The start of the new year brings us that much closer to the 2008 Republican National Convention and what may be known as the "Election of the Century." Not to be left out, those who plan parties for a living are gearing up for both conventions and booking events fast. This piece in the Rocky Mountain News says the "DNC economic train is just leaving the station."

Just ask Joanne Katz, with Denver-based Three Tomatoes Catering, which already has booked 18 convention-related parties and gatherings scheduled for August, not to mention a handful of similar events well ahead of the convention.

Katz, who co-founded the company, expects to generate an extra $100,000 to $150,000 in revenue when it's all said and done. That could translate into a 25 percent spike in business over the same period this year.

"We have exclusive relationships with a few venues that are booked for many parties" in August, Katz said. "And with the election so close, we anticipate we will have many fundraisers to cater for both parties. We have catered two Democratic events in the past few weeks . . . and we have two Republican fundraisers on the books."

I've blogged about companies in the Twin Cities doing the same thing. In a couple weeks, I'll give another report about the status of popular restaurants, venues, and hotels that are already booked--and ones you need to move on fast so you're not left out.