DENVER -- The Democratic National Convention will bring $160 million to the Denver metro area next summer. Many businesses want to get their share of the pie.

The first of 10 “Convention Conversations" was held Wednesday at the Walnut Foundry in lower downtown Denver.

Among the thousands of volunteers committing to the Democratic National Convention is retired educator Robbie Dean.

She told 7NEWS she has been a Democrat for a long time and, "whatever they need the most I will be able to do it."

This first Convention Conversation was part pep rally, part reality check, as convention leaders talked about the security dangers and also the unique opportunity the convention holds for Denver.

Mayor John Hickenlooper told the overflow crowd, "This is a once-in-a-century opportunity."

Planners also answered a series of questions about how the convention will impact people who do business in the downtown area.

Lee Goodfriend, the owner of Dixons restaurant, said that past high-profile events turned out to be economic disappointments because customers stayed away.

Hickenlooper, who is a former restaurant owner, tried to be reassuring. He said there is no reason for the city to lock down.

He added, "This is small potatoes. There is going to be lots of room for people to come down and be a part of this."

The convention will be held Aug. 25-28 at the Pepsi Center.