Each week, we’ll be providing an inside look at the Convention straight from the people putting the event together. Check back here weekly or visit the Huffington Post to learn more about how the many pieces of planning are coming together as the Convention approaches.

Today’s feature is from Katie Lewallen, DNCC Receptionist.

As you might imagine, things are heating up over at the Democratic National Convention Committee headquarters. The office was pretty busy before. But since the community credentialing plan was announced for Barack Obama’s historic acceptance speech at INVESCO Field at Mile High, DNCC headquarters has been absolutely flooded with calls.

At the epicenter of all of this action is Katie Lewallen. She’s the dedicated DNCC receptionist and multi-tasker extraordinaire. Watch this video and step inside the Convention headquarters to experience life at the front desk:

Visit www.demconvention.com/invesco to learn more about Community Credentials for the fourth night of the Convention, August 28, 2008.

Update: 80,000 Colorado residents have now requested credentials for Barack Obama's acceptance speech. 

People from across the country have been clamoring for tickets ever since the plans were announced for the Convention’s fourth night location -- INVESCO Field at Mile High. Here in Colorado, just one day after the “Community Credentials” plan was announced, more than 60,000 80,000 local residents have requested tickets through the Colorado Campaign for Change office to attend Barack Obama’s historic acceptance speech on August 28. 

The people of Colorado have truly made this Convention possible. As part of the ticketing plan announced yesterday, more than half of the seats in the stadium will go to Colorado residents. Emphasizing the Democratic Party’s commitment to the rising Mountain West and Southwest, nearly two-thirds of the stadium’s seats will be filled with residents of these regions.

Kristi King was selected in May, 2008 to design the 2008 Democratic National Convention credentials. We recently had the chance to sit down with this local Colorado woman to ask a few questions about what it’s like to design such an historic item. Read her responses below.

How long have you lived in Denver?

I am a native of Colorado. I have lived in the Denver metro area since 1974.

When designing something of this magnitude, where do you draw inspiration from?

The most important initial inspiration comes from the client. I met with the DNCC a couple of times before I really had a grasp on the importance of the credentials. From a designer view point, we want the final product to be a knock out, but with a project of this magnitude and with this much historical importance, I had to take into account how to make all the elements work. After that, the inspiration was a piece of cake, Denver's 150th Anniversary, the 100 years since Denver hosted the Democratic National Convention and Denver today. I wanted the city of Denver past and present to be the main focus from the get-go.

Over the last 24 hours, we have seen some great posts from bloggers selected to be part of the Democratic National Convention’s first ever State Blogger Corps.  We have been particularly impressed with the response from bloggers in the Western region. Just a few of our favorites are listed below. And as part of the announcement, DNC Chairman Gov. Howard Dean gave an exclusive interview to Aaron Silverstein of SquareState.net, the blog selected to represent Colorado. To read Aaron’s complete interview, click here:

http://squarestate.net

Gov. Dean also recorded videos to congratulate the state blogs – you can watch two of them here:
http://www.democracyfornewmexico.com
http://hummingbirdminds.blogspot.com

Months ago, we began the process of credentialing bloggers who cover state and local politics, as part of the DemConvention State Blogger Corps.  More than 400 blogs applied for the program.  And they’re incredible.  Some blogs are the work of dedicated groups of activists, a few are full-time professional endeavors, and many others are the products of busy individuals blogging about local politics in their free time.  Those selected to be part of our State Blogger Corps were announced today.  And in every case, these bloggers have become experts on the political happenings in their states.

You’ll see a list below of the 55 blogs that will comprise the State Blogger Corps.  They’ll be seated with their respective delegations at the Convention.  These bloggers will have some of the best seats in the house and they’ll be the eyes and ears of local audiences online around the country.  DNC Chairman Howard Dean recorded a message to introduce the program – so I’ll let him explain the rest.

Is one of your favorite blogs missing from the list?  We had hundreds of great applicants and only a few spots.  The Convention staff will work hard to be sure bloggers can cover the Convention from Denver or wherever they may be – with unprecedented access.  And wait a few weeks.  We’ll soon announce the Convention’s General Blogger Pool, an additional list of diverse blogs covering national politics, niche issues, and more state and local topics.

Congratulations to each blog selected for the State Blogger Corps.  I’ll see you in Denver!

With media credential deadlines approaching, we made a major announcement today about access for state bloggers at the Democratic National Convention. Watch the video below and read our press release for full details.

This summer, online outlets will have better opportunities than ever to cover the Democratic Convention.  Whether you're blogging in Denver or watching streaming video from afar, the DNCC staff wants to make certain you have incredible access to the event.

States/Territories Without Blogger Corps Applicants 

Alaska, American Samoa, Democrats Abroad, Virgin Islands