MILWAUKEE (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- The two committees organizing the Democratic National Convention hosted the first of three “community conversations” Tuesday in downtown Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee and the DNC Committee (DNCC) delivered updates to a nearly full theater at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Committee representatives, including mayor Tom Barrett from the host committee, explained the DNC’s goals to benefit all of Milwaukee, not just the convention’s downtown epicenter.

The host committee this week launched a vendor directory aiming to connect visitors and organizers with area businesses. Neisha Blandin, the committee’s vice president of engagement and opportunity, said the DNC is still looking for thousands of people to reach the goal of 15,000 convention volunteers.

Elena Dominguez of Franklin was one of several volunteer hopefuls in the crowd to ask questions about transportation and parking. Blandin’s answer included a reference to a yet-unannounced park-and-ride location for convention volunteers.

“I’m glad that they’re looking at it,” Dominguez said. “We’ll have to see how well they do. But either way, I’m going to be here volunteering.”

Dominguez’s son traveled to Philadelphia for the 2016 DNC. Both plan to be busy volunteering during the third week in July.

“It’s a good way to unite Milwaukee behind a really fantastic opportunity,” Dominguez said.

The next two community conversations will take place on Milwaukee’s south and north side, respectively. Wednesday’s meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Journey House, while Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church will host Thursday’s forum, also at 6:30.