The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Denver — There are some who hold to two truths about the Democratic National Convention. One: it’s nothing more than a big party. And two: that all events of any significance take place far away from the Pepsi Center and official convention proceedings.

There’s a place on 15th and Wynkoop streets that’s trying to prove both.

Routt County appraiser Tina Segler is among several volunteers working at The Big Tent, a first-of-its-kind dedicated workspace for bloggers and new media journalists at the Democratic National Convention. The Big Tent is a joint effort of Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, DailyKos and ProgressNow. Its sponsors include Google and YouTube.

In addition to workspace for its 300 credentialed participants, the two-story, 8,000-square-foot facility includes a stage for speakers and panel discussions, a lounge, massages and a New Belgium beer garden.

“There’s beer,” Segler said. “A lot of beer.”

As he nabbed one for himself, Christian Avard said he’s never seen the red carpet rolled out like this for the new media.

“This is the first time that I know of,” said Avard, a Vermont blogger and newspaper reporter. “I think the progressive blogosphere has made its mark. … The scene here is just so much more fun (than at the Pepsi Center). It’s so much more common man-ish.”

The premise of The Big Tent excited Segler, who was searching for additional volunteer opportunities after learning that she would be working only one day as a volunteer for the convention itself. Segler is excited about witnessing some of The Big Tent’s celebrity speaker lineup, which includes Brad Pitt and Dan Rather.

“I was born a Democrat,” Segler said. “And I’ve been working for the party my whole life. … When I stumbled upon this, I was like, ‘Wow.’”

Inside The Big Tent, Segler must be more tight-lipped about her politics at an event that touts itself as not only nonprofit, but also nonpartisan.

“This isn’t a place to grandstand,” Segler said.

While she is most excited about presumptive nominee Barack Obama’s acceptance speech before 75,000 people at Invesco Field on Thursday, Segler is more than happy to spend the early part of her week several blocks away from the convention proper.

“It’s about the other stuff going on,” saig Segler, who also hopes to catch a protest rally or two. “It’s not about what’s going on in the Pepsi Center. Everyone knows that.”