Jeff Esposito, the Bayfront Convention Center general manager, talks about local champions:

Usually when people learn that I am general manager of the Bayfront Convention Center I get lots of questions. That’s great – I love talking shop. One of the more frequently asked questions is how do you bring conventions to Erie? I usually respond by saying it’s with the help of people like you.

The Bayfront Convention Center has a sales and marketing department whose job it is to generate sales. We also team up with several other groups such as VisitErie, the Sports Commission, our hotel partners, Presque Isle Downs & Casino as well as other local attractions. We all work together to bring out-of-town groups to Erie. Yet, you have an even louder voice.

If you are a member of a group, you can bring the group to Erie. Next time you get an email notifying you of the upcoming year’s convention ask your group why are they not considering Erie as a location for the convention. Introduce us to the group and watch how surprised the event planners are after they have a tour of Erie and see for themselves all that we have to offer. You become a “Local Champion,” a person who brings a group home to Erie – along with its positive economic impact to the region.

Consider that even a small convention can bring more than $300,000 in economic impact to the region. That’s a great return and all it requires is your providing your group a positive recommendation about your hometown. So, the next time you get an email or flyer in the mail give us a call at 814-455-1260.