While none of the 50 state Democratic delegations will be put up in Lake Norman hotels, 12 out of 19 hotels in Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville have 80 percent of their inventory contracted for the Democratic National Convention in September, according to Visit Lake Norman. At least one former delegate to a national convention, Mary Hopper, executive director of University City Partners, said Lake Norman business may ultimately fare better without actual delegates, but with members of the media instead. "Having been a delegate, I can tell you that Lake Norman may be better able to make money on folks who stay there since delegates do not have to spend money on food and are not in hotels much," she said.

Vinay Patel, vice president of Charlotte-based SREE Hotels, said his Concord and airport area hotels "were strategically selected for delegations based on their proximity to the large full-service hotels like Embassy Suites and Great Wolf Lodge with substantial capacity for meeting and reception space."

Over the next several weeks Patel anticipates additional placements, such as the thousands of security, media, speakers, and groups the committee will house.

Jack Salzman, chairman of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, said not having the delegates themselves won't necessarily be detrimental to showcasing our region and generating income for area businesses. "We're looking forward to hosting media and general committee observers. I believe that the Lake Norman region will be represented well with a unique special event that will focus all of the assets we have to offer as a region including our wonderful lake," Salzman said, explaining that Visit Lake Norman is leading the way on this event and is working diligently to promote the Lake Norman region to the convention-goers. "We have a dedicated team of board members working to put a signature event together around this time to spotlight our communities. We believe launching a new "region" based, multi faceted event will show visitors all the unique features our area has to offer. The event will ideally involve the best assets of each community: Huntersville, Davidson and Cornelius," said Salzman, owner of Lake Norman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.

Eleven DNC delegations are staying in Cabarrus County. The total estimated economic impact from the DNC in Cabarrus is put at $6 million, according to Donna Carpenter, president and chief executive officer of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our entire community is thrilled to welcome these delegations to Cabarrus County for the Democratic National Convention. I feel confident that our top-notch hotels and our southern hospitality will provide them with an experience that will leave them wanting to come back for more," Carpenter said.

She said the convention will showcase Cabarrus County as a true visitor destination. She said Cabarrus is an ideal location for convention delegates thanks to its accessibility to Uptown Charlotte and the wide variety of lodging, dining and attractions. Cabarrus County is home to two of the region’s most visited attractions, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills as well as attractions like Historic Downtown Concord, the NC Research Campus and Reed Gold Mine, Carpenter said.

DNC delegations from Alaska, Washington, D.C., Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Texas and West Virginia will be staying in Concord. Mayor Scott Padgett said the city is rolling out the red carpet. “The people of Concord work and play hard. There is always a feeling of excitement, energy and high expectations in the community. We like to call it High Performance Living, and we know the fine DNC delegates will be excited to come back for more."

Cornelius Mayor Jeff Tarte said it's "nice to have visitors and guests, but I haven't heard anything yet. We'll be rolling out the welcome mats, that's for sure. Once they get revved up in Concord, they can come here to relax."

University City is also playing host to DNC visitors. Delegates from 10 states, "plus many more party faithful, news media and observers will spend the first week of September catching Zs and R&R at 11 University City hotels clustered around our Ground Zero of North Tryon Street and Harris Boulevard," Hopper said.

Patel said the hospitality industry has been working extremely hard over the last several months, and "we are very pleased to see all of our efforts come to fruition.” Cabarrus County hotels hosting delegates are clustered at Bruton Smith Boulevard located at Exit 49 off of Interstate 85.