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August 2009 Newsletter

August 10, 2009

The President's Corner


Meeting and Group Event Planners Study       Conclusions All Positive

 Results are in from a study conducted by the Technical Assistance Center of SUNY Plattsburgh, commissioned by the Bureau in collaboration with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Some highlights of the study, which was designed to determine planner views of Saratoga as a destination and patterns of use for Saratoga meeting facilities and Bureau services, include:

• 69% of those who had planned or held a group event in Saratoga plan to hold a future event in the area.
• The most positive factors reported in the selection of Saratoga as a meeting destination include location, meeting facilities, accommodations, shopping/dining and recreational activities.
• Weather/climate, and air travel access were least positive factors.
• The average stay in Saratoga for most meeting participants was approximately three days (2.79).
• The mean group size was 319 people.
• Meeting planners reported an estimated $640 spent per day in Saratoga by their participants.
• Ninety percent of meeting planners ranked their satisfaction level with their group meetings as either excellent or good.
• The report indicates positive results for the Bureau’s marketing and service activities to their meeting planner clients – according to the report, areas that may be considered for further evaluation include planners’ awareness and use of some of the Bureau’s other services available to meeting planners.

This is all good news for our destination and a solid review of the Bureau’s rapport with planners.
____________________________________________

Focusing on Sports!

A large piece of sports business has just been booked for Saratoga – the 2010 U.S. Youth Soccer Region One President’s Cup will be held at Gavin Park in May of 2010 bringing 120 teams, 15 associations and nearly 2000 athletes, coaches and even more fans to Saratoga from May 28-31. This is an example of the type of business being targeted in a large new initiative for the Bureau, which starts with development of a sports facilities and venue guide. Work is just beginning on compiling data for the guide and the Bureau’s database is being mined for contacts connected to all aspects of interscholastic and collegiate sporting activities that could bring new business to Saratoga.

Many sports-related events have taken place in the past, but sports is a growing piece of the travel business (estimated at $25 billion per year!) and Saratoga’s top-notch facilities and its appeals as a destination for families position our city and region as an ideal destination for sports. Already, the Saratoga Rowing Association has secured a national event for 2010 in addition to a large number of state and regional rowing events and is working through the Bureau to finalize rate commitments. This kind of cooperative spirit will ensure success in further sports marketing.
____________________________________________

City Center Construction Bids Opened

Contractor bids for construction of major City Center expansion and renovation projects were opened on Thursday, August 6 – and reviews are underway before determinations and bid awards are made in the next several weeks. A groundbreaking is planned for September 14, with more details to come from the City Center and the Bureau. Stay tuned! And save the date!
 

Summer Familiarization Tour


The Convention Bureau hosted the 2009 Summer FAM on August 3rd and 4th. The 2 day tour, designed to familiarize meeting and event professionals with all that Saratoga Springs has to offer groups, was a big success. The bureau staff hosted 23 guests Monday morning at the Hampton Inn & Suites for a lovely breakfast followed by a Saratoga Springs City Center expansion update from Mark Baker. Guests and hotel partners also enjoyed a fashion show compliments of Frivolous Boutique. Models showcased the very chic Saratoga styles that may be seen downtown and at the race track this summer. Saratoga hotels had an opportunity to meet and greet with the planners and present information pertaining to their individual properties. All of this was followed by an exciting afternoon thoroughbred horse racing in a luxury suite at the Saratoga Race Course. Guests were sent out on their own to enjoy dinner, shopping and downtown activities afterward.

Tuesday morning we experienced the beauty of the Saratoga state park during a fabulous breakfast in the Arches hosted by the Gideon Putnam Resort. NYRA’s Sam the bugler and Anna Seitz of Fasig-Tipton also joined our group for breakfast and shared some tales of the horse racing industry. From there we boarded the comfortable Upstate Tours bus for a city tour guided by Dave Patterson and Charlie Kuenzel of Saratoga Walking Tours. Everyone raved about the stories of ‘history, health and horses’ as they toured area attractions, museums, architecture and the Broadway scene. The tour ended with a delicious luncheon at the Saratoga National Golf Club. The day ended back at the Gideon Putnam where guests retrieved their vehicles and headed off to a spa treatment prior to their departure. Everyone was so excited and impressed with the Saratoga community, its history and beauty. From out of the gates to the finish line it was a successful event! The bureau sales staff looks forward to following up with the planners and working to bring their groups functions to town.

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES!
 

Sales and Services Activity

On June 25th, the bureau along with hotel partners exhibited at the ESSAE Expo at the Saratoga Springs City Center. The attendees of the show voted on who would win "Best Block" and "Best Single Booth". Who won the award "Best Block"??   SARATOGA of course! Special thanks to our very own Heather McElhiney for coordinating the booths' overall look and theme!
___________________________________________

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Inc. has decided to make Saratoga their annual meeting destination for the next two years!  The meetings will each bring about 7000 attendees to town and the dates are January 21-24, 2010 and January 20-23, 2011.
 

Amtrak's Summer Racing Schedule


On Saturdays and Sundays beginning August 1 through September 7, the schedules for Ethan Allen Express Trains 292 and 296 will be adjusted to better serve passengers traveling to the Saratoga Springs, for the 2009 season at the Saratoga Race Course. In addition, through September 6, one round-trip ticket includes motorcoach transfers to and from the track, general admission and a copy of the Post Parade program.
 

Click here for Amtrak's Racing Schedule
 

 Top 100 events book includes
Saratoga Horse Racing!


Robert Tuchman is the author of 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live and President of Premiere Global Sports. In his new book, horse racing at Saratoga made the list! Out of 100, the Saratoga Race Course is #28!

Click here to read!

Robert Tuchman is the president of Premiere Corporate Events, a division of Premiere Global Sports enterprise. He is a contributing writer for ESPN.com and has been a featured sports travel guru in media including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times, and Your World with Neil Cavuto.

Using live appeal as the main criteria, Tuchman breaks down one hundred events in more than 30 states and 15 countries into an easily readable list format.

“It doesn’t matter if you eat, sleep and breathe sports, or if only learned what the Iditarod was during last year’s presidential campaign,” says Tuchman. “There’s something in here for everyone.”

“The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live: An Insider’s Guide to Creating the Sports Experience of a Lifetime,” is available for a $17.95 retail price at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon.com.

Visit www.100sportingevents.com!
 

Spotlighting a Member

Horsin' Around Trolley Tours
www.horsintours.com

New Hours:

Mondays - 10:00 am; 2:00 pm
Tuesdays - 2:00; 4:00
Wednesdays - 10:00 am; 2:00 pm; 7:30 pm
Thursdays - 4:00 pm; 7:30 pm
Fridays - 2:00 pm
Saturdays - 10:00 am;
Sundays - 10:00 am; 7:00 pm

Theme Tours:

1. Tavern Tuesdays - 4:00-7:30 pm; A pub crawl on a trolley! $20 per/person. Five pubs are participating including Olde Bryan Inn, Horseshoe Tavern, The Parting Glass and drink specials, appetizers, and chances to win a package for 2 to see Tiger Woods at Turning Stone! Call for reservations (810-4224)

2. Sunday Supper - 6:00-9:30 pm. Take the trolley to an international, progressive dinner around the city! 5 courses, 5 restaurants - $50 (includes meal, tax, tip) Shanghai Grill, Leon's, The Parting Glass and more! * A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Disabled Jockey Fund. Call for reservations (810-4224).

3. "Health, Horses and History" - Let Charlie Kuenzel and Dave Patterson from Saratoga Walking Tours entertain you with their expert knowledge and charming personalities. Not to be missed! ($25). Mondays - 7:30 pm; Fridays - 10:00 am

4. Gallery Gazing - Thursdays 10:30 am -12: 45 pm. VIP tour of Saratoga's Beekman Street and Broadway area art galleries, with refreshments and shopping time built in. Special discounts at galleries for trolley guests only! ($25)

All tours leave from Hampton Inn & Suites.

* The Original Saratoga Chips - invented in Saratoga by George Crum in 1853 - are now available on Horsin' Around Trolleys! Recipe/Packaging/Artwork Replicated by Saratoga Specialties Company.
 

Table of Contents:

Left Side:

  • President's Corner

  • Summer FAM Tour Recap

  • Sales & Services

  • Amtrak Summer News

  • Top 100 Events Book

  • Member Spotlight

Right Side:

  • New Members

  • August Conventions

  • Blogging Opportunities

  • Member News

Welcome New Members!


Domino's Pizza


Saratoga Comedy Works


Saratoga Specialties Company, Inc.


Shirley's Restaurant

 

Questions, Thoughts, News?

Contact Us

Phone: 518-584-1531
Fax:     518-584-2969

60 Railroad Place
Suite 100
Saratoga Springs, NY
12866
www.discoversaratoga.org
 

 

Click here to go to our
Refer A Friend page!
 

August 10, 2009

The President's Corner


Meeting and Group Event Planners Study       Conclusions All Positive

 Results are in from a study conducted by the Technical Assistance Center of SUNY Plattsburgh, commissioned by the Bureau in collaboration with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Some highlights of the study, which was designed to determine planner views of Saratoga as a destination and patterns of use for Saratoga meeting facilities and Bureau services, include:

• 69% of those who had planned or held a group event in Saratoga plan to hold a future event in the area.
• The most positive factors reported in the selection of Saratoga as a meeting destination include location, meeting facilities, accommodations, shopping/dining and recreational activities.
• Weather/climate, and air travel access were least positive factors.
• The average stay in Saratoga for most meeting participants was approximately three days (2.79).
• The mean group size was 319 people.
• Meeting planners reported an estimated $640 spent per day in Saratoga by their participants.
• Ninety percent of meeting planners ranked their satisfaction level with their group meetings as either excellent or good.
• The report indicates positive results for the Bureau’s marketing and service activities to their meeting planner clients – according to the report, areas that may be considered for further evaluation include planners’ awareness and use of some of the Bureau’s other services available to meeting planners.

This is all good news for our destination and a solid review of the Bureau’s rapport with planners.
____________________________________________

Focusing on Sports!

A large piece of sports business has just been booked for Saratoga – the 2010 U.S. Youth Soccer Region One President’s Cup will be held at Gavin Park in May of 2010 bringing 120 teams, 15 associations and nearly 2000 athletes, coaches and even more fans to Saratoga from May 28-31. This is an example of the type of business being targeted in a large new initiative for the Bureau, which starts with development of a sports facilities and venue guide. Work is just beginning on compiling data for the guide and the Bureau’s database is being mined for contacts connected to all aspects of interscholastic and collegiate sporting activities that could bring new business to Saratoga.

Many sports-related events have taken place in the past, but sports is a growing piece of the travel business (estimated at $25 billion per year!) and Saratoga’s top-notch facilities and its appeals as a destination for families position our city and region as an ideal destination for sports. Already, the Saratoga Rowing Association has secured a national event for 2010 in addition to a large number of state and regional rowing events and is working through the Bureau to finalize rate commitments. This kind of cooperative spirit will ensure success in further sports marketing.
____________________________________________

City Center Construction Bids Opened

Contractor bids for construction of major City Center expansion and renovation projects were opened on Thursday, August 6 – and reviews are underway before determinations and bid awards are made in the next several weeks. A groundbreaking is planned for September 14, with more details to come from the City Center and the Bureau. Stay tuned! And save the date!
 

Summer Familiarization Tour


The Convention Bureau hosted the 2009 Summer FAM on August 3rd and 4th. The 2 day tour, designed to familiarize meeting and event professionals with all that Saratoga Springs has to offer groups, was a big success. The bureau staff hosted 23 guests Monday morning at the Hampton Inn & Suites for a lovely breakfast followed by a Saratoga Springs City Center expansion update from Mark Baker. Guests and hotel partners also enjoyed a fashion show compliments of Frivolous Boutique. Models showcased the very chic Saratoga styles that may be seen downtown and at the race track this summer. Saratoga hotels had an opportunity to meet and greet with the planners and present information pertaining to their individual properties. All of this was followed by an exciting afternoon thoroughbred horse racing in a luxury suite at the Saratoga Race Course. Guests were sent out on their own to enjoy dinner, shopping and downtown activities afterward.

Tuesday morning we experienced the beauty of the Saratoga state park during a fabulous breakfast in the Arches hosted by the Gideon Putnam Resort. NYRA’s Sam the bugler and Anna Seitz of Fasig-Tipton also joined our group for breakfast and shared some tales of the horse racing industry. From there we boarded the comfortable Upstate Tours bus for a city tour guided by Dave Patterson and Charlie Kuenzel of Saratoga Walking Tours. Everyone raved about the stories of ‘history, health and horses’ as they toured area attractions, museums, architecture and the Broadway scene. The tour ended with a delicious luncheon at the Saratoga National Golf Club. The day ended back at the Gideon Putnam where guests retrieved their vehicles and headed off to a spa treatment prior to their departure. Everyone was so excited and impressed with the Saratoga community, its history and beauty. From out of the gates to the finish line it was a successful event! The bureau sales staff looks forward to following up with the planners and working to bring their groups functions to town.

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES!
 

Sales and Services Activity

On June 25th, the bureau along with hotel partners exhibited at the ESSAE Expo at the Saratoga Springs City Center. The attendees of the show voted on who would win "Best Block" and "Best Single Booth". Who won the award "Best Block"??   SARATOGA of course! Special thanks to our very own Heather McElhiney for coordinating the booths' overall look and theme!
___________________________________________

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Inc. has decided to make Saratoga their annual meeting destination for the next two years!  The meetings will each bring about 7000 attendees to town and the dates are January 21-24, 2010 and January 20-23, 2011.
 

Amtrak's Summer Racing Schedule


On Saturdays and Sundays beginning August 1 through September 7, the schedules for Ethan Allen Express Trains 292 and 296 will be adjusted to better serve passengers traveling to the Saratoga Springs, for the 2009 season at the Saratoga Race Course. In addition, through September 6, one round-trip ticket includes motorcoach transfers to and from the track, general admission and a copy of the Post Parade program.
 

Click here for Amtrak's Racing Schedule
 

 Top 100 events book includes
Saratoga Horse Racing!


Robert Tuchman is the author of 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live and President of Premiere Global Sports. In his new book, horse racing at Saratoga made the list! Out of 100, the Saratoga Race Course is #28!

Click here to read!

Robert Tuchman is the president of Premiere Corporate Events, a division of Premiere Global Sports enterprise. He is a contributing writer for ESPN.com and has been a featured sports travel guru in media including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times, and Your World with Neil Cavuto.

Using live appeal as the main criteria, Tuchman breaks down one hundred events in more than 30 states and 15 countries into an easily readable list format.

“It doesn’t matter if you eat, sleep and breathe sports, or if only learned what the Iditarod was during last year’s presidential campaign,” says Tuchman. “There’s something in here for everyone.”

“The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live: An Insider’s Guide to Creating the Sports Experience of a Lifetime,” is available for a $17.95 retail price at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon.com.

Visit www.100sportingevents.com!
 

Spotlighting a Member

Horsin' Around Trolley Tours
www.horsintours.com

New Hours:

Mondays - 10:00 am; 2:00 pm
Tuesdays - 2:00; 4:00
Wednesdays - 10:00 am; 2:00 pm; 7:30 pm
Thursdays - 4:00 pm; 7:30 pm
Fridays - 2:00 pm
Saturdays - 10:00 am;
Sundays - 10:00 am; 7:00 pm

Theme Tours:

1. Tavern Tuesdays - 4:00-7:30 pm; A pub crawl on a trolley! $20 per/person. Five pubs are participating including Olde Bryan Inn, Horseshoe Tavern, The Parting Glass and drink specials, appetizers, and chances to win a package for 2 to see Tiger Woods at Turning Stone! Call for reservations (810-4224)

2. Sunday Supper - 6:00-9:30 pm. Take the trolley to an international, progressive dinner around the city! 5 courses, 5 restaurants - $50 (includes meal, tax, tip) Shanghai Grill, Leon's, The Parting Glass and more! * A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Disabled Jockey Fund. Call for reservations (810-4224).

3. "Health, Horses and History" - Let Charlie Kuenzel and Dave Patterson from Saratoga Walking Tours entertain you with their expert knowledge and charming personalities. Not to be missed! ($25). Mondays - 7:30 pm; Fridays - 10:00 am

4. Gallery Gazing - Thursdays 10:30 am -12: 45 pm. VIP tour of Saratoga's Beekman Street and Broadway area art galleries, with refreshments and shopping time built in. Special discounts at galleries for trolley guests only! ($25)

All tours leave from Hampton Inn & Suites.

* The Original Saratoga Chips - invented in Saratoga by George Crum in 1853 - are now available on Horsin' Around Trolleys! Recipe/Packaging/Artwork Replicated by Saratoga Specialties Company.
 

Table of Contents:

Left Side:

Right Side:

Welcome New Members!


Domino's Pizza


Saratoga Comedy Works


Saratoga Specialties Company, Inc.


Shirley's Restaurant

 

Questions, Thoughts, News?

Contact Us

Phone: 518-584-1531
Fax:     518-584-2969

60 Railroad Place
Suite 100
Saratoga Springs, NY
12866
www.discoversaratoga.org
 

 

August Conventions

August 2-5---Credit Union Assn. of New York---800 ppl

 

August 18-20---General Electric Company
---500 ppl

 

August 23-26---NYS Land Title Assn.---300 ppl

 

August 28-31---NYS County Highway Superintendents Assn., Inc.---200 ppl

 

September 2-4---New York Rural Letter Carriers Assn.---200 ppl
 

Social Media Tools


The Bureau is always finding new ways to communicate to our audience. One section on our website is dedicated to blogging. We use blogs as a social media strategy to help us stay in frequent contact with existing and potential customers and members.

Through our blogs, we share industry tips, comment on and discuss issues related to the industry and life in general, explain new technology emerging in the market, and much more!

We'd love to hear from you! If there are specific topics you'd like us to write about or if you are interested in writing your own blog to be published on our website, please don't hesitate to e-mail our communications coordinator Angela at angela@discoversaratoga.org.

________________________________

To keep up with the predominant use of Internet marketing, the Bureau has a presence on social media websites. We are featured on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube. Angela is frequently updating these sites with useful information including upcoming events, pictures, videos, industry articles and more! So, befriend us, follow us, watch us, and read about us! Check us out and CLICK HERE!
 

Bureau Member News


**To read past newsletters or sign up online for Bureau events, visit the members-only website----->CLICK HERE!

 

     Saratoga Chips!

 Due to the overwhelming positive response, Saratoga Specialties Company now has future plans on opening a fully operational combined manufacturing and warehousing facility in the area that will bring manufacturing and delivery jobs to the region. Moon Brand Original Saratoga Chips are available for purchase at area Hannaford’s, EBI Beverage, Minogue’s Beverage, Impressions of Saratoga, The Candy Company, Saratoga Springs History Museum, National Racing Museum and many other specialty stores throughout the capital district. More stores are coming online daily. Visit their website www.originalsaratogachips.com  for an
up-to-date list of “Brick and Mortar” locations, upcoming events, and more!

 

Savor Saratoga Summer
 

The Wishing Well is offering a steak and lobster dinner for two for only $59.00! It comes with crisp Caesar salads topped with Mediterranean white anchovies, a grilled 16 oz. Certified Angus strip steak and a fresh steamed 1 ½ lb. Maine lobster with lemon and butter served nightly through September. Visit www.wishingwellrestaurant.com.

 

Clifton Park Center's Inside Farmer's Market
 

You can buy the freshest fruits and vegetables rain or shine because the CDPHP Farmers Market is INSIDE the Clifton Park Center, right by the Regal Cinema 8! Every Tuesday until October 20th starting at 10am!
 


        Congratulations!

Congratulations to the Saratoga Hilton on the opening of their new gift shop, The Brewing Boutique. Guests of the hotel will be able to purchase a wide variety of items from a cup of coffee, film, Tylenol, Saratoga t-shirts, a deck of cards, to jewelry or a hat fit for a day at the track. Special congratulations to Park 19 Cookies, a Bureau member, for providing The Brewing Boutique with gourmet cookies in unique flavors such as Cinnamon Bun, Pretzel Chocolate Chunk, Crème Brule and more.

For more information on the Saratoga Hilton, go to www.TheSaratogaHilton.com and also check out Park 19 Cookies at www.park19cookies.com. 
 __________________________________

Please send us any of your events or important dates. We will post it on our website and in our newsletters!

E-mail Angela LaTerra with your news at angela@discoversaratoga.org

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