- Sales & Services Update
- Member News
- Saratoga Springs City Center Update
- Upcoming Events
- Welcome NEW Members
- Member Testimonials
- Area Events
- Restaurant Recipe Corner
- Write a Blog!
Danielle Snow from Endicott College, Interned at the Bureau from December 20-January 20th. We were very thankful to have Danielle on our team for a few weeks, she is a hard worker and a pleasure to work with!
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Upcoming Events!
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February 2-6---Empire State College-Graduate Studies Program---300 ppl
February 12---Bartender's Ball-Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services fo Saratoga County---700 ppl
February 18-20---Dance Flurry---4,000 ppl
February 20-22---Empire State Baptist Congress---2,000 ppl
February 23-27---Saratoga Springs Home and Garden Show---Public Invited
March 1---DA Collins Companies-Annual Safety Seminar---425 ppl
Brunswick Bed & Breakfast
Dango’s
High Rock Sports & Fitness
King Brothers Dairy
The Meat House
Minich MacGregor Wealth Management
The Union Grille
Whistling Kettle TeaShop & Cafe
RECOGNIZING
OUTSTANDING SERVICE IN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
The Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau launched an annual program recognizes outstanding service, professionalism and stewardship within the hospitality industry in Saratoga called “Hospitality Stars of Saratoga”. This program provides an opportunity for Bureau members to be recognized, by their peers & customers alike, for going above and beyond the normal call of duty and build upon Saratoga’s reputation as providing world-class hospitality.
All Bureau members are eligible. Nominees will be grouped into categories and those will consist of lodging, restaurants, service providers/retail establishments and attractions/entertainment. Nominations will come in the form of a narrative, describing instances of an individual exceeding expectations and providing outstanding service. Nominations can be submitted at any point during the calendar year via the online form at www.discoversaratoga.org. A committee will review nominations and select winners within each category. Nominees will be recognized each quarter in the Bureau’s Member Newsletter with the winners in each category being recognized at the Annual Meeting each March.
Sponsorships of this program will be solicited from the Bureau membership. Winners will receive a $250 Downtown Business Association (DBA) certificate, engraved plaque and Certificate acknowledging the award and signed by committee members.
To nominate an individual or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please CLICK HERE!!
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Member Testimonials |
When you become a member of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau in Saratoga Springs NY, your business will be actively promoted through various member-only outlets. We actively work to attract conventions, meetings, trade shows and social events to Saratoga Springs and bring business to our local neighborhood vendors.
Submit your testimonial!
Refer a Friend to Join the Bureau!
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Area Events
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Please send us your event listings, special news or congratulations and we will post it on our website and in our newsletters!
E-mail your news and event listings to Angela LaTerra at angela@discoversaratoga.org
+See Area and Bureau Member Events
Browse through the Bureau's newsletter archive... Click Here
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Restaurant
Recipe Corner
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Eggs Benedict served at ---Compton's Restaurant
Poached eggs on a toasted English muffin with Canadian bacon, topped with hollandaise. Served with home fries and coffee $6.75.
For those who prefer veggie-style Benedict we use spinach or tomato. Come in, try one and enjoy!!
Send in your recipe to angela@discoversaratoga.org or fax it to 584-2969.
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Write a Blog! |
We'd love to hear from you! If there are specific topics you'd like us to blog 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 sales and communications coordinator Angela LaTerra angela@discoversaratoga.org.
Find Us on Social Media sites!
 
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Angela is frequently updating these sites with useful information including upcoming events, pictures, videos, industry articles and more! Friend us, follow us, watch us, like us, and read about us! CLICK HERE for media page
Gideon Putnam Resort's First Annual "Empire State Fare" "The Art of Flavors"
March 4th & 5th, 2011. Enjoy an evening or the weekend tasting the wonders of New York State Food & Beverage. The Gideon Putnam Resort with be hosting 4 Chef's, 4 Brewery's and 4 Winery's within NYS to showcase NYS cuisine, beer & wine. The event begins on Friday March 4th with a Interactive Food & Beer Reception from 7 PM-9 PM with Chef's live food stations with Brewery's offering a variety of beers. On Saturday evening March 5th from 7 PM-9 PM, we again have interactive Food & Wine Reception with live culinary stations and with the Winery's offering a variety of wine to compliment the Chef's offerings. Call about Packages for the weekend or just attend one of the evening events at (518)-226-4707. Events starting at $45 per person. A portion of the proceeds with benefit the National Kidney Foundation of NE New York.
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Saratoga Arts Fest
June 9-12, 2011
www.saratogaartsfest.org
SaratogaArtsFest, a four-day annual celebration of the arts scheduled in early June, delivers the brilliance and energy of art in its many forms—music, dance, visual art, film, theatre, and literary art. Now in its fourth year, SaratogaArtsFest has become a cultural staple to the popular Saratoga summer arts scene. The SaratogaArtsFest Admissions Package includes an ARTSPASS which provides full festival access to multiple events, organizations and discounts, including shopping and dining specials throughout downtown Saratoga Springs.
ARTSPASS online sales begin January 3, 2011 on the SAF website. The $5 discount will be offered on the online purchase of an Adult (including Senior) ARTSPASS by March 31, 2011. Online purchasers can pick up their Admission Package at the SAF Center and Gallery when it opens in May.
Sales of the ARTSPASS will resume March 1 at these retail locations, and the discount will continue to be available until March 31, 2011. Saratoga Beads, Impressions of Saratoga, Mimosa Gallery and the Skidmore College Bookstore in Case Center.
New Name!
Saratoga Gaming and Raceway will be changing its name to Saratoga Casino and Raceway on Jan. 1. There are now electronic roulette games and a Wheel of Fortune game.
February 26, 2011- Iron Race Horses of 1912 – 11 am to 2 pm – Mr. Marty Christopher. To complement the already existing Competition Motorcycle exhibit that the Museum has. Mr. Marty Christopher has decided to plan his winter seminar at the museum with the same theme. American Motorcycle Competition of 1912. Spend your day finding out what motorcycle racing was like in America back in 1912. Mr. Christopher promises to have hand outs, photos, movies on hand. Mr. Christopher says that he will make a full attempt to put every member of the audience there, back in time on the sidelines of some of the greatest races in history.
Museum's hours of operation: 7 days a week, 10 am to 5 pm. Admission: Adults - $8.00, Seniors and Students - $5.00 with children under 6 free. For more information call Tracy Paige (518) 587-1935 x 17 or tracy.paige@saratogaautomuseum.org
March 5, 2011 – Second Annual Beer and Burgers. Join us for the Second Annual Beer and Burgers at the Saratoga Automobile Museum. Sample the latest brews from the premier regional Micro Breweries. Beer and Burgers will be held on March 5th 2011, at the Museum. Many of the favorite beers are returning…..new ones have been added. The Albany Roller Derby Girls will once again join us. Ticket price is $35 per person and you must be 21 year or older to attend, proper ID is required at the door. Last year's event sold out so make sure you purchase your ticket early. Space will be limited. You may purchase your tickets at the Museum or go to our website www.saratogaautomuseum.org. The Saratoga Automobile Museum is located at: 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. For more information call Richard Selikoff (518) 587-1935 x26.
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CHOWDERFEST!
Saturday, February 5, 11AM - 4PM
Chowderfest 2011 is just around the corner so we hope your calendar is marked and your cold weather gear is handy. The Chowder provided by 72 participants (record breaking!) will help keep you warm and just as the cold is getting to you, we will invite you into Saratoga Springs City Center to watch the winners be presented with their awards at 5:30 p.m. We will also present the “Big” checks to our Chowderfest beneficiaries. It’s a fun, family, fido, foodie kind of day and you don’t want to miss it!
Go to www.discoversaratoga.org/Chowderfest to get a listing of the fun, Winterfest events scheduled for 2011! Don’t miss your chance to build an award winning snowman, taste some delicious wines and hors d’oervres, take part in the Saratoga Reads! exhibit, or go cross country skiing/snowshoeing either by candlelight or during the day and ending with a bonfire and Hot Cocoa! There are events taking place all weekend so get out and have some fun!
Chowderfest Deal at Saratoga Downtowner Motel- $89 + tax for 1 night OR $139 + tax for 2 nights!!! Cruise the streets and enjoy the eats! Chowder, chowder everywhere, A dollar a cup is more than fair! The social scene's unbeatable and the fun is unbelievable! Click here for complete list of Lodging Specials during Chowderfest!
SAVE THE DATE!
Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau's
26th Annual Meeting
at Saratoga Springs City Center
Wednesday, March 23rd, 5:30-8:30 pm
Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau's Annual Golf Tournament
at Saratoga National Golf Club
Wednesday, May 25th
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Sales and Services Update
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Marie hosted clients for site visits from the Healthcare Association of NYS and the NYS Beer Wholesalers Association in January. Luckily the weather was pleasant and each client enjoyed a tour of our lovely city’s attractions, meeting space and hotel properties. This was a big success as we will be welcoming each organization back in 2011 for their board meetings! Heather’s clients did not fare so well weather wise, but she was happy to host the Medical Society of New York State for a hotel and city tour. The Society is considering us for their largest meeting, the 2012 Annual Meeting. We are also continuing to pursue sporting event leads, such as the New York State International Hockey Cup, for which Heather, Todd, Kathy D. and hotel representatives met with the planners of this event to discuss a late 2011 tournament. This tournament has the potential to impact many different businesses during a need time in Saratoga. Heather also had the opportunity to meet and tour venues with a local business woman who is interested in hosting a Women’s seminar this March – keep your eye on future newsletters for more information on this exciting show!
Marie also attended the HelmsBriscoe Annual Business Conference and Partner Fair in early January in Washington DC. This was a well attended event which offered face-to-face introductory meetings with HelmsBriscoe associates from all over the country. Now the effort is focusing on follow up and bringing our new potential clients in for familiarization tours. Additionally, Marie and Kathy D travelled to Boston for sales calls and to exhibit at the New England Society of Association Executives (NESAE) Annual Management Conference and Trade Show. Saratoga gained some great exposure through the networking and exhibit time with planners and association professionals. A face-to-face meeting opportunity was offered during the opening reception. Marie met one on one and gave an overview of Saratoga in the 3 minutes they allotted each exhibitor. Again, the Saratoga team came home with some new leads and opportunities to follow up with for future business. Marie will be off to Washington DC later this month to represent Saratoga once again as we will be exhibiting at DMAI’s Destination Showcase, February 24th. We look forward to the opportunity to open many more new doors for our fabulous destination!
Heather traveled to Philadelphia in early January for six days to attend the American Bus Associations (ABA) Annual Marketplace. It has been sometime since a bureau staff member attended this show, and we were welcomed with open arms. This show is a mix of networking and appointments, with several volunteer opportunities as well. While Heather held 48 quality appointments on the Marketplace business floor, she was able to meet many new contacts off the floor during networking events, and through volunteering to work at the Destinations of New York booth. Heather returned from this show with several leads and many group leaders asking for sample Saratoga itineraries that include Saratoga overnights! We are looking forward to continuing this momentum at a joint American Bus Association and Ontario Motorcoach Association summit in late March, which will allow for more time with target operators from around the Northeast and Canada.
Convention Services
At the 2011 Annual Meeting of ACOM (Association of Convention Operations Managers) The Convention Bureau's Vice President of Operations & Convention Services Kathy Denkenberger was elected to serve a two year term on the Board of Directors. Kathy has served on the Continuing Education Committee for ACOM for the last several years. She is thrilled to be serving on the Board of this Convention Services oriented Association.
ACOM is dedicated to advancing the practice of convention services management (CSM) in the meetings industry, and to preparing CSM professionals for their critical role in the growth and success of their organizations. Congratulations Kathy!
Kathy Denkenberger had the opportunity to attend the Association of Convention Operations Managers (ACOM) conference this past month. This annual conference is attended by Convention Services Managers (Convention Bureaus, Hotel & Convention Centers) from around the U.S. and Canada. It is a fabulous opportunity to share and network with others from throughout the US and Canada and learn something new. Kathy would like to share some of the highlights that EVERYONE is talking about and putting into action.
1. The 3 minute phone call – this was probably the most talked about throughout the conference. PICK UP THE PHONE – call your clients – don’t just send an e-mail and assume they are receiving it. Let’s not get totally away from the personal contact we can have with our clients.
2. Sit down with our clients – Pre-con meetings – call them “Summits” instead – it is a softer term and has more effect – Post-con meetings – call them – “Debriefing” – a chance to find out the positives and negatives in a non-threatening way.
3. Ask your planner – “What keeps you up at night?” – get right to the root of their concerns early on in the planning process.
4. Become the “trusted advisor” - achieve greater success through solid strategies and client relationships
5. “No Bad Surprises” – again – pick up the phone and COMMUNICATE
These are just a few of the very important topics that all of us face every day in our contact with our customer.
Keep your passion moving by creating more business – do not get fooled by the economy.
Pursue Excellence Everyday!
January Groups
In January, we were host to two returning groups to our city – Youth for Christ and the Northeast Organic Farming Association. Each of these groups were pleased with their attendance (of course we always want more) but luckily numbers were held strong and all enjoyed their stay in Saratoga Springs.
Upcoming – some new great things are happening at the SCTB. We have had our initial training on our interactive touch screen Kiosk. Touch technology has proven itself to be the most natural interface between people and technology for hospitality providers. Stay tuned for more info to come as we program in all of our information and learn to use this great new tool.
Passkey – We have purchased a new housing tool – this will allow us to process housing to qualified groups that meet in our city. Training will be in the first quarter.
February Groups
“Put your Dancing Shoes on!” We welcome back again the Dance Flurry, February 18 – 20, 2011. This group has been coming for many years to Saratoga and keeps growing. You will see them all over the city!
Empire State Baptist Congress – February 21, 2011 – They are also a group returning to Saratoga and will be holding their meetings at the Saratoga Springs City Center and the Saratoga Hilton.
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 Saratoga Springs City Center Update
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Read the City Center's Blog, browse through photos!
Escalator is in and running!
Saratoga Home and Garden Show
The Saratoga Springs Rotary Club's Home and Garden Show will be held Friday, February 25 through Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the newly expanded Saratoga Springs City Center.
Proceeds from the show benefit the community through the Rotary Club's scholarship, major gift, and community support programs. Show hours are Friday, 5-9; Saturday 9-7; Sunday 10-4. Admission is $6 for adults, $1 for kids 5-12, under 5 free.
Visit http://saratogahomeshow.com for more information!
Ladies Night Only!! February 12th, 2011. There's still a few rooms left! A ladies-night stay at the Downtowner is neat. It's like hanging out in a giant dorm suite! Comfort food, PJ fashion show, movies, and more! It's $109 + tax for 2 in a room, call 518-584-6160.
Saratoga Hotelier elected to State’s Hospitality & Tourism Association Board of Directors
Amy Smith, General Manager at the Saratoga Arms, was elected to the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association’s (NYSH&TA) Board of Directors! NYSH&TA is a not-for-profit trade organization representing nearly 1,300 member businesses and individuals in the lodging and attractions industry, whose mission is to provide a strong voice for the New York statehospitality and tourism industry, and to protect and enhance the financial welfare of the industry. Congratulations Amy!
“We are very excited to have someone of Ms. Smith’s extensive background join the Board of our
Association,” said Jan Marie Chesterton, President of NYSH&TA. “We admire her natural sense of hospitality and welcome her passion for the industry.”
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Congratulations to Bureau member Capital Disc Jockeys on winning the Bride's Choice Awards 2011 from WeddingWire! This means they are in the top 5 percent of Wedding Pros Nationwide! For your next party, wedding or event contact Tim Wedeman, owner of Capital Disc Jockeys at 372-7121 or albanyams@aol.com.
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Compton’s Restaurant was voted one of the Capital Region's Best Diner Breakfasts! Congratulations!
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SPAC is now accepting orders for the 2011 classical season. Order forms and pricing can be found at: http://spac.org/groupsales.cfm
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50th Anniversary Season Events from Opera at Saratoga, Click here! Free performances, Click here!
Live Bands EVERY Friday and Saturday Night!
Doors open at 8pm. Entertainment starts at 9pm. NO Cover Charge.
February 4: Funk Evolution February 18: Jill Hughes and Body & Soul
February 5: Skippy and the Pistons February 19: The Accents
February 11: The Refrigerators February 25: Wylder
February 12: Good for the Soul February 26: New York Players
Sunday, February 6 – The Big Game. Doors open at 4pm. Ticket Price - $20 (30% discount to Diamond members and 20% discount to Platinum members). Included – All day Buffet game time food with $3 Bud Drafts. Bud will also be sponsoring Enter to Win Jets and Giants jersey. Tickets on sale at www.saratogagaming.com
Thursday, February 17th – Hot Country Dance Party featuring Country Idol Karaoke and Line Dancing. Hosted by WGNA’s Kevin Richards. Doors open at 7pm. Vapor’s Country Idol Karaoke contest - Singers will be selected for a chance to get up on the big stage. The top singers of the night will be invited back for the finals in June. Top prize in June will be $5,000. Details and rules can be found at www.wgna.com
News from Howe
Howe Caverns recently installed new Zip Lines and Ropes Course. These attractions should be up and running this spring as part of the all-new Howe High Adventure. Lots more will be coming, including a truly beautiful building for the Howe Caverns Mining Company. Here, guests will be able to sift through mining rough for gemstones, fossils and arrowheads -- all in climate-controlled comfort. It also will be home to a Patty Tobin Jewelry Boutique as well. Patty's jewelry is a favorite of our friend, Rachel Ray, and we know you'll appreciate the works created from gemstones and pearls.
Also coming is a picnic pavilion to enjoy the great scenery and the fabulous outdoor experience on the Howe Caverns Estate.
+See More Area and Bureau Member Events
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