Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It was back to school for a legion of the region's front line hospitality workers. And with good reason.
With Buffalo playing host to two collegiate basketball tournaments, on back-to-back weekends, including the early round of the NCAA's men's tournament, Visit Buffalo officials felt it was incumbent to educate the front line workers on how to make sure visitors leave the region with a good impression.
It matters.
"It is a key to landing future events," said Bill Maher, Canisius University athletic director.
A positive review from visitors can be a major sway factor for the NCAA when it decides where to bring in a wide range of collegiate sports events.
"We need to put our best foot forward," Maher said.
Don't, for one minute, discount the financial impact amateur and collegiate-level sporting events can mean for the region's cash-starved coffers.
Visit Buffalo conservatively projects this year's bookings of collegiate and amateur sporting events could leave behind an economic impact of at least $81 million.
Combined, the back-to-back March weekends where the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball championship series and then the NCAA men's tournament could have a $10 million economic impact on the region.
Josh Ketry, Pearl Street Cos. chief operating officer, said any form of bookings - be it sports or corporate or tourism - helps his businesses including Buffalo Riverworks and Pearl Street Brewery.
"Dollars from outside help businesses on the inside," Ketry said.
Patrick Kaler, Visit Buffalo president and CEO, said a good impression can often times lead to visitors making a return stop to the region.
"We want fans to think that Buffalo is a really cool place," Kaler said.
The training session covered a wide range of topics from basics like being friendly and helpful to making recommendations for places to eat or visit, Kaler said.
Since he arrived in Buffalo 12 years ago, Kaler has put an emphasis on training front line hospitality workers on how to be effective Buffalo goodwill ambassadors.
Training was just for NCAA tournament, it has become almost an annual session.
"There's a lot at stake," Kaler said.
This year marks the 8th time since 2000 that Buffalo and KeyBank Center have hosted the early rounds of the NCAA men's tournament. They have also hosted two NCAA Frozen Four finals.
This doesn't happen by accident, Maher said.
"A positive experience by the fans helps everybody," Maher said.
The NCAA tournament will see men's games played on March 19 and March 21.
Kaler said that means many fans will arrive on March 18 and stay through March 22.
"If Buffalo hosts well, then we all win," Kaler said.