Industry Influencer Series: Economic Impact of Saratoga County Tourism

Presented by the Saratoga County Chamber in Partnership
with Discover Saratoga & Saratoga Springs City Center

Join us for the second installment of the Industry Influencers Series in 2025, an exclusive benefit for members of the Saratoga County Chamber and also for Discover Saratoga members! 

This engaging panel discussion will feature prominent leaders from Saratoga's most iconic institutions, offering invaluable insights into the region's tourism landscape and future growth opportunities.

Panelists Include:

• David O'Rourke, CEO of NYRA (New York Racing Association)

• Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center)

• Matt Cudemo, Director of Hotel Operations at the Saratoga Casino Hotel
• Teddy Foster, Director of Universal Preservation Hall 

Our esteemed panelists will share their expertise on trends, challenges, and strategies shaping Saratoga's thriving tourism industry. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how these key organizations contribute to the area's economic vitality and how businesses can align with upcoming initiatives.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders, expand your professional network, and stay informed about the future of Saratoga tourism.

Saratoga County Chamber members can register online with their login.  If you are a member of only Discover Saratoga, please visit their site at www.DiscoverSaratoga.Org.  

About Our Panelists:


Matthew Cudemo, Saratoga Casino Hotel
Matt Cudemo has over 20 years of experience in the hotel industry. He has extensive knowledge in revenue and yield management and a passion for employee training to ensure strong retention and satisfaction among his team.
Mr. Cudemo joined Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC in 2017 and oversees hotel operations for the company. This includes the AAA 4-Diamond hotel at Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY and the Best Western Signature Hotel affiliated with Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel in Natchez, MS.
Under his leadership, both hotel occupancy rates and overall revenue have increased at each property and he has developed a staff of dedicated and enthusiastic team members. In addition, Saratoga Casino Hotel received the prestigious AAA 4-Diamond Award - one of only three hotels in NY Capital District, and he also introduced a hotel rewards program
Throughout his career, Mr. Cudemo has held progressively responsible roles at Choice Hotels, Hilton and Marriot brands. Just prior to joining Saratoga Casino Hotel, Mr. Cudemo was the General Manager at Courtyard By Marriot in Clifton Park, New York where he was recognized for increasing guest satisfaction scores high enough to rank the hotel number four out of nearly 1,000 hotels. He also has experience opening three hotels in the Capital District.
Mr. Cudemo is a graduate of Schenectady County Community College with a Hospitality and Tourism Management degree (A.A.S.).


Teddy Foster, Universal Preservation Hall
Teddy is the Director at Universal Preservation Hall (UPH). She joined UPH as a member of the
Board of Trustees in September, 2006. In 2009, she was elected President and remained in that
position until July, 2015.
In 2015, she formalized a partnership with Proctors Collaborative to bring UPH into their
business plan as an affiliate. To further this mission, Teddy was hired by Proctors as Campaign
Director for UPH and led the way through a successful $14 million capital campaign which was
needed to complete the restoration of the historic building. UPH?s Grand Opening was on
February 29, 2020.
Teddy is a graduate of Skidmore College. She has been honored as one of Saratoga Today's
Women of Influence; and as one of the Saratoga Twenty by Saratoga Living Magazine. She is a
past member of the Discover Saratoga Board, and the Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board.
Currently, Teddy is a member of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association Board of
Directors.
Contact: tfoster@atuph.org

More Bios To Come.