he Republican National Convention has kicked off with a roll call formally nominating Donald Trump to run in the 3 November election. How will the four-day event unfold? Let's back up first. There's an obvious question... What is the Republican National Convention?OK, good question. Party conventions take place once every four years - they are the ceremonial crowning of the party's presidential candidate as they prepare for the final phase of campaigning. Last time around, we saw the Trump family take centre stage to a backdrop of fireworks and a sea of red, white and blue balloons. It's also where party officials wrap up other less-glamorous business, like unveiling the political platform and adopting rules. This time - for the first time - no new platform is being adopted - the party will continue to support Mr Trump's 2016 manifesto. As the sitting president, Mr Trump is the de facto nominee. But the convention has formally nominated him with a roll call, nonetheless. On Thursday, the president will formally accept the nomination with a big speech. How is the Republican National Convention being held this year?The conventions of years past have been glitzy affairs, bringing together thousands of delegates, party leaders, activists and celebrities for receptions, speeches and general hyping up of the presidential candidate. But the pandemic has upended all that. Unlike its Democratic counterpart, the Republican Convention is hosting some in-person business. But people are being told they need to wear masks and social distance. Those attending are given a self-swab Covid-19 test before travelling and entering their hotels. OK, so where will Trump be?He will accept the nomination in a "real speech on Thursday", live from the White House. This hasn't been entirely well-received - with critics arguing using federal property for a campaign speech is unethical.