by Maria Wherley
Here’s a question—do you remember when PA Downtown Center’s annual conference was last in Erie? Whether you remember or not, whether you were there or not, the year was 2006 and, my oh my, what I’ve learned is that so much has changed.
Sure, you’re thinking—there’s that catch-all phrase used far too often when describing ‘every-town’ USA/PA. But, for just a moment, consider these Top 10 reasons to make this annual conference a must for 2019!
1) Location, location, location – Yes, if for no other reason, Lake Erie, the only county in Pennsylvania to border one of The Great Lakes. One Canadian travel blogger reminded that on a clear beach day along Lake Erie you can see our northern neighbors.
2) Walkable – 15 minutes! From the heart of downtown to the waterfront with a bit of uphill and downhill, your physical activity tracker will love you when it’s time for dinner and drinks.
3) Next to Nature – Presque Isle State Park is in full view from the Erie Convention Center and from the conference hotels. This 3,200 acre peninsula offers a number of recreational activities. While the conference planning committee continues to finalize tours and excursions , no matter the conference schedule, we highly suggest—no, we insist—that you make time before or after conference sessions to bike or boat or just relax on the sandy shore of the natural beauty of Presque Isle!
4) Gorgeous Sunsets – Though images of the sunsets and the lake itself are a mere click away, until you have a sensory-filled experience of Lake Erie, you’ll not appreciate what so many claim has one of the best sunsets in the world. Take some time to enjoy the beautiful shoreline—join in with those who pause, pull up a chair, and are captivated by the colors from Liberty Park.
5) Great Eateries –There’s a restaurant sure to please every palette. While on conference site visits, the PDC staff dined at a handful of great spots and the committee is delighting in choosing a variety of them for attendees during the conference itself. Oh, let the suspense fill you with surprise!
6) Center of Lake Erie’s Ale Trail – What conference is complete without focusing on the impact of craft beef? Stretching from Westfield, NY to Meadville & Titusville, PA, Erie Pennsylvania just so happens to be in the heart of great craft beer. If you make your own small beer crawl, be sure to stop at Voodoo Brewery’s downtown Erie location as it’s full of character – and, of course, great beer!
7) You Won’t Break the Bank – Make the June Erie conference a #workation—your wallet will thank you. PDC is holding conference registration costs and the conference hotel room rate is affordable. Beyond that, there are many frugal excursions. If the family comes along, Waldameers Family Fun Park is free to enter—you only pay for the rides & entertainment you use. There’s also the Tom Ridge Environmental Center that’s free to enter and offers many great exhibits for all ages.
8) History – Known as the “Flagship City” Erie Maritime Museum and the U.S. Brig Niagara educate the public regarding the region’s maritime heritage, The War of 1812 in Lake Erie including the building of Oliver Hazard Perry’s fleet, and the experience of the U.S. Brig Niagara are administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and are actively supported by the Flagship Niagara League which is a non-profit community based organization.
9) Collaborative Community – Erie Refocused is the comprehensive plan that includes the core downtown and the flanking neighborhoods. The action plan includes streetscape and other improvements over the next five years –leveraging investments made by the private sector.
10) Good ole’ camaraderie – Whether you’re an attendee, a speaker, a sponsor, or exhibitor, the conference serves us all by reminding us of the importance of core downtown and traditional neighborhood revitalization so that when you go home to your community you are reinvigorated to continue ‘making your town a better place’.
Registration opens the end of January!