3 Reasons to Host a Conference off Your Business Site

Conferences can serve as a turning point for any business organization. This is when fresh ideas get created and possible mistakes are uncovered. Because of this, it’s a no-brainer to say that these meetings must be taken seriously. Careful preparations are done to ensure the success of these events. One thing that can greatly improve the chances of a successful conference is to do it off your business site. Why should you consider going offsite for business conferences? Here are 3 reasons why you should.

It provides a new environment for your people – One reason why conferences are not recommended to be held onsite all the time is that it tends to somewhat stagnate ideas. Holding the conference at an offsite venue such as the Clarion Lake Erie and Bel-Aire Conference Center can be a whiff of fresh air for all members of a team. A fresh mind generates fresh ideas, and fresh motivation creates better results.

Facilities for conferences – It is rare that an office has facilities specifically designed for conferences. In fact, even some big companies don’t really have dedicated conference facilities. This is one of the reasons why it can prove advantageous to go for an offsite venue for a conference. Not only do these venues have the best equipment for holding events such as this, but they also usually have an expanded capacity, perfect for holding large conferences. 

Compels people to focus on the task at hand – One of the reasons why onsite conferences don’t accomplish their goals is because people can’t focus. At the business site, people tend to worry about their respective roles, and this ultimately takes away their focus from the task at hand. By setting your conference offsite, members get to leave their individual tasks at the office. With that, participants can concentrate all of their energies on the conference and all agendas covered by it.

3 Features that Make a Good Hotel

If you are planning to visit Erie, Pennsylvania, then booking your reservation in a good hotel should be a priority. It is necessary to find a hotel which offers a high level of security and utmost comfort. It should also be equipped with all the amenities that a guest needs. This is vital in making your stay as memorable and pleasurable as possible. Here are just five of the many things and features that make a hotel in Pennsylvania worthy of returning to in the future:

1. Clean and Spacious Rooms.

Make sure that your chosen room is clean and has enough space not only for you but your companions, as well. Depending on the length of your stay, your room requirements may differ. A wise tip is to figure out the room size before making the final booking. Your chosen room should also have its own bathroom with complimentary toiletries, television and a phone. If you live overseas, then make sure to ask if the hotel rooms have international telephonic facilities since this can make your stay even more peaceful.

2. 24-Hour Room Service.

This service is essential in making the stay of guests unforgettable. Your chosen hotel should also let guests eat based on their schedule, instead of sticking to the schedule set up by the establishment. It should also come with at least one main restaurant and 24-hour coffee shop.

3. Safety Features. 

Look for a hotel, which offers safety features in each room, and security equipment in the entire building. These features include safes, cabinets, drawers and doors with sturdy and working locks. The building should also have fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fog lights and sprinklers in the event of an emergency.

The level of quality in a hotel is a key factor in making your vacation or business trip enjoyable.  At the end of the day you should come back to a place that is comfortable, where you can get re-charged and relaxed and ready for more.  The Clarion Lake Erie and Bel-Aire Conference Center is committed to making your stay as amazing as possible, you can even read reviews from our satisfied guests here.  

For more information about The Clarion Lake Erie and Bel-Aire Conference Center visit http://www.belaireclarion.com

Easter Sunday Brunch At The Clarion Lake Erie Hotel and Bel-Aire Conference Center

Easter Sunday March 31st, 2013

Serving 11 AM - 4 PM

$27.99 per person for Adults      Children 6-12 $17.99      Kids 5 and under Free

Soup

Tomato Bisque

Salads

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Fresh Fruit Salad

Broccoli Salad

Ceasar Salad

Breakfast Items

Scrambled Eggs with Assorted Toppings

Bacon and Sausage

French Toast Casserole with Praline Toppings & Syrup

Entres

Glazed Easter Ham

Haddock with Orange Butter Gremolata

Rosemary Lamb

Saute Chicken with Spinach Artichoke & a White Wine Sauce

Balsamic Roasted Baby Red Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes with Onions

Cous Cous with Grilled Vegetables

Prince Edward Vegetables

Displays

Assorted Breads and Pastries

Imported and Domestic Cheese

Smoked Salmon Display

Crisp Crudites

Carving Station

Prime Rib Au Jus

Desserts

Assorted Homemade Cakes, Pies, Cheesecakes and Parfaits

Bel-Aire Chocolate Fountain

Deluxe Candy Station

The Easter Bunny will be here too!!!

www.belaireclarion.com

To Enjoy Erie's Finest Buffet call 814.833.1116



Erie native and Football Legend Fred Biletnikoff is 2013 Honoree at the Clarion Lake Erie and BelAir

NFL Hall of Fame Oakland Raider Wide Reciever, and Erie Pennsylvania Native Son is 2013 Honoree at the Clarion Lake Erie and Bel-Aire Conference Center

One of the “100 Greatest Football Players” as ranked by The Sporting News will be headlining the 49th annual Charity Sports Banquet tomorrow, February 12, 2013 at The Clarion Lake Erie and Bel-Aire Conference Center.

Proceeds for the charity event have raised money for various organizations such as the United Way of Erie County, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation. This year proceeds will go to the Fred Biletnikoff Foundation. The Biletnikoff Foundation Scholarship Award founded by Angela Biletnikoff. Students will be eligible for the awards based on overall academic progress, leadership skills, and taking part in community activities. “awards will be made to deserving students in the Erie community” according to Art Arkelian, Founder and Dinner Chairman for the past 49 years. 

2013 Honoree Fred Biletnikoff honored at Clarion Lake Erie & Bel-Aire

Fred Biletnikoff earned 1st team recognition his senior year of high school on Pennsylvania’s All-State football and basketball teams. While in college at Florida State he became an All-American even playing offense and defenses his junior season in 1963. He held the record for the longest interception touchdown return at 99 yards until Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders broke the record by one yard in 1985. He became the number two draft pick in 1965 amassing a Hall of Fame Career, playing 14 season for the Oakland Raiders with 589 receptions, 8,974 yards, 76 TDs, 40 or more catches 10 straight years, All-AFL/AFC four times, 1971 NFL receiving champion, two AFL All-Star games, four AFC-NFC Pro Bowls, eight AFL/AFC title games, two Super Bowls, and was the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XI.

Other players who will be in attendance are Tony Brooks (University of Notre Dame and Philadelphia Eagles), Kenny Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles), Kevin Mack (Cleveland Browns), Blair Thomas (Penn State and New York Jets), Tony Rice (University of Notre Dame), Reggie Rucker (Cleveland Browns), Reuben Brown (Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears), Ross Fichtner (Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints), Randy Fichtner (Pittsburgh Steelers), Reggie Brooks (University of Notre Dame), and Andy Russell (Pittsburgh Steelers).

The elegant The Clarion Lake Erie and Bel-Aire Conference Center, located at 2800 W. 8th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania is ideally situated adjacent to Presque Isle State Park. Visit http://www.belaireclarion.comfor more information.

People’s Choice Award Goes to Victor’s Restaurant of Bel-Aire for best Chili and Chocolate

It was a delicious day in Erie, Pennsylvania on Sunday, February 10th.  SafeNet’s 7th Annual Chili Cook-off with the addition of a Chocolate Lovers Celebration.
The fundraiser was put together to support SafeNet, Erie’s Domestic Violence Safety Network.  Local restaurants, bakeries and caterers joined together to compete for the title of Erie’s Best Chili & Chocolate confections.  Everything was freshly prepared, and made-from-scratch by these great community eateries.

 

“I am proud to support SafeNet because of the work they do in our community.  When people close their doors at home anything can happen, and SafeNet is an organization that provides safety for those in need” states, K.J. Schwab, Vice-President of Operations for The Clarion Lake Erie Hotel and Bel-Aire Conference Center which includes in-house Victor’s Restaurant.

SafeNet is a not for profit organization of dedicated professionals and community volunteers to ending domestic violence, affirming human dignity and delivering comprehensive direct services to victims of domestic violence in Erie County.  For more information visit:  http://www.safeneterie.org/
 
“From every city and township in the area, victims and their accompanying children come to us seeking safety and shelter from physical abuse and threats of violence occurring in the home. We open our doors to hundreds of abuse victims each year with compassion and understanding. SafeNet embraces inclusiveness and knows that victimization is not just about women and not just about heterosexual relationships.  Women and men of any culture, age or sexual preference may suffer from abuse and SafeNet provides sanctuary, support, education and advocacy” states, Linda Lyons King, SafeNet’s Executive Director.

Victor’s Restaurant was awarded “People’s Choice Award” for Erie's best chili and chocolate. The chili is a recipe from Victor’s Sous Chef, Don Harned.  It is has been given the name “Black Gold Chili which is made with a variety of ingredients from chipotle to coffee.  It will be listed on the menu and served daily for all to enjoy.  Also, the chocolate were assorted truffles created by Chef, Heidi May.  In the past, Victor’s has also won the Perry Burger Award for the best burger in town, and has been on Erie’s Best Wine List since 2004.

Victor’s offers casual elegance providing the ambiance of a big city, with all the local flavoring and fresh ingredients customers come to expect.  Victor’s has been a local favorite since inception in 1983.  Currently, Victor’s is an eclectic, chic restaurant with upscale sports décor and a menu that can satisfy everyone’s palate and is located in the elegant The Clarion Lake Erie and Bel-Aire Conference Center on 2800 W. 8th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The Battle of the “Road Warrior”

It is 5:30 AM, and thousands of sales/marketing reps wearing dark grey and pinstripe suits carrying their briefcase reading Sunday night’s emails on their phones getting ready to travel to this week’s destination for business.  They are called "road warriors" because they battle other “warriors” through airports, renting cars, eating on the run and experiencing all kinds of hotels to rest their battled scarred body.  This is a tough and dedicated group that leaves their families and comfort of their homes for 40 weeks of the year with nothing to show, but a paycheck at the end of each month.  If their trips were successful most of the year, their reward will be a hefty bonus come year end, and allow them to start all over the doing the same thing the following year.  That is why it is so important to find a great place at the end of each day to recharge their batteries and wind down in a comfortable stress free environment that gives them the same relaxation they have back home.

 If service is below standard, and amenities don’t exist in their hotel of choice, you can bet their sales will not be strong and their battle will be lost.  If the pool is not the right temperature, and there isn’t a place to work out, their chiseled bodies will turn to flab, making it tougher to clash with the physically fit.  If the food which is served is no better than what can be bought out of a vending machine or local gas station then these warriors are at a disadvantage to their counterparts who are receiving good nutrition. These are the perils of a “Road Warrior”.

A wise man once said, “If you stay in a cheap no frills hotel, you will be surrounded by people who don’t value themselves.  However, if you take care of yourself, you will have energy the next day, and be in the company of like-minded “warriors”.
 
“Warriors” want to walk through the door of the hotel and be greeted with a warm soothing smile and even called out by their name.  They want to open the door to their residence for the week, and know that the rooms have been carefully set up to meet their expectations.  They want to be able to dine the in-house restaurant, and savor food that was prepared so that each bite was better than the last.  And to top it off, they look to quench their thirst with a nice selection of suds that allows them to boastfully invite guest to share in their delight. There has to be free wireless with a strong connection, so they are prepared to communicate at a moment’s notice, and if they are in need of any “extra” attention they will be provided such with a simple reply of, “My pleasure, is there anything else I can do to make your stay better?”  These are just some of the needs to keep a “Road Warrior” in topnotch shape for the battles that lay before them.


The best hotels are the ones that cater to the men and women who are conducting business, and the couple who are enjoying a nice vacation.  However, neither part will know of each other because they feel their stay was designed especially for them.

The Clarion Lake Erie and Bel-Aire Conference Center located at 2800 West 8th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania is the exact place that meets all of the “Road Warriors” needs.  It is a three generation family owned property that understands the desires of their guest, and they pride themselves on exceeding every expectation.  You can see the Schwab’s, the owners of this specialized hotel, days and nights inspecting their service assuring “Excellence” for everyone. This award winning hotel is truly Erie’s finest hotel.

Romance your Valentine in Style

You’re looking for something to show your significant other how much they mean to you. However, a two carrot ring is out of your price range, and you have to be back at work by Monday of next week. The Clarion Lake Erie Hotel and Bel-Aire Conference Center has made it possible to romance your Valentine on February 14th through the 16th.



This Romance Package includes an overnight stay with champagne chilled in the room complemented with fresh chocolate covered strawberries, a full hot breakfast buffet, dinner with a $50 gift card to Victor’s In House Restaurant and an In-House Movie for $159.99 plus tax.

Executive Chef, Heidi May who has been with the hotel for 8 years after living in Orlando Florida working for the Gaylord Palms Resort as the Pastry Chef has put together the perfect ensemble of delicious dishes.




Victor’s offers casual elegance providing the ambiance of a big city, with all the local flavoring and fresh ingredients customers come to expect. Victor’s has been a local favorite since inception in 1983. Currently, Victor’s is an eclectic, chic restaurant with upscale sports décor and a menu that can satisfy everyone’s palate winning several awards locally for our food recently winning the Perry Burger Award for the best burger in town.

Take advantage of Erie’s Best Wine List since 2004. All of the servers are versed in the perfect wine selection. They can suggest a wine by the glass for each of the courses, or a bottle to complement each of the entrees for a table. Beer has become a very popular choice for people right now and all of the servers can find the right frosty beverage to enjoy with your meal. Micro and craft beer offer guests many flavors and body options. It has certainly come a long way from the standard draft. We have a variety of micro, craft, import, and domestic options for guests.

The Valentine’s Day 2013 Menu includes:

Soup
French Onion Soup 5
Authentic Louisiana Gumbo Cup 3 Bowl 5
Lobster Bisque Cup 3 Bowl 5

Appetizer
Spinach & Artichoke Dip 8
Crab Cakes 10
Coconut Shrimp 13
Cheddar Corn Cake with Barbecue Pulled Pork 7
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Skewers with Smoked Gouda Sauce 10

Salad
Caesar Salad 6
Spinach Salad 11

Entrée
Stuffed Chicken with Apples, Brie, and Almonds 17
Honey Balsamic Glazed Duck 26
Veal Stroganoff over Gnocchi 23
Spinach Pecan Stuffed Salmon 19
Pretzel Crusted Cod 17
French Onion Sirloin 21
Six or Nine-Ounce Filet Mignon 26/32
New York Strip Steak 28
Vegetable Pesto Primavera 14
Nine-Ounce or One-Pound Cold Water Lobster Tail Market Price

Dessert
Our Chef will tempt you with the night’s selections

The night will be one your Valentine will never forget. The Clarion Lake Erie Hotel & Bel-Aire takes pride in treating all guests like royalty, and looks forward to creating the perfect Valentines Romance on this special day.

Call 814.833.1116 for the perfect reservations.