May 8, 2009
Bureau's Annual Golf Tournament
at Saratoga National Golf Club on May 27th!
Register here or call 584-1531
 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1….......BLASTOFF!!!!!
The Bureau has launched our new sales and membership database!! We are very excited to be using simpleview, inc. Simpleview is a web-based database that can be accessed from any computer, anywhere, anytime!
As of May 5, 2009 we are now live with our new system. So far, we have completed many hours of training and have lots more to learn. This new database is going to allow us to be more accurate in our reporting, communicate with our members more efficiently, keep records of all referrals, etc.
Over 120 Convention Bureaus in the U.S. are currently using this system. It will take us a little time to totally realize the impact of all that can be done with this new system, but with every day use we will learn and gain momentum.
 We ask your patience as we make the transition from our older database to our new one. Already, the bureau staff has been able to help members locate clients with our quick search options. Every bureau we have spoken with that is currently using simpleview has wonderful things to say. We look forward to realizing all the capabilities of this new adventure we are taking! Stay tuned!
The Convention Bureau staff has a funny little saying that pops up in most sales discussions: “If you bring them, they will come”. Well, duh… But what we mean is, if we can get a meeting planner to come for a site visit to see and experience this oasis of a city we call home, it is all but guaranteed that they will book their meeting, conference or event in Saratoga. This is why one of the sales staff’s major goals is to book and provide site visits for our clients.
There are a variety of “stock” reasons why a planner who has never visited Saratoga believes their conference would not work here: ease of travel and transportation for attendees, availability of hotel rooms under one roof or within close proximity to one another, or amount and quality of attractions and entertainment for their attendees to enjoy. These are just a few pre-conceived notions most planners hold about smaller destinations as a whole, not just Saratoga, and these “issues” are almost daily topics of discussion here at the bureau. So how do we overcome these objections? Just get them here and let the city sell itself.
The almost indescribable charm of Saratoga, the genuine warm welcome from hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions, the eagerness to exceed expectations and anticipate needs, all combined with a closely knit, cooperative hospitality community makes such a fantastic first – and second, third, fourth… - impression on meeting planners that, at the end of their visit, they are selling us on how wonderful their conference could be in Saratoga!
So, while Marie, Heather and the rest of the Bureau staff are out in the Albany area and Northeast region, calling on or communicating with clients, or attending trade shows and industry functions, our question is always the same: When can you come for a visit?
We are looking forward to seeing all of you around town as we show off our fair city to wide eyed clients!
__________________________________________
 The New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) held its 2009 Conference & Expo at the Saratoga Hilton and Saratoga Springs City Center on April 26-28. New York State lodging and tourism professionals visited over 40 exhibits and were able to try new and innovative products and meet & greet vendors. The Saratoga Convention Bureau was among one of the exhibitors and Marie worked the floor including staffing our trade show booth! Hoteliers had the opportunity to learn new tips from informative panelists on the “Eco”nomics of Going Green and making the right eco-friendly decisions on their property. Keynote speaker, Don Landry, owner of Top Ten (an independent hospitality consulting firm) focused on emerging as a leader in the hospitality industry. Monday evening was the annual Stars of the Industry Gal and Awards Banquet where finalists and winners were recognized for their outstanding dedication and achievements in the hospitality industry from around the state. A successful and exciting conference and expo for all!
__________________________________________
Bureau staff Connie, Kathy D. and Angela attended the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce's Summer Fun Stay and Play Showcase on Saturday, April 18th from 10-4pm. We were able to network with prospective members and catch up with existing members making the day a successful and fun afternoon for the Bureau!
Answers from last month's newsletter:
Angela is a drummer in a rock cover band, Connie has been to 14 different schools, and Eric is a volunteer firefighter!
1. Who has never watched Saturday Night Live?
2. Who was their high school Athlete of the Year?
3. Who can decorate beautiful wedding cakes?
Email your answers here!
**Whoever answers all three questions correctly will have their name, company, and website link posted in our next newsletter!**
Bureau Staff: David, Angela, Connie, Marie, Heather, Kathy D., Kathy P., Eric
 
     
|