Leading the Way in Saratoga Travel & Tourism
Discover Saratoga, also known as the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, is dedicated to enhancing the local economy by promoting Saratoga County as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, conventions, and events.
We connect visitors and meeting planners with our 500-plus members located throughout Saratoga County. Our member businesses and organizations can provide lodging, dining, event venues, entertainment, and other services. They include the Saratoga Springs City Center and the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.
Discover Saratoga drives millions of tourism and event dollars into the Saratoga County economy every year, making it a vital economic engine for the community. Our 2023 impact, activities, and services are detailed in this annual report.
2023 Highlights
Sales—Our dynamic sales team built momentum by attending tradeshows, spearheading sales campaigns, and fortifying relationships with both prospective and loyal clients. This proactive approach increased new business leads and RFPs, and secured dates and bookings from enthusiastic groups.
Marketing—In 2023, Discover Saratoga launched a new website and mobile app, enhancing the visitor experience with a sleek design and intuitive navigation. These platforms serve as powerful tools to help travelers explore the beauty and charm of Saratoga County. They also provide easy access to upcoming events, shopping, attractions, dining, and more.
Membership—Our membership team remained agile, adapting to meet the evolving needs of local businesses. We worked
with organizations of all sizes and types throughout the county, introducing them to new audiences and revenue-generating
opportunities. In surpassing the 500 mark, our membership is nearing pre-pandemic levels.
Promoting the Saratoga Springs City Center
Our Extra-Mile Approach to Meetings
The Discover Saratoga sales and services team remains dedicated to attracting conferences, meetings, and events of all sizes to our region. We actively engage with various trade organizations and participate in state, regional, and national industry trade shows to educate meeting planners about the benefits of hosting events in Saratoga.
We offer a suite of complimentary services to introduce planners to our destination, but that is just the beginning. We also go the extra mile by providing ongoing assistance to elevate their events after contracts are secured. Our attention to detail, unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, and genuine pride in showcasing our beautiful destination consistently position Discover Saratoga as the go-to resource for local conference information.
Discover Saratoga Wins Smart Meetings Award
Discover Saratoga was named a 2023 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Awards winner, a testament to our unwavering commitment to hospitality in Saratoga County. Smart Meetings, a leading industry voice, recognizes excellence in hotels, venues, and destinations annually. As a winner, we are featured in Smart Meetings publications and on its website, giving us exposure to meeting professionals nationwide.
Annual Sponsored Events
Discover Saratoga organizes, promotes, and supports several annual events that showcase dining and entertainment venues throughout Saratoga County. These events bring visitors to the county during the off-season, creating revenue at slow times of the year.
Saratoga County’s Top Attractions in 2023
Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center
Membership & Member Benefits
By the end of 2023, the Discover Saratoga membership had grown to 506, approaching pre-pandemic levels. Members include lodging partners, meeting and event venues, restaurants, bars, retail shops, entertainment venues, service providers, and attractions. The services and hospitality provided by our members make up the Saratoga Experience. Our members are also the main source of city sales and occupancy tax revenue.
Discover Saratoga supports members through an array of platforms including the new Discover Saratoga website and mobile app, 50,000 Destination Guides published annually, social media, and other communications tools.
Members have access to sales and marketing opportunities targeting event planners and visitors, including guests attending weddings, City Center conventions, and exhibits. Our members can also participate in Discover Saratoga events, take advantage of digital marketing programs directed at registered visitors, and cross-sell to other members.
2023 Financial Summary
Discover Saratoga enjoyed a successful year financially in 2023. Revenues from membership dues, room taxes, and event programs all increased a modest 7% over 2022. Expenses increased at about the same rate, and the organization ended the year with a net income of $278,925.
Discover Saratoga invested in the rebuilding of its website in 2023 and launched the Discover Saratoga App. Both provide visitors with interactive tools and real-time information on lodging, dining, and shopping—all designed to help them maximize their enjoyment of Saratoga County.
New Mobile App & Website Rolled Out
Plan the perfect day in Saratoga County!
Introducing our latest innovation to enhance the Saratoga County experience: our new mobile app and website! Visitors can seamlessly plan their stay (or day) with interactive mapping of restaurants, hotels, activities, shopping, and historic sites—complete with directions.
Filter by category or create a personalized itinerary in “My Plan,” then easily share it with friends. Whether from out of town or local, people can make the most of their time with our app (download for free from The App Store or Google Play).
Discover Saratoga Management & Staff
Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau
Darryl Leggieri, President
Mary Jo Janis, Vice President, Convention Sales & Services
Connie Crudo, Vice President, Membership Services & Events
MacKenzie Zarzycki, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Nancy Jess, National Sales Director
Kayla Weitz, Director, Convention Services
Alyssa Foote, Sales Manager, Weddings, Sports & Sales Events
Jessie House, Digital Marketing Specialist
Gail Stein, Office Manager
Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center
Karen Verrigni, Director
Valerie Ayres, Staff Coordinator
Discover Saratoga Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Nancy Bambara, Chairperson, DZ Restaurants
Helen Watson, In-Coming Chair, The Adelphi Hotel
Megan Hennessey, Treasurer, Saratoga Automobile Museum
Thomas Olsen, At-Large Officer, The Saratoga Hilton
Carmine DeCrescente III, Immediate Past Chairperson, DeCrescente Distributing Company
Tom Newkirk, Finance Committee Chair, Saratoga National Golf Club
Board Members
Samantha Bosshart, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation
Leslie DiCarlo, Springwater B&B
Jason Fitch, Saratoga City Tavern and Kings Tavern
Dan Fortier, Embassy Suites
Teddy Foster, Universal Preservation Hall
Gary Fox, Putnam Place
David Hayes, The Gideon Putnam
Saad Junaid, The Adirondack Trust Company
Charlie Hoertkorn, Horseshoe Bar & Grill
Wendy Lawrence, Neighborhood Kitchen and Basin Grill
Todd Shimkus, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
Alex Tucker, Saratoga Casino Hotel
Kevin Tuohy, Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs
Kristy Ventre, Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Maddy Zanetti, Impressions of Saratoga/Dark Horse Mercantile
Amy Smith, Saratoga Arms
Ryan McMahon, Saratoga Springs City Center
