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September 2011
SAVE THE DATE!
A Site Tour of Saratoga Springs, NY!
September 14-16, 2011
www.discoversaratoga.org/conferences/site
With a newly expanded convention center, 12 months of events and exciting activities, Saratoga Springs is the perfect location for your group attendees to enjoy! Find convention facilities, on-site meeting spaces, transportation and more, whether you are planning a large scale event, conference, convention or small group gathering. Find award winning restaurants & impeccable lodging possibilities!
If you are interested in attending,
please fill out the qualification form at
www.discoversaratoga.org/conferences/site
then fax back to 518-584-2969 or scan and email to todd@discoversaratoga.org
SCTB Mobile Site
The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau launched their mobile website, www.discoversaratoga.mobi ! The new mobile website provides information about Bureau members, attractions, provides an events calendar, a local search bar, social networking links, and a link to view the full SCTB website. The site allows the Bureau to get more out of social networking and customer/partner related marketing programs. Read entire press release
SARATOGA CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU ANNOUNCES NEW ADDITION TO STAFF!
The Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau is excited to announce the addition of Mary Jo Janis as Director – Convention Sales to their staff.
Janis most recently served as Senior Sales Manager for the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, NY where her sales focus was on regional, state and national associations as well as labor unions and federations on a statewide and national level.
“Mary Jo is a very well-respected and successful hospitality sales professional with over 25 years of industry experience. We are thrilled to welcome Mary Jo back to Saratoga where we know she will be embraced by our community and have an immediate impact on our growing year-round convention business,”
says Todd Garofano, Bureau President.
Prior to the Desmond, she also served as Conference Sales Manager at the Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa in Saratoga Springs, NY where her responsibilities included new business development in the association, corporate, SMERF and government markets.
Mary Jo resides in Ballston Spa with her husband Jimmy and two sons.
Contact Mary Jo Janis at the Convention Bureau, maryjo@discoversaratoga.org, 518-584-1531 ext. 105
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Game. Meet. Match. Round. Regardless of what they are called , they are all sporting events, and Saratoga wants to host them! Did you know that Saratoga has venues to accommodate almost any sport you can think of? From our beautiful new recreation center, to Gavin Park, to Saratoga Lake, we have top of the line facilities and picturesque venues. Saratoga already plays host to several sporting events, such as rowing, hockey, cross country, soccer, lacrosse, boxing and more, and we have the experience and desire to help make each event a smashing success! Our coaches love our facilities, our organizing committees love our community support, and our families love all there is to do when they’re not cheering their players on.
Do you attend any regular sporting events? Do you know someone who is involved in the planning of events? If so, we would love to hear from you! Heather McElhiney is your contact here at the bureau – send her the event you would like to see come to Saratoga and a contact name, and she will do the rest. Or, we would be happy to provide you with information on Saratoga as a sporting destination to take to that coach, organizer or planner you are thinking of. Heather can be reached at 518.584.1531 or Heather@DiscoverSaratoga.org.
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If you have recently met in Saratoga and have a success story to share – please send it along. We love to let people know what a great city we have to hold your next Convention or Meeting!
Have you reached out to Kathy Denkenberger in the Convention Services Department regarding your upcoming meeting? Did you know……..
- Your group is entitled to receive our Ultimate Saratoga Maps at your conference in Saratoga? Please be sure you contact us in advance of your meeting so we can deliver them to you at your hotel headquarters. You won’t want your delegates to miss out on this valuable piece to enjoy while they are here. The discount card is always a hit with attendees.
- Welcome Kiosk - An interactive touch screen TV can be stationed in your headquarter hotel, displaying Saratoga visitor information, sponsor logos, etc. (restrictions apply)
- Passkey GroupMAX Housing - This program is going to be a valuable tool in assisting planners with their housing reservations. Please call today to see if your group qualifies to utilize this service.
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Landing Web Page - We can produce a specific to your group to assist them with details about your upcoming meeting in Saratoga
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We can send a press release out with details of your event/conference in Saratoga
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We can assist in coordinating a “Dine Around” for your group to experience some of our fabulous restaurants in Saratoga
These are just a few of the things that the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau can assist you with for your meeting/conference/event in Saratoga.
ILOVENY promotion ends May 31, 2012!
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Saratoga Springs City Center

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For more information and updates on the Saratoga Springs City Center, please visit www.saratogacitycenter.org or go to their official blog at www.saratogacitycenter.org/?cat=11
Have you been to the City Center recently? If not, we want to arrange a tour for you. Come to Saratoga in the morning and meet us for breakfast and a tour, or in the afternoon for lunch. If your schedule is tight, we can have you in and out in less than a half hour. If you have a little more time, let us show you what is new in Saratoga. Please contact Heather McElhiney or Mary Jo Janis today to schedule a walkthrough of the new Saratoga Springs City Center!
heather@discoversaratoga.org or maryjo@discoversaratoga.org or
Call 518-584-1531
9/11 Exhibit at Saratoga Springs
City Center
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York State Museum, and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum set up locations for thirty "New York Remembers" exhibitions that are being organized as part of a statewide recognition of the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The exhibitions will give New Yorkers a place to remember the victims of September 11th and honor the countless heroes who came from all corners of the state to help in the clean-up and recovery efforts. The exhibitions will feature historical artifacts from the collections of the State Museum and National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Each location will open during the week of August 29th and continue until the end of September. All will be open on Sunday, September 11th.

Check out the exhibit at the Saratoga Springs City Center. Click here to read entire press release and see where the other exhibitions are located
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Upcoming Saratoga Events!
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September 12-14---New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging/FLTC---250 ppl
September 14-15---FW Webb Company---800 ppl
September 14-18---New York State Society of Physician Assistants---400 ppl
September 16-17---Collegiate Sprint Football League---1,500 ppl
September 18---Saratoga Jewelry, Bead & Mineral Show---Public Invited
September 18-23---New York State Conference of Mayors---500 ppl
September 21-22---New York State Beer Wholesalers Association, Inc.---50 ppl
September 22-25---Automotive Recyclers Association of New York---300 ppl
September 23-24---Saratoga Rowing Association-Tail of the Fish---800 ppl
September 23-24---New York State United Teachers Association (NYSUT)---200 ppl
September 24-28---New York State Council of School Superintendents---700 ppl
September 26-28---New York Propane Gas Association---125 ppl
September 26-28---HB Davis Seed Company---400 ppl
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The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau is on CVENT and STARCITE!
Social Media Sites:
Find Us! Join Us! Friend Us! Follow Us! Like Us!

National Celebrate Services Day
On Thursday, August 25, 2011 Sales and Services from 6 Hotel properties (17 people in all) and the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau gathered at the Saratoga Race Course to enjoy a beautiful morning and delicious breakfast. Why? Well – The Association of Convention Operations Managers (ACOM) declared August 25th as National Celebrate Services Day. Our slogan was – “Great Meetings Don’t Just Happen”.
Kathy Denkenberger (ACOM member for 16 years and currently serves on their Board of Directors) welcomed the group, explained a little bit about the association and thanked everyone who took time out of their crazy busy schedules to enjoy and share in this celebration. Todd Garofano, SCTB President also expressed his gratitude to those in attendance for helping our city host successful meetings, conferences and events. Drawings for prizes were held and a few ideas were exchanged amongst the group.
Our Association (ACOM) received National attention from publications like PCMA, Convene, MPI, USAE. All of these associations promoted this day to their entire membership realizing the value convention services has to successful meetings.
A sincere THANK YOU to all who attended!

Gearing up for Fall – We are full speed ahead for all of our fall/winter conferences scheduled to meet in Saratoga. Meetings with upcoming groups – assisting with their off-site activities, tours, etc. are all taking place now as we plan for a very busy convention season.
International Hotel,
Motel + Restaurant Show
in New York City
Take a Trip to Discover New Products and Opportunities! Click here to view flyer! |
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Congratulations to Leslie Miller!
BBL Hospitality would like to recognize and congratulate Leslie Forbert Miller on her recent promotion to Area Director of Sales and Marketing for Saratoga Springs, NY . Leslie previously held the position of Director of Sales for the Residence Inn in Saratoga Springs, and has over 15 years in hotels sales, marketing and management.
She will continue her roll at the Residence Inn, while expanding her sales efforts to the Courtyard by Marriott Saratoga Springs, just 1 mile west on Excelsior Avenue.
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Hilton Garden Inn Meeting Room Package
When planning your event, allow the professional staff at the Hilton Garden Inn Saratoga Springs to assist you in creating the corporate atmosphere you desire. Our Saratoga Meeting Room Package will save you time and money by including everything for your event in one low affordable rate. Click Here to View the Package!
Saratoga Wine & Food and Fall Ferrari Festival at Saratoga Performing Arts Center
September 9th-11th, 2011
For event happenings on each day, click here!
Jennifer Ponzi Joins Saratoga Casino and Raceway
My name is Jennifer Ponzi and I have recently joined the Group Sales Team at The Saratoga Casino & Raceway as Tour & Travel Associate. My primary focus is working with and developing programs for Bus Tour Groups. I have experience working with both Corporate and Social Groups, having worked locally for The Crowne Plaza, The Mallozzi Group, and other Restaurants and Banquet Facilities. I spent the past two years performing with Radio Disney and am very excited to be back in the Hospitality Industry; the Casino is a whole new world of entertainment for me! It’s terrific; starting at just $15, a group can come in and have a delicious meal in one of our Dining Rooms and receive at least $15 in Free Play Vouchers!
I look forward to developing programs and working with The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau and its members going forward! Please feel free to contact me to put together a fun & exciting package for your group!
Jennifer Ponzi can be reached at 518.581.5805 or jponzi@saratogagaming.com
Click here to view September Events at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway!
Summer Sunday Strolls
Each Sunday until September 18th, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF) will conduct their annual Summer Sunday Strolls at 10:30am. SSPF docents will tour a number of Saratoga Springs’ historic districts and shed light on our city’s fascinating history. Stroll topics change from week to week. Strolls run for approximately 90 minutes and run rain or shine. COST: $5 for members/$8 non-members (or buy 4 tickets get one FREE!). For more information on each stroll topic, visit the SSPF website: www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030.

Art in the Foyer Reception on September 15 at 5:30p.m.Dancer turned photojournalist, Rose Eichenbaum captures the character and vitality of the greatest dancers of our generation in her revealing portraits and performance shots. She will be discussing the photography and stories of her award winning books, "The Dancer Within" and "Masters of Movement." This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Africa Day, September 18 from 1:00 to 3:30pm
Lisa Aronson, Associated Professor of Art History at Skidmore College, will present a lecture based on several African Stamps from our exhibit "Postage Paid: Dance Around the World" and will discussing the dance, costumes and the art of masquerade. Anne Fantauzzi will be exhibiting her photographs from her recent trip to Africa. Mango Tree Imports will have on display handmade products from their fair trade store. Don't miss the African drumming! Admission for this event is $5 and museum members receive free admission.
SARATOGA BEER WEEK 2012
Saratoga Beer Week, set for February 23 – 25, 2012…interested yet? Join us as we celebrate three days of 30 plus events centered on beer and the best of what Saratoga has to offer.
Saratoga Beer Week will be marketed on both a Local and National level, attracting beer enthusiasts from all over while providing an opportunity to showcase Saratoga’s finest restaurants, shops and hotels, attracting new customers and creating a memorable tradition.
Todd Garofano, President of the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau said, “We are excited to be involved in the first annual Saratoga Beer Week! This three-day event promises to bring beer enthusiasts and industry professionals together for an educational, informative and fun event in a time of year that will greatly benefit our member organizations.”
This three day event will be put on in collaboration with Saratoga Festivals, LLC, Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
+See More Area and Bureau Member Events |
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Arm yourself with all the tools you need to plan a successful meeting or convention in Saratoga Springs. The toolkit has videos, media, photos and much more!
+ GO TO TOOLKIT
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You can find “all the news that’s fit to print” (or email, or blog, or send by video…) about Saratoga conventions and meetings. Read our press releases to find out what we’ve been up to. Current local Saratoga news, blogs, recent videos, and a gallery of photos give you a better idea of why Saratoga meetings and conventions are productive, successful, and always fun!
+ GO TO MEDIA PAGE
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Meeting planners know there is always something to do in the Spa City year-round - perfect for meetings, conventions, reunions, and group tours!
+ SEE AREA EVENTS
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Submit an RFP!
From special event planning to promotion and lodging assistance. The Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau makes hosting a successful meeting so much easier!
+ FILL OUT AN RFP
Horsin Around Trolley Tours invites you to enjoy a 90 minute scenic/historic tour of Saratoga Springs, as well as a wine-tasting trip, tavern tour or progressive dinner. Remember Horsin Around Trolley Tours when planning your wedding, anniversary, retirement, senior outing, prom, Convention or any type of festive occasion! Go to www.horsintours.com for times and dates of upcoming tours!
Hot Rods and Hot Bikes Show
September 24, 2011 - 1 pm to 6 pm - Saratoga Springs, NY - Fall Festival brought to you by Chrysler and Saratoga Polo Association. Hot Rods and Hot Bikes Show!!! All cars, truck and motorcycles are welcome to attend this show on the beautiful grounds of Saratoga Polo. Trophies, dash plaques, goody bags. Donny Romaines will be in the gazebo bringing forth his best Elvis impersonation as well as the ever popular 1950's band Jade cranking out the tunes to keep your toes tappin’. This show is rain or shine. You can bring any vehicle you wish - admission to this event is $10 per carload. So you can come and enjoy the entertainment no matter what!!! Also on tap that day will be a Beer Tasting Pavilion - an opportunity for you to sample the best craft and micro brews in the Capital District responsibly. You must be 21 in order to enter the Brew Tasting Pavilion and samples tickets are available for $1.00. The Fall Festival has partial proceeds going to the Times Union Hope Fund - Making a difference for kids in our community. For more information Tracy Paige at tracy@saratogapolo.com or 518-584-8108.
Saratoga Automobile Museum Events
Saturday, September 10th- Concorso Italia. Come see great Italian cars including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati, Lamborghini and Fiat-Abarth at the Saratoga Wine and Food and Fall Ferrari Festival. Ticket can be purchased from SPAC.
Saturday, September 17th- 3rd Annual Rocket Blast Car Show hosted by the Saratoga Auto Museum and Upstate Oldsmobile Club All years and makes welcome.
Sunday, September 18th- 2nd Annual Modern Day Muscle Car Show sponsored by Redline Motorsports. This show is geared towards 1994 cars and newer.
Sunday, October 2nd- Octoberfest German Car Show featuring Porsche. Porsche cars will be featured on Museum’s Lawns to celebrate the Museum’s Porsche exhibit. New Country Porsche will have new Porsche’s on display on the lawn. All German cars are welcome.
Saturday, October 15th- North Pearl Street Car Show sponsored by Albany BID. This will be a monumental event located on Albany’s North Pearl Street. There will be lots of local specials from some of Albany’s finest restaurants. The car show will take place from 11:00 to 4:00pm
Saturday, October 29th- Saratoga Auto Museum’s Annual Holloween Car Show. Open to all cars. Bring the kids and bring your cars dressed up to celebrate the spirit of Holloween.
For more information on any of these events please call the Museum at (518)-587-1935 or visit our website at www.saratogaautomuseum.org
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