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With 121,000 square feet in event space, 30 meeting rooms, one Great Lake, and free event services, planning a conference in Erie really adds up. 

1. Erie has an impressive 121,000 total sq. ft. of meeting space at our convention & conference facilities 

2. More than 111,000 total sq ft. of terrace, plaza, and outdoor space allow meeting planners to embrace Erie’s natural beauty 

3. Four hotels are located on Erie’s Bayfront

4. Erie is home to two premier conference facilities and 34 hotels to accommodate groups of 25 to more than 500

5. More than 4,500 sleeping rooms are available at major brand hotels across Erie County

6. Erie’s major conference facilities keep it simple with everything under one roof

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7. The Bayfront Landing, comprising the Bayfront Convention Center, Sheraton & Courtyard Erie Bayfront hotels, offers 100,000 sq.ft. of event space

8. This complex boasts a stunning waterfront location and views of Presque Isle Bay

9. More than 500 hotel rooms are within walking distance of the Bayfront Landing

10. The Great Hall in the Bayfront Convention Center gives your conference 28,000 sq. ft. of contiguous space with 23-foot-high ceilings to accommodate booths, concerts, cars, boats, and thousands of attendees.

11. Fifteen on-site breakout rooms can be configured to meet your need

12. The Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is attached to the Bayfront Convention Center via a skybridge providing aerial views of the Bay and the City of Erie

13. The Sheraton’s Harlequin Ballroom offers 3,288 sq. ft of space as well as five configurable meeting rooms with water views

14. Three additional meeting rooms are available at the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel, also attached to the Bayfront Convention Center

15. Mix and mingle on the Courtyard Erie Bayfront’s patio overlooking Presque Isle Bay

16. Anchor Plaza connects the Courtyard Erie Bayfront to the Bayfront Convention Center for a dynamic outdoor venue

17. The Bayfront Landing is within half a mile walk of 10 restaurants and bars, each with a water view

18. Walk a half a mile to enjoy local music and casual seating on the water at Oliver’s Outdoor Beer Garden

19. Soak up a beautiful Erie Sunset along with a round of corn hole next door at Pier 6 Rooftop Bar

20. Pair your welcome reception at the Bayfront Landing with a fireworks display over Presque Isle Bay

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21. The Ambassador Conference Center features 21,000 sq. ft. of stunning conference space and is attached to two hotels: the Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott 

22. This complex sits in the heart of Erie’s Upper Peach Street entertainment district 

23. More than 900 hotel rooms surround the Ambassador Conference Center

24. The sparkling 6,500 sq. ft. Crystal Ballroom can accommodate more than 500 guests

25. The Hemingway Ballroom is a classic, with over 3,000 sq. ft. for up to 350 guests

26. The sun-drenched Garden Atrium provides 3,000 sq. ft. for up to 300 guests with access to a large outdoor patio

27. Six breakout rooms throughout the complex allow attendees to spread out

28. Conveniently located amongst major shopping centers and national chain stores, including the 150-store Millcreek Mall Complex just two miles away

29. A variety of locally-owned restaurants and brewpubs are nearby, such as Luminary Distillery, John Russel Brewing, Bro Man’s Sammiches, and more

30. Erie is home to many highly rated hotels for your smaller meetings and reunions, including…

31. The brand new (2022) Holiday Inn Erie features flexible meeting rooms and an onsite restaurant, and is within walking distance of the Ambassador Conference Center

32. Stay close to shopping and restaurants with your meeting at the Springhill Suites, Homewood Suites, Fairfield Inn, and TownePlace Suites, all located in the Upper Peach Street district

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Easy Access

33. Conveniently situated 90 minutes from Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh, Erie is a central location for regional and multi-state events

34. Erie International Airport (ERI) is located just 10 minutes from Erie’s Bayfront district

35. Daily direct flights are offered through American Airlines.

36. Located at the intersection of I-90 and I-79, Erie is easily accessible by car

37. Erie is located within 500 miles of more than half of US population

38. Erie’s walkable downtown features local cafes, shops, museums, parks, breweries, and bars

39. Parking is free at Erie’s major conference facilities

40. From Presque Isle State Park in the west to Wine Country in the east, conference attendees will find Erie easy to navigate

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A Great Lake Indeed

41. Lake Erie’s beautiful waterfront turns any event into a getaway.

42. Erie serves as Pennsylvania’s only port city to the Great Lakes

43. Get your attendees in the right state of mind with a group yoga session overlooking Presque Isle Bay on the Bicentennial Tower’s Observation Platform

44. Erie’s three historic lighthouses are available for exploring 

45. Attendees will love getting on the water aboard Erie’s two tall ships: the US Brig Niagara or the Lettie G. Howard Schooner 

46. Soak in Erie’s famous sunsets while hosting a group dinner reception aboard the Victorian Princess paddlewheel cruise

47. Presque Isle State Park, Erie’ natural gem and Pennsylvania’s most visited State Park, has been voted #1 Freshwater Beach in USAToday’s Readers Choice for Best Beaches

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Make Your Meeting Unique

48. Host a glamorous opening reception at Erie’s historic Warner Theater, an original Warner Bros. theater that finished a major renovation in 2022. 

49. Take in a minor league ballgame with your meeting at UPMC Park’s new Stadium Club, a 175-person space overlooking the field

50. Surround your meeting with works of art at the Erie Art Museum

51. Incorporate local brews and local history into your meeting at the Brewerie at Union Station

52. Win big after your meeting at Presque Isle Downs & Casino

53. Network over a round of golf at Riverside Golf Course after meeting at the on-site, 220-person, Kelly Ballroom

54. Treat your attendees to Erie’s favorite sweet treat, sponge candy, from one of 4 local chocolatiers 

Professional Event Support

55. VisitErie’s dedicated Convention Sales & Services Department offers a one-stop-shop for planning, servicing, and hosting a convention in Erie

56. Complimentary RFP distribution and site visit will help you find the right property for your meeting

57. Custom welcome packages and support services are created based on your guest needs, and can include complimentary signage, name badges, and VIP welcome bags with marketing materials and visitor information

58. VisitErie has the connections to local media outlets to publicize your event, including the four major broadcast stations, all represented with local Erie-based affiliates.

59. On-site event planning staff at all conference facilities and hotels has vast experience hosting meetings of all sizes

60. Professional and updated AV and tech equipment is available at Erie’s major conference facilities, and will be added to match your needs.

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After Hours Fun

61. The Lake Erie Ale Trail features 16 microbreweries, each with a variety of hoppy favorites and seasonal staples

62. The largest grape-growing region east of the Rocky Mountains starts in Erie County, featuring more than 20 estate and local wineries

63. The Erie region’s six craft distilleries will give your happy hours a local flavor

64. Presque Isle State Park is Pennsylvania’s most visited state park, and the peninsula offers guests a unique vantage point of Lake Erie

65. Paved walking trails weave through beaches, lagoons, and native vegetation, offering the perfect place to unwind after a day of meetings

66. Pick up the pace with a bike rental from Yellow Bike Rental

67. Plan a group picnic at one of the many pavilions

68. See local plants and wildlife on a free, guided lagoon boat tour

69. The eclectic 50s diner, Sara’s, is an Erie staple, known for its vanilla orange twists and location at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park

70. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Erie Visitor’s Center offer two floors to learn about Presque Isle’s history and natural environment 

71. Erie is nationally renowned for its birding - snowy owls, purple martins, migratory ducks, and more

72. Eight VisitErie partner golf courses offer seasonal opportunities to hit the links.

73. Lake Erie was recently ranked #3 of Top 100 Best Bass Lakes of the Decade by Bassmaster Magazine, and is a premier fishing destination for steelhead, trout, walleye, pike, bluegill, small and largemouth bass, and perch.

74. Erie is home to the AA-affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, the Erie Seawolves

75. UPMC Park, home of the Erie SeaWolves, is in the heart of downtown Erie, and after receiving a major renovation in 2022, its updated facilities and intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for group outings

76. Erie is home to rising hockey champions who play for the Erie Otters hockey team, including former #1 NHL Draft pick Connor McDavid

77. Scallywags Pirate Adventure offers space for a swashbuckling team building event or group excursion 

78. Erie offers visitors a year-round events calendar packed with free concerts, festivals and more

79. Free concerts on the water are offered at outdoor concert series’, such as Presque Isle Sunset Music Series and 8 Great Tuesdays on Erie’s Bayfront

80. Erie is known for its authentic heritage festivals, such as Greek Fest, Italian Fest, Polish Fest, Oktoberfest, and the Irish Festival.

81. Erie’s downtown is busy with favorite events, such as CelebrateErie, Ribfest, Downtown d’Lights

82. Major festivals like Lake Erie Wine Fest and the Blues & Jazz Festival show off a local flair and flavor

83. Erie Food Tours offer three curated tours, and often host groups large and small during the summer months

84. The Hagen History Center offers a wide range of exhibits, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s original San Francisco office.

85. The Erie Art Museum is ripe for exploring galleries

86. The Erie Maritime Museum offers a fascinating history of Erie’s maritime background

87. Shopping in Erie offers savings, with no tax on clothing and shoes

88. Quaker Steak and Lube offers onsite duckpin bowling for group fun after your meeting at the Ambassador Conference Center

89. Keller’s Magic & Comedy Club in downtown Erie offers frequent comedic relief

90. Local talent is on display at All an Act Theater and the 100-year-old Erie Playhouse

91. The Erie Philharmonic offers musical fun at the historic Warner Theater

92. Top-notch skiing and tubing are available at two nearby locations: Peek'n Peak Resort or Mount Pleasant

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Bring the Whole Family

93. Seven miles of sandy beaches at Presque Isle State Park offer summer family fun on Lake Erie

94. These Erie favorites give conference goers plenty of reasons to bring the whole family and turn a business trip into a work-cation...

95. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park is an 80-degree tropical oasis year-round

96. Waldameer Park & Water World offers roller coasters, classic carnival rides and top thrill water slides

97. Play Port Arcade & Family Fun center brings out the kid in everyone with over 100 video arcade games, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and laser tag.

98. The expERIEnce Children’s Museum offers three floors of creative, experiential, and educational fun for children of all ages. 

99. With mini golf, go karts, batting cages, and a beer garden, the newly-renovated Erie Sports Center Fun Park offers something for everyone in the family

100. Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers opportunities for kids to get up close to their favorite creatures

Partner Spotlight

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UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 458-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital serves as a regional referral hub and is the only accredited trauma center in the region.

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Erie Events

Erie Events manages a four facility entertainment complex that includes the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Bayfront Convention Center and UPMC Park. These four venues host a variety of events that include world-class entertainment, family friendly shows and sporting events.

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COME SEE WHAT ASCEND ERIE IS ALL ABOUT!

ASCEND is a community hub in downtown Erie that features climbing, fitness, yoga, youth programming, and so much more. We opened up last year and would love to meet you! Visit on your own, with friends and family, or book a team-building event with your coworkers.

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Tia Book Cellar

Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new and bargain books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia's believes that "there is always … local, an alternative, and a story." They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift here.

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Visit Edinboro, PA!

Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.

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miac postmodern jukebox partner spotlight

MIAC Live: Postmodern Jukebox

Famed “Pop Music in a Time Machine” concert act Postmodern Jukebox brings their 10th anniversary tour to Mercyhurst University’s Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Concertgoers can expect a dazzling trip through the PMJ Universe — where modern-day earworms and iconic pop hits alike are reimagined in classic genres like 1920s jazz, swing, Doo-wop, and Motown, and brought to life by a cast of some of the world’s best singers, dancers, and instrumentalists.

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splash lagoon partner spotlight

Treasure Island Arcade at Splash Lagoon

Looking for something fun to do? Spend a day in the Treasure Island Arcade, where no water park admission is required! The Treasure Island Arcade is home to over 100+ games! From sports games and racing games to retro games and all-new VR motion games, there is something fun for everyone to enjoy!

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Exclusive Tourism Rewards

If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!

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The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

Set sail for an inspiring dining experience! Enjoy a unique casual dining experience on Erie's Bayfront. The Cove's nautically inspired decor and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay will have you feeling the venturous spirit of those who live their lives on the sea.

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U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”

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Fall Harvest at Port Farms

Happy Fall Y’all! Come enjoy the farm during Fall Harvest season September 14 – October 31. Grab your friends and family and enjoy a variety of fall themed activities for every age. With over 25 attractions, our guests create long-lasting memories worth repeating. General admission includes wagon rides, an 8-acre corn maze, slide mountain, ball zone, game garden, pedal carts, corn box, Kid’s Village, animal exhibits, mindbender mazes, trike track, tire fort and so much more! Plan a birthday party with a campfire spot! PLUS, enjoy themed events and character visits!

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Now Open in Downtown Erie

Five Iron Golf is blurring the lines between indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus.

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Zoo partner spotlight

Discover the wild wonders of the Erie Zoo!

Home to over 300 animals from around the world - the zoo offers an immersive experience with a variety of engaging exhibits, from playful otters to majestic big cats. Enjoy up-close animal encounters, special events, and interactive keeper talks that inspire conservation and a deeper connection to nature. Whether you're visiting with family or friends, the Erie Zoo is the perfect destination for fun, education, and unforgettable memories. Join us in supporting wildlife and conservation efforts!

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mazza spotlight

Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.

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Dobbins Landing

Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.

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Two45 Waterfront Grille Now Open!

Savor an exquisite waterfront dining experience at Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, where culinary excellence meets panoramic views. This signature restaurant invites you to indulge in a delectable journey with a menu showcasing locally sourced ingredients and global inspirations while overlooking the serene waters of Lake Erie.

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Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.