Republican Convention Names Google & YouTube Official Social Platform and Live Stream Provider

Convention Planners Use New Digital Platforms to Engage Viewers

TAMPA, Fla., April 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2012 Republican National Convention today announced that Google, Inc. has been named the "Official Social Platform and Live Stream Provider" of the Republican presidential nominating convention to be held Aug. 27-30 in Tampa.

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As a convention partner, Google will provide a range of technology support and services, including streaming high-quality, live video of convention events and programs.

"Google and YouTube are transforming the political process, providing voters an unprecedented degree of participation and, for the very first time, giving every American who has access to a computer, tablet, video gaming system, interactive television, or video-enabled smart-phone an exclusive backstage pass to the podium of a national political convention," said convention CEO William Harris.

Using a host of new technologies and communications platforms including "Google+ Hangouts" (a new multi-party videoconferencing feature), convention organizers hope to provide voters a virtual front-row seat to convention proceedings and activities.

"Having Google as a partner ensures the most engaging convention experience in history," added Harris. "Our goal is to bring the convention to you, no matter where you are or which device you use."

"We are excited to work with the Republican National Convention to help break down traditional barriers and empower voters. By incorporating our tools and technology, we are offering a behind the scenes look at the convention process and allowing voters, delegates and viewers to shape the conversation," said Susan Molinari, Google's Vice President of Public Policy.

About Google
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

About the 2012 Republican National Convention
The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27-30, 2012.  Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests.  For more information about the 2012 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2012.com, follow us on Twitter, @GOPconvention, or "Like" us on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/GOPconvention.

SOURCE 2012 Republican National Convention