here to RSVP and get directions.

7 A.M.-Midnight– Relax with Huffington Post
The Huffington Post will offer delegates, journalists, and bloggers a spa oasis amid a hectic convention. Stop by for yoga classes, facials, makeup refreshers, and healthy snacks. You can also try out an app that’ll measure your stress level. Flex and Fit Gym, 550 S. Tryon St (entrance on Stonewall St.). Media contact: chogan@skdnick.com.

7:45-9:30 A.M. – Pennsylvania Delegation Breakfast
A little bit public-sector, a little bit private-sector: AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, former Gov. Ed Rendell, and Ken Frazier of Merck will address the Pennsylvania delegation over breakfast. Charlotte Marriott SouthPark, 2200 Rexford Road. Press contact: mark@padems.com or 717-903-3857.

8-9 A.M. – Zumba/CardioFunk Class
Here’s a third outdoor fitness option to kick off your morning: a Zumba/CardioFunk dance fitness class, organized by the Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness. Midtown Park, South Kings Drive and Metropolitan. Free. Click here to RSVP. Contact: 704-543-2325.

8-10 A.M. Politico Breakfast Panel
Join Politico Chief White House Correspondent Mike Allen for a morning conversation to kick off the day’s convention activities, cohosted by The Charlotte Observer. Today’s featured guests are Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Packard Place, 222 S. Church St. RSVP: awilliams@politico.com.

8:30-10 A.M. – Minority Voters and the 2012 Election
What does the American dream mean for minority communities? How will minority voters influence the outcome of the 2012 election? Charlie Cook, editor of The Cook Political Report and a political analyst for National Journal; Voto Latino President Maria Teresa Kumar; and Raben Group principal Jamal Simmons will take on the big questions in this morning panel discussion. Sponsored by AT&T, National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, and the National Action Network. Charlotte City Club, 121 W. Trade St., Suite 3100. RSVP: DNCpanel@brunswickgroup.com. Contact: MCevallos@deweysquare.com.

8:30-10:30 A.M. – California Delegation Breakfast
Catch the California delegation’s last breakfast of the convention, featuring remarks from Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. The Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St. Open to press with convention-issued credentials. Media contact: Tenoch Flores, tenoch@cadem.org.

9-10 A.M. – America’s Fiscal Challenges
Eggs? Check. Bacon? Check. Top policymakers and influencers talking about the country’s fiscal challenges? Check. Participants in this Bloomberg/Peter G. Peterson Foundation policy breakfast are Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, Michael Peterson of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, Robert Rubin of the Council on Foreign Relations, former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, John Podesta of the Center for American Progress, and National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling. Bloomberg Link, 210 E. Trade St., Third Floor. Click here to RSVP.

9-10 A.M. – Financial Security for Working Families
What would a prosperous future look like if it prioritized the middle class and those working to get into the middle class? Service Employees International Union president Mary Kay Henry leads a panel discussion on how to achieve financial security for working families. Packard Place, 222 S. Church St., Newsroom Stage. Pick up your PPL credentials ($125) online to attend.

9-10 A.M. – Interfaith Prayer
Join fellow convention-goers for an hour of interfaith prayer led by a North Carolina faith leader and panel discussions facilitated by Derrick Harkins of Washington, D.C. Sample topics: “Loving Our Neighbor” and “Caring for the Poor.” Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St., Room 211AB/212AB. Open to the public. Click here to RSVP.

9-10:30 A.M. – The Hill’s Daily Briefing
Join The Hill’s editorial Election Team for a daily briefing to review the previous night’s floor action and preview the day ahead. The Charlotte City Club, 121 W. Trade St., Suite 3100. By invitation.

9 A.M.-1 P.M. – Women, Sustainability and the New Economy
Female leaders and innovators are helping to build the economy—and, perhaps, to change its direction. The American Sustainable Business Council brings together women in politics and business for a discussion on “Women, Sustainability, and the New Economy.” Actress and health care advocate Fran Drescher will deliver the keynote remarks. Offices of K&L Gates, Hearst Tower, 47th Floor, 214 N. Tryon St. Click here to register. Contact: 617-610-6766.

9:30-11 A.M. – Campaign Managers and Strategists Weigh In
Wrap up the convention by taking a 30,000-foot look at the 2012 race through conversation with campaign managers and senior strategists. Guests featured at the final National Journal/The Atlantic/CBS News daily briefing include Maria Echaveste of NVG; Stanley Greenberg of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner; Peter Hart of Peter D. Hart Research Associates; and Laura Quinn of Catalist. Atlantic Editor-in-Chief James Bennet, NJ Editorial Director Ronald Brownstein and CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent Bob Schieffer moderate. McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St. Click here to RSVP.

10-11 A.M. – The Internet, Jobs, and the Economy
Calling all Silicon Valley types: Bloomberg and Google are cohosting a breakfast discussion on the Internet, jobs, and the economy. Special guests include Sens. Mark Begich of Alaska and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, former Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Austan Goolsbee, and Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy. Bloomberg Link, 210 E. Trade St., Third Floor. Click here to RSVP.

10-11 A.M. – Women in Leadership
Arianna Huffington knows what it means to be a female entrepreneur. So do Girls on the Run founder Molly Barker, Sheercom founder Jacqueline Patterson, and other businesswomen who will weigh in during this Startup America/StartUp RockOn panel on women’s leadership. Packard Place, 222 S. Church St., Fourth Floor. Pick up your PPL credentials online ($125) to attend.

10-11:15 A.M. – Poverty and Human Development
Eradicating global poverty is a monumental challenge, but there are things the United States, corporations, and private citizens can do to make a difference. This panel on poverty and human development, organized by the National Democratic Institute and the ONE Campaign, features international leaders Morgan Tsvangirai, prime minister of Zimbabwe, former U.S. Senate majority leader Tom Daschle, former British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, and actress Ashley Judd. Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. Limited seating available on a first-come basis.

10-11:30 A.M. – Shifting Winds in the Middle East
From the Arab Spring to the crisis in Syria, the Middle East has changed dramatically in the past year. AJC convenes a group of experts to discuss the changing Middle East and how those changes may impact U.S. foreign policy. The New Gallery of Modern Art, 435 S. Tryon St. Contact: blumem@ajc.org.

10 A.M.-Noon – Bend the Arc Reception
Join Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice for a reception to celebrate its advocacy. The spotlight will be on the group’s latest campaign tour: a two-week trip across America to highlight issues of tax and economic fairness. King’s Kitchen Restaurant, 129 W. Trade St. Click here to RSVP.

10 A.M.-Noon – Women’s Caucus and Voting Rights Institute Meetings
The Women’s Caucus and the Voting Rights Institute will be meeting this morning. First lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden will deliver remarks to the Women’s Caucus at 11:35 a.m. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. Click here to find out more.

10 A.M.-Noon – The War on Drugs
What has the War on Drugs really achieved? Gain a deeper understanding of U.S. drug policy—and its impact on the criminal justice system—through the eyes of dealers, users, inmates, and law enforcement officials featured in documentary The House I Live In, part the 2012 IMPACT Film Festival. Mez & EpiCentre Theaters, 210 E. Trade St. Get tickets here.

10 A.M.-8 P.M. – The Presidential Experience
“The Presidential Experience,” a privately-owned exhibit, will bring some D.C. flair to the Queen City with replicas of everything from Air Force One to the Oval Office and first ladies' gowns. South Mint Street and West Third Street. $14.95 for adults. Details here. 

11 A.M.-12:30 P.M. – Bloomberg Debt Luncheon
Can businesses help the government address the national debt? Bloomberg and the Peter G. Peterson Foundation will debate at this leadership luncheon on the economy and the debt. Participants include the foundation's Michael Peterson, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, and Rhode Island state Treasurer Gina Raimondo. Bloomberg Link, 210 E. Trade St., Third Floor. RSVP here. 

11 A.M.-2 P.M. – TED-y Talks
If you like TED Talks and foreign policy, this event will be your nirvana. The Truman National Security Project and StartUp RockOn convene a series of TED-style talks addressing everything from Iran to entrepreneurship. Zvika Krieger of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace; Janine Davidson, former deputy assistant secretary of Defense for plans; and Douglas Wilson, former assistant secretary of Defense for public affairs, will be among the speakers. Packard Place, 222 S. Church St. Free and open to the public. Details here. 

11:30-11:45 A.M. – Transparency Through Technology
O’Reilly Media founder Tim O’Reilly and public-policy entrepreneur David Eaves comment on how technology can help make governments more transparent and accountable. Part of the National Democratic Institute’s International Leaders Forum. Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. Limited seating on a first-come basis.

11:45 A.M.-1:15 P.M. – U.S. Role in the World
Does the United States need to lead the world? White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew delivers opening remarks at this panel discussion on the U.S. role in the world, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Obama adviser Michele Flournoy, and other diplomats and experts take it from there. Hosted by the National Democratic Institute and organized with the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. Limited seating on a first-come basis.

Noon–1:30 PM – City Innovation Luncheon
Mayors take center stage at this Bloomberg/Google lunch on city innovation and American transformation. Discussion participants include Mayors Julian Castro of San Antonio, Annise Parker of Houston, Anthony Foxx of Charlotte, and Ed Lee of San Francisco. Bloomberg Link, 210 E. Trade St., Third Floor. RSVP here. 

Noon-1:30 P.M. – Health Care Luncheon
Politico will bring policymakers and lawmakers together to discuss health care policy over lunch. Speakers include Reps. Diana DeGette of Colorado and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Donald Jernigan of Adventist Health System, Don Taylor of Duke University, and Laura Tyson of University of California (Berkeley). Packard Place, 222 S. Church St. RSVP to awilliams@politico.com. 

Noon-2 P.M. – American Muslim Democratic Caucus Gala
For the third Democratic convention in a row, the American Muslim Democratic Caucus will hold a gala reception to honor Muslim delegates. $50. The Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St. By invitation. Contact: 682-429-9954. 

Noon-2 P.M. – Senior Council and LGBT Caucus
The Democratic convention’s Senior Council and LGBT Caucus meet. Jill Biden will address the latter at 12:10 p.m. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. Find out more here. 

Noon-2 P.M. – Butter Screening
Relive Iowa caucus memories with Butter, a film about a small-town Iowa butter-carving contest. Starring Jennifer Garner, Ty Burrell, and Olivia Wilde. Part of the 2012 IMPACT Film Festival. Mez & EpiCentre Theaters, 210 E. Trade St. Get tickets here.

12:30 P.M. – Follow the Leader Screening
Jonathan Goodman Levitt's film Follow the Leader tells the stories of three high school class presidents, each with White House aspirations. Over three years, they split into Republican, Democratic and independent camps. A filmmaker and star Q&A will follow the screening. EpiCentre Theaters, 210 E. Trade St. $7 general admission/$5 students & seniors. Doors at 11:30 a.m. Call 704-688-2400 for tickets. 

2-3 P.M. – Bloomberg/Google Energy Seminar
As fossil-fuel reserves decline, new energy technologies are becoming more crucial. What role can the government play in developing and scaling up those technologies, particularly after the Solyndra brouhaha? Former EPA Administrator and Bloomberg Government Advisory Board member Carol Browner moderates a discussion with former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden at this Bloomberg/Google afternoon seminar. Bloomberg Link, 210 E. Trade St., Third Floor. RSVP here.

2-4 P.M. – Rural Council Caucus
The Rural Council will hold the convention’s final official caucus and council meeting. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St., Room 203AB. Find out more here. 

2-4 P.M. – Electoral Dysfunction Screening
Humorist Mo Rocca travels America to investigate voting laws, voter turnout efforts, and meet the reformers working to make the election process more fair and transparent in Electoral Dysfunction, part of the 2012 IMPACT Film Festival. Mez & EpiCentre Theaters, 210 E. Trade St. Tickets here.

4:30-7:30 P.M. – Gumbo Ya-Ya
Conventions 2012 has invited the House and Senate Energy and Commerce Committees to get together for “Gumbo Ya-Ya.” Talk and munch on Cajun-inspired snacks at celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s Uptown Charlotte restaurant. E2 Emeril’s Eatery, 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Suite 100. By invitation. Contact: Lee Ann Petersen, lpetersen@conventions2012.com.

5-11 P.M. – Captain Jack's Night Out for Charlotte
Kick off the final night of the convention right with the Captain Jack Society's “Night Out for Charlotte.” That’s local colonial-era hero Captain Jack, not the pirate. A 5 p.m. reception will be followed by 7 p.m. entertainment and dinner; the president’s acceptance speech will be broadcast live at 10 p.m. $125. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. Contact: Marc Gustafson, 704-724-0440. 

9 P.M.-1 A.M. – Carolina Speakeasy Fundraiser
Before leaving Charlotte, swing by a Carolina Speakeasy. This late-night fundraiser features the Squirrel Nut Zippers, a band with a style that mashes up blues, jazz, and Southern roots. Proceeds benefit the The International Civil Rights Center & Museum. Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. By invitation. Info: carolinaspeakeasy@gmail.com.

9 P.M.-2.A.M. – Uptown Magazine’s Up-and-Coming Leaders
Celebrate up-and-coming young leaders with Uptown, a luxury magazine for the African-American community. Enjoy free drinks, nibbles and entertainment from DJ Daddy D. Blue Restaurant, 206 N. College St. By invitation. Contact: Tiffany Jones, 201-304-2933. 

10:30 P.M. – President Obama's Address
And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: President Obama will accept the Democratic nomination for president, and explain why he deserves another four years in the White House. Time Warner Cable Arena, 221 N. Caldwell St. Credentials required to attend.

10:30 P.M. – Super-O-Rama
What is a Super-O-Rama? You’ll need an invitation to find out firsthand. Guests will rub elbows with Democratic donors and dance to live performances by Pitbull and the Scissor Sisters at this bash, hosted by Priorities USA Action, Majority PAC, and House Majority PAC. The Fillmore at the NC Music Factory. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.

10:30 P.M.-1 A.M. – Let’s Stay Together Party
Tonight's speeches may be over, but the fun doesn't have to end. Head to the Let's Stay Together party, hosted by the Alabama delegation, and dance the night away with Bobby & the Artistocats. Food stations and cash bars available. $30. Sweet Home ALObama, 219 S. Brevard St. Tickets here.

CORRECTION: Wednesday's schedule misidentified Sen. Patty Murray. She is the senator from Washington state.

Convention Daybook is compiled by National Journal’s Catherine Hollander and Sophie Quinton. To provide information on events such as tips or updates, please contact schedule@nationaljournal.com.