Courtesy Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau
Discover Saratoga (also known as the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau)has named Darryl Leggieri as president of the organization.
Leggieri joins the team with nearly 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
He succeeds Todd Garofano in the position. Garofano is moving on after eight years of service.
“We are thrilled that Darryl has agreed to lead our organization. Darryl’s knowledge of the conference and convention market in our region along with his many relationships with meeting planners who love coming to Saratoga Springs, makes him a perfect fit,” said Cindy Hollowood, board of directors chairperson and general manager of the Holiday Inn, Saratoga Springs.
“He is a seasoned professional who knows how to motivate the experienced sales force we have at Discover Saratoga. We look forward to continued growth and opportunities under his leadership,” she added.
Most recently, Leggieri served as the director of sales and marketing for the Saratoga Hilton, where he worked closely with Discover Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs City Center to drive convention and meetings to the destination. Throughout his 13 years at The Saratoga Hilton, Leggieri maintained city-wide contracts and clients, partnered with area organizations and continued to average 32,000-34,000 group room-nights per year.
Leggieri served at the helm of the sales and marketing team for the facility’s $12 million renovation in 2006 and transition from Prime Hotel & Conference Center to The Saratoga, a Luxury Resorts and Hotels property owned by The Blackstone Group.
Leggieri also has over four years of experience as director of sales for the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center.
“I’m very excited to become the President of Discover Saratoga,” Leggieri said. “Saratoga County is a wonderful community that understands the importance of a robust convention and tourism industry. I look forward to forging many new partnerships to ensure the area remains one of the nation’s top destinations. Todd Garofano and his team have done top-notch work over the years and I’m delighted to keep that momentum going.”
A search committee selected Leggieri. His candidacy was unanimously approved by the executive committee.
Discover Saratoga is an economic development engine for the community, whose mission is to contribute a positive impact on the local economy by promoting and marketing Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County as a world-class destination for meetings, conventions, groups and visitors.