Hit a Home Run at The Otesaga | Blog

Over the past year, hybrid meetings have gained in traction as an option for larger groups, as well as teams working remotely across the country, to gather together for an exchange of ideas. While everyone is suffering from screen fatigue, it's more important than ever to make sure that the content for your hybrid meeting is consistently engaging for all of your attendees....

With 2020 behind us, it's time to turn the calendar page for a fresh start. A small team retreat is a great way to reset after a stressful year, providing an opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges, and set the tone for your team's mindset moving forward. Here are some ideas to consider as you plan your retreat...

Winter in Cooperstown is known as our "serene season." It's a time where you can set your own pace, whether it's an outdoor snowy adventure, sitting by the fireside with a good book, or a mix of both! While there are less visitors than a typical summer or fall, there are still plenty of activities for people to enjoy. Here are our top five suggestions for winter activities to experience during a stay at our upstate New York resort....

With a new year on the horizon, many are looking to leave 2020 behind for better days ahead. As the meeting planning industry has worked quickly to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic, 2021 will bring new hurdles but also renewed hope that the crisis will eventually subside. Here are some ideas to consider as you plan for events in the coming months....

During the COVD-19 pandemic, meeting planners have had to reimagine events to fit in a socially distanced world. With face-to-face communication crucial to networking and connecting with fellow attendees, planners got creative, employing event platforms to make the best of virtual and hybrid conferences. But what next? As people clamor for in-person events, yet still feel uneasy about large gatherings, how do meetings evolve? Smaller meetings are one solution to this problem; here are some things to consider as you plan for a more intimate work gathering....

With a setting steeped in natural beauty, Cooperstown is filled with romantic spots that are perfect for proposing to that special someone. If you're planning an upstate New York getaway for just the two of you, keep these picturesque and iconic places in mind when you're ready to pop the question....

The Otesaga takes great pride in our gracious hospitality and exceptional customer service. We could go on and on, but what better way to show these qualities than to let our team speak for themselves? Meg Kiernan and Ksenia Hanlon of our Sales department took time to answer questions about the meeting experience at The Otesaga. Read on for their thoughts on what makes a memorable event and the new challenges the industry faces....

While the fall season typically brings to mind apples, pumpkins and foliage, there's another great draw for Cooperstown: craft beer. Once the center of hops agriculture, it should come as no surprise that our area is home to several craft breweries. If you're looking for a "beercation" this fall, look no further than Cooperstown, where a stay at our upstate New York hotel puts you a short drive away from award-winning brews and stunning autumn views....

One of the many consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is the displacement of offices to remote working. For businesses that already relied on remote workers, this was a more seamless transition. However, many teams found themselves collaborating in-person one day and meeting over Zoom, Whereby, or other platforms the next day. Even though workers have the ability to see each other and talk to each other on a daily basis, the lack of face-to-face interaction can leave your team feeling isolated from one another. Here are some tips for keeping coworkers connected while working remotely....

While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted conferences, planners are thinking ahead to what events will look like next year and beyond. One solution that has been trending even before the worldwide shutdown is the hybrid conference model. Featuring both in-person and virtual components, hybrid events provide a way for participants to attend who are unable to travel, but also allows for face-to-face interaction, with adjustments for social distancing. Here are some best practices to keep in mind if you opt for a hybrid conference....

Are you ready for a summer getaway? We have a feeling the answer is a resounding, "yes!" The Otesaga is open for its 111th season, and we can't wait to welcome visitors looking to reconnect with nature in Cooperstown. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors in America's Most Perfect Village, and a stay at our upstate New York hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a day outside. Here are just a few ways to experience the beauty of America's Most Perfect Village!...

With conference itineraries jam-packed with informational sessions, how do you make yours the one that stands out, the presentation that attendees tweet about after it's over? With careful preparation beforehand, you can make sure your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. Here are some tips for leading a buzz-worthy session at your next conference....

Cooperstown...the home of baseball legends. While fans flock every year to connect with their favorite teams and Hall of Famers, there's more to do in America's Most Perfect Village beyond baseball. While you're thinking about your summer getaway plans, here are some great ways to experience all that Cooperstown has to offer!...

Presentations can be the bane of anyone's existence. Whether you have issues with public speaking, or don't have confidence in your ability to design your presentation, many people feel anxiety when the time comes to stand before a room full of colleagues or potential new clients. A compelling presentation deck (your collection of slides, if you're new to the term) is the best way to walk into the conference room with your best foot forward. Here are some tips to ensure your next big meeting goes off without a hitch:...

During the COVID-19 crisis, many businesses have turned to videoconferencing as a way to keep things running as smoothly as possible. It's also been a useful tool for organizations to continue their meetings and annual conferences that were previously scheduled. As we all navigate this new terrain, here are some tips to keep in mind if you're new to the world of virtual meetings....

Choosing the perfect destination for your conference is a balancing act; everyone wants to travel to a locale loaded with attractions and stay at a venue with resort amenities and delicious dining. Those are the wants, of course, but whether or not they fit into the budget is a determining factor in picking the right place. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding the location for your next conference, and why our upstate New York hotel in Cooperstown is a home run for your attendees....

We live in a results-driven world. This can contribute to the kind of stress that is often a part of life at home or on the job. One of the best ways to support employees and give them an added boost is to plan an energizing corporate retreat....

As an effective meeting planner, you know that it's essential to keep your focus on the big picture while ensuring that the small details take your event from stereotypical to extraordinary....