Convention Daybook: The Action Kicks Off - 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 Republican National Convention each day.

FLOOR SCHEDULE:

After a full day lost to weather, the convention is back in full swing today, and that means plenty of floor action. Business in the convention hall will start at 2 p.m., including roll call votes to nominate Mitt Romney as president and Rep. Paul Ryan as vice president. The speeches will begin in the evening. Here are the highlights:

7 p.m.

House Speaker John Boehner

Saratoga Springs Mayor Mia Love

Former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania

8 p.m.

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker

9 p.m.

Senate candidate Ted Cruz of Texas

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley

10 p.m.

Ann Romney

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

TODAY’S EVENTS:

For the most up-to-date information, please visit National Journal’s events page, log in to NJ’s mobile apps, or contact event organizers.

8-10 A.M. — Playbook Breakfast
Politico’s Playbook breakfast series continues with senior Romney adviser Ron Kaufman. Rivergate Tower, 400 N. Ashley Drive. RSVP required. Free.

8:30-11:15 A.M. — Breakfast With Pat Boone
The 60 Plus Association, a seniors group that advocates in favor of small government and free enterprise, will host a breakfast with musician Pat Boone, a national spokesman for the organization. Rivergate Tower, 6th Floor, 400 N. Ashley Drive. RSVP required. Contact: 703-807-2070.

8:45-10 A.M. — Tax Reform in 2013
The RATE Coalition holds a breakfast with Rep. Pat Tiberi of Ohio and Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist to discuss the need for (what else?) tax reform in 2013. Grand Hyatt Tampa, Armani’s Restaurant, 2900 Bayport Drive. Please RSVP. Free.

9-10 A.M. — Economic Development Abroad
There’s a lot of talk during campaign season about how to create jobs at home. But it’s also important to look overseas. This breakfast, part of a Bloomberg/2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee series focused on economic development that will run throughout the convention, will focus on international trade with Latin America, China, and beyond. The Bloomberg Link, 601 South Harbour Island Blvd. Please RSVP. Free.

9-10:30 A.M. — The Hill Breakfast
The Hill is hosting this series of morning review breakfasts led by its editorial Election Team. Holland & Knight Library, 100 North Tampa Street, 42nd floor. Invitation only.

9:30-11 A.M. — R&D and America’s Energy Outlook
From natural gas to solar power, there’s more to domestic energy production than drilling for oil. National Journal and The Atlantic host a discussion of the emerging technologies and development opportunities that the U.S. should pursue to strengthen its energy sector. Mise en Place, 442 W Kennedy Blvd. Free.

9:30 A.M. — Stars & Stripes Shoot-Out
Get your Elmer Fudd on at the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s quadrennial Stars & Stripes Shoot-Out. Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren’s Cutoff, Land O’Lakes. Invitation only and closed to press. Contact: 202-543-6850.

9:30-11 A.M. — The Election in Numbers
Get the inside scoop on the mood of the electorate from leading pollsters at National Journal and The Atlantic’s morning briefing. Carne Chophouse, 1536 E. Seventh Ave. Free. Contact: abolding@theatlantic.com.

9:30-11 A.M. — U.S.-Mexico Relations
From trade to law enforcement, the U.S. and Mexico need to work together. The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands and The Woodrow Wilson Center host a discussion on the future of U.S.-Mexico relations with former Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida and House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier of California. Center for Advanced Medical Learning & Simulation, 124 S. Franklin St. Free. Contact: 202-691-4188.

9:30-11 A.M. — Newsmaker Breakfast
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It could also be the newsiest. Join PBS NewsHour for a newsmaker breakfast featuring Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry and Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. Judy Woodruff will host and moderate the political discussion. University of Tampa, Plant Hall, Music Room, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. RSVP required.

10-11:30 A.M. — Faith at the Forefront
The Jewish and Mormon communities can work together to achieve their shared interests. Join AJC for a policy discussion, “Faith at the Forefront: Mormon-Jewish Relations,” hosted in partnership with the Tampa Jewish Federation. St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. NE. Contact: blumem@ajc.org.

10 A.M.-Noon — 'The Invisible War'
Start your day off on a serious note with a screening of The Invisible War, an investigative documentary about the epidemic of rape within the U.S. military. Film by Oscar- and Emmy-nominated filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, and featured as part of the 2012 Impact Film Festival. Channelside Cinemas, 615 Channelside Drive. Free. Click here for tickets.

10 A.M.-Noon — ‘We Built It’ With Newt U
“Newt U,” a series of convention-week public-policy workshops hosted by former Speaker Newt Gingrich, continues today with a “We Built It”-themed discussion of small businesses and civil society. St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater, Ballroom, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd. North, St. Petersburg. The event is open to credentialed convention media and activists and party officials attending the convention.

10 A.M.-2 P.M. — Antiabortion Heroes
Phyllis Schlafly and Tony Perkins will honor antiabortion leaders including former Sen. Rick Santorum, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, and Reps. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Louie Gohmert of Texas at this VIP reception sponsored by Republican National Coalition for Life, Family Research Council Action, and Florida Family Action. Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive. Ticket prices vary. Contact: 618-462-8392.

11 A.M.-12:30 P.M. — The Scoop on Super PACs
Get the scoop on fundraising dynamics and the impact of super PACs at Bloomberg Government’s policy lunch. 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Suite 200. This event is closed to the press. Contact: conventions@bloomberg.net.

11 A.M.-2 P.M. — Kick Back at Bit Bar
Check out locally-owned businesses while kicking back with a brew at Bit Bar, one of the four pop-up lounges Yelp Tampa Bay is hosting this week. Check in with Yelp’s mobile app to receive special promotions while you’re there. 514 N. Franklin St., Suite 104. Free to enter.

11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. — Bloomberg Lunch
Rep. Connie Mack of Florida, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, and NextEra Energy President and CEO Jim Robo will discuss economic development at this lunch hosted by Bloomberg and the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee. 601 South Harbour Island Blvd., Suite 200. Request an e-mail invitation here.

11:45 A.M.-1 P.M. — What’s Next for the U.S.?
Ask “What’s Next for the U.S.?” at a lunch reception featuring former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Govs. Susana Martinez of New Mexico and Brian Sandoval of Nevada. Part of the Hispanic Leadership Network’s “Red, White, y Tú” events in Tampa. InterContinental Tampa, Bayshore Ballroom, 4860 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tickets are no longer available, but click here to get on the waitlist.

Noon — Lunch with Morning Joe
If you start your day with MSNBC's Morning Joe hosts Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, you won’t want to miss the chance to join them for lunch and conversation at this Poynter Institute-sponsored event. Hilton St. Petersburg, Carillon Park, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg. Tickets $100. Sold out. Contact: 727-553-4231.

12:30-1:30 P.M. — The Next Four Years
Political strategists will take a broad look at the next four years of presidential leadership at this lunch hosted by National Journal and The Atlantic. Moderators include NJ’s Ronald Brownstein and Major Garrett and David Gregory of NBC’s Meet the Press. Featured guests are Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl of Arizona, Reps. Jason Chaffetz of Utah and Mary Bono Mack of California, and Vin Weber, partner at Clark & Weinstock. Carne Chophouse, 1536 E. Seventh Ave. Invitation only.

12:30-2 P.M. — Childhood Hunger in America
Escape afternoon thunderstorms by sneaking into a screening of Hunger Hits Home. A partnership between the Food Network and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign, the film takes a firsthand look at childhood hunger in America. Featured as part of the 2012 Impact Film Festival. Channelside Cinemas, 615 Channelside Drive. Free. Tickets available here.

1 P.M. — 'Reagan: Rendezvous With Destiny'
Catch a screening of Reagan: Rendezvous With Destiny, a documentary about Ronald Reagan’s life and legacy brought to you by former Speaker Newt Gingrich, Callista Gingrich, and Citizens United. Citizens United Theater at Liberty Plaza, 180 South Morgan St. RSVP and photo ID required. Registration online for free here. Contact: LaurenF@citizensunited.org.

3-4 P.M. — The Future of Journalism
Join top conservative journalists for a panel discussion on the changing media landscape, part of this week’s “Future of Journalism Symposium” hosted by the Heritage Foundation, Leadership Institute, and the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity. Sheraton East Hotel, Cyprus Room, 10221 Princess Palm Ave. Register here.

3-4:30 P.M. — Compare the Candidates
National Journal and The Atlantic will join forces to examine the broad range of public policy issues that have defined the 2012 general election cycle. NJ’s Major Garrett will be joined by CNN’s Candy Crowley, Dan Rather of Dan Rather Reports, The Washington Examiner’s Byron York and Lanhee Chen, policy director for Romney's presidential campaign. Carne Chophouse, 1536 E. Seventh Ave. Free. RSVP here.

3-5:30 P.M. — A Stronger Real Estate Market
The housing market seems to finally be turning around. Join homebuilders, mortgage lenders, Realtors, and industry experts for a policy discussion and reception called “A Strong Real Estate Market Is Vital for a Robust Economic Recovery” to discuss the future of housing in America. The event will also be webcast. Stageworks Theater, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. Free. Register here.

3:30-5:30 P.M. — The College Advantage
Rising college tuition, a changing jobs landscape, a struggling workforce: America’s higher-education system faces a host of challenges. “The College Advantage,” a panel discussion and reception hosted by the Lumina Foundation, will bring together education experts and will be followed by a cocktail reception. Lions Eye Institute, 1410 N. 21st St. E-mail conventions2012@luminafoundation.org if you’re interested in attending. Invitation only.

3:30-5 P.M. — 'The New New Deal'
Mid-afternoon is a great time to step out of the hustle and bustle of the day and recharge with a book--or the author of one. Time senior correspondent Michael Grunwald will discuss The New New Deal: The Hidden Story of Change in the Obama Era. University of South Florida (St. Petersburg), Harbor Hall Gallery, 1000 Third Street South, St. Petersburg. Free. Contact: 727-873-4872.

3:30-5:30 P.M. — Huckabee and the Arts
Head over to ARTSspeak@RNC, a panel discussion about the arts and arts education moderated by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and hosted by the Americans for the Arts Action Fund. Still want to unleash your inner artiste? Stick around for ARTSjam@RNC, which will feature award-winners Amaury Gutiérrez, Dan Warner, and Bernie Williams. Tampa Theater, 711 N. Franklin Street. Please RSVP. Contact: 202-371-2830.

4 P.M. — 'The Hope & The Change'
The Hope & The Change is a film that shows viewers “how the nation’s economy and society have been damaged over the past four years under the failed policies of President Obama,” screening host Citizens United says. Citizens United Theater at Liberty Plaza, 180 South Morgan St. RSVP and photo ID required. Registration is free and online. Contact: LaurenF@citizensunited.org.

4-7 P.M. — Knowing the 'Bay' in Tampa Bay
Avast, mate! Time to unleash your inner pirate. Well, not quite—but the first step to seaworthiness is knowing your port from your starboard. The National Marine Manufacturers Association is hosting this afternoon of informational sessions, meetings with industry leaders—but, sadly, no boat rides. Hula Bay Club, 5210 West Tyson Ave. RSVP required. Contact: 202-737-9763.

4-7 P.M. — Innovation Nation
Titans of the tech industry are coming together to host “Innovation Nation: A Pre-Gavel Reception Honoring the House Republican Whip Team.” Liberty Plaza - AAN Pavilion, 180 S. Morgan St. Currently wait-list only. RSVP here. 

5 P.M. — Rally Against Voter Suppression
Young undocumented immigrants, African-American leaders, and civil-rights groups join forces for the “Rally & March Against Voter Suppression @RNC,” which will protest new voter-identification and registration laws in Florida and across the U.S. Centennial Park, 1800 E. Eighth Ave. Free and open to the public.

5-8 P.M. — Future of U.S.-Russia Relations
This discussion—preceded and followed by a cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar—will tackle the future of U.S.-Russia relations. Hosted by the Foreign Policy Initiative and the Institute of Modern Russia. University Club of Tampa, Harbour Room, 201 N. Franklin St. RSVP here.

6-10 P.M. — Rock the Vote Concert
Forbes calls him one of the world’s greatest DJs. Hear DJ/Producer Steve Aoki for yourself at this concert hosted by Rock the Vote and StartUp RockOn. The Amphitheater, 1609 E. Seventh Ave. Invitation only, with a limited number of tickets available to the general public online. Interested press can RSVP here.

6:30-8 P.M. — Being Gay and Republican
Creative Loafing editor David Warner hosts a discussion of what it means to be gay and Republican. Guests include Sarah Longwell, national board secretary of the Log Cabin Club, and Sally Phillips, president of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus. CL Space, 1911 N. Thirteenth St., Suite W200. Free.

7-9 P.M. — Tea Party Patriots Rally
Meet fellow Tea Party Patriots and hear from Reps. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Louie Gohmert of Texas at—where else?—Liberty Plaza. Register online. 180 S. Morgan St. Free.

7-10 P.M. — Convention Speeches
The convention’s first night in full swing will bring a packed lineup to the stage: Ann Romney and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie are scheduled to speak around 10 p.m. Additional speakers include: House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio (7 p.m.), Saratoga Springs Mayor Mia Love (7 p.m.), former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum (7 p.m.), and Govs. Bob McDonnell of Virginia and Scott Walker of Wisconsin (8 p.m.). Times are approximate. Click for more info. Tampa Bay Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr. Open to credentialed media and convention attendees.

7:30-10:30 P.M. — Cocktails, Courtesy of NJ
National Journal and The Atlantic offer a relaxed atmosphere to meet other convention stakeholders, watch a broadcast of the floor speeches, chat about the day’s events and—of course—sip cocktails. Carne Chophouse, 1536 E. Seventh Ave. Invitation only.

9 P.M. — Camp Freddy and The Surreal McCoys Concert
And you thought you’d missed it. 1 Oak Entertainment’s Camp Freddy and The Surreal McCoys concert, originally scheduled for Monday, has been rescheduled to Tuesday night. 1 Oak Tent, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive. Invitation only.

9 P.M.-1 A.M. — Concerned Veterans of America Party
Those who have fought for freedom know its price. Concerned Veterans for America hosts a party to honor military service members; members of the House and Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs committees may attend. Gaspar’s Grotto, 1805 E. Seventh Ave. RSVP online.

10 P.M. — Trace Adkins Concert
Catch country music star Trace Adkins live in concert at an event cohosted by the Tea Party Patriots. Suggested donation is $40 per ticket with a maximum of two tickets per person. Register online. Liberty Plaza, 180 S. Morgan St.

10 P.M.-1 A.M. — Gavin DeGraw Concert
Rock musician Gavin DeGraw will headline this benefit concert to raise money for Musicians On Call, an organization that brings music to the bedsides of wounded soldiers. DJ StoneRokk will spin. Sponsored by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Recording Industry Association of America. Dallas Bull, 3322 U.S. 301 North. Invitation only. Media can request credentials online.

10 P.M.-4 A.M. — Young Republicans Party
Once a Young Republican, always a Young Republican. Party with the young and young at heart at the Young Republicans National Federation Friends and Alumni Happy Hour. Green Iguana Bar & Grill, 4029 S. Westshore Blvd. RSVP recommended. Contact: soren.dayton@yrnf.com.

10:30 P.M.-2:30 A.M. — Homocon 2012
Billed as “the hottest event at the 2012 RNC Convention,” Homocon 2012 will be a place for partygoers to dance the night away, hosts GOProud say. Keep an eye out for special guests. The Honey Pot, 1507 E. Seventh Ave. Invitation only. Contact: info@goproud.org.

11:30 P.M. — Late-Night Improv
Need a break from the serious business of convention-going? Have your funny bone tickled at this late-night improv contest, featuring performances by National Journal’s Matthew Cooper and Americans for Tax Reform’s Grover Norquist. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online. The Tampa Improv, 1600 E. Eighth Ave.

NOTABLE CHANGES

ASBC Town Hall — Postponed
This interactive town-hall forum, hosted by the American Sustainable Business Council, will bring together business leaders and policy makers to discuss conservative thought and sustainability. Contact: 303-478-0131.

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