CLAYTON/1000 ISLANDS REGION TO HOST EMPIRE STATE TOURISM CONFERENCE MAY 2-4, 2016

CLAYTON, New York (February 24, 2016) – The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) announced today that it will host the 2016 Empire State Tourism Conference, along with I Love NY, this coming May 2-4 at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton.

“It is an honor for the 1000 Islands region to serve as host of this prestigious conference which will draw tourism professionals from all corners of this great state,” shared Michael Folsom, Conference Chairman. “By being in Clayton, this conference provides an ideal opportunity for the region to shine and share with fellow NY tourist destinations that the 1000 Islands is an extraordinary place everyone should experience and enjoy.”

The 3-day conference will kick-off on May 2 with opening remarks from NYS Senator Richard Funke (55^th District), Chair of the Cultural Affairs, Tourism, and Parks & Recreation committee, as well as a presentation by I Love NY. Also on May 2, the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, a diamond level sponsor of the conference, will host evening festivities which include a tour boat ride and reception at the area’s most iconic attraction, Boldt Castle.

The theme of this year’s conference, “The Future is Now,” will be complimented by a number of breakout sessions and panel discussions on topics ranging from social media to audience targeting. Barbara Wold, an internationally known speaker and authority to the retail, consumer, hospitality and tourism industries with more than 40 years of firsthand experience in management and marketing, will serve as keynote speaker, as will Michael Johnson, Dean of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.

“NYSTIA is looking forward to highlighting the tremendous assets of the 1000 Islands Vacation Region during our annual conference,” said Jill Delaney, President and CEO of NYSTIA. “As New York State’s 4^th largest employer, tourism continues to drive the state’s economy, and our conference is sure to further support that momentum with cutting-edge educational programming and collaboration opportunities.”

Along with today’s announcement, a logo for the conference has been introduced, providing branding recognition for the region as the host site. The logo, created by Riverside Media of Clayton, features the 1000 Islands International Bridge connecting upstate NY to Canada, NYS Park’s Rock Island Lighthouse, the Antique Boat Museum’s commuter yacht Zipper, and a row of tall standing trees representing the landscape of the Islands. A blue ribbon encompasses the lower portion of the logo symbolizing the majestic St. Lawrence River.

To register for the conference or for more information, visit www.nystia.org/estc. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting Dawn Borchert at dawn@nystia.org.

About NYSTIA

NYSTIA is organized for the purposes of bringing together New York State tourism industry interests to: advocate government policies and programs which will strengthen the industry; to raise the level of professionalism within the industry; to encourage the development of cooperative relationships and partnerships among its members; and to raise consumer awareness and appreciation of travel and vacation opportunities in New York State.

The Antique Boat Museum (ABM) SYMPOSIUM TO BE HELD MAY 13-15, 2016

CLAYTON, New York (February 22, 2016) - The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America's premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, NY, announced today the details of the 2016 Antique & Classic Boat Society (ACBS) and ABM jointly hosted Symposium, a weekend full of in-depth and hands-on workshops, to be held May 13-15 at the Museum.

  

In response to member demand, this year's Symposium will offer workshops on repair techniques for vintage fiberglass boats, as well as basic restoration techniques in wood repair and finishing. Additionally, there will be sessions on getting the best performance from both inboard and outboard motors, marine castings and pattern making, and researching your boat. The weekend will also feature a presentation by Tony Mollica on the history of a local boat manufacturer, Fitzgerald & Lee, and its association with Gar Wood.

  

Registration is only $199 ($225 after April 25) for adults and $100 ($110 after April 25) for youth under 18 years of age. Fees cover all lesson materials and select meals - Friday (dinner), Saturday (breakfast and lunch), and Sunday (breakfast).

  

Online registration will open on Tuesday, March 1 at abm.org or contact ABM Educator Debra Rantanen at 315-686-4104 ext. 235.

About ABM

Located on the St. Lawrence River in upstate NY, the ABM features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts, including the world's largest runabout, Pardon Me, and a 113-year old gilded-age two-story houseboat, La Duchesse. In addition, the ABM plays host to the longest running antique boat show in North America and is considered the birthplace of antique raceboat regattas. The Museum will open for the 2016 season on Friday, May 6. For more information, please visit the Museum's website at abm.org.

Singer Castle on Dark Island represented at the Syracuse Boat Show, NYS Fairgrounds

Singer Castle, Dark Island display at the Syracuse Boat Show

New York State Fairgrounds 2/19 through 2/21/2016

Photo by Jean Papke

Yes, you can have a selfie taken with a life-size Frederick G. Bourne cutout. FG Bourne, of Singer Sewing Manufacturing fame, had the castle built in the Thousand Islands.