ESSAE Holiday Celebration & Silent Auction

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM | M&T Bank Center
Members: $90 | Non-Members: $135
Attendee Registration Closes: Monday, December 8 / Deeply Discounted Room Block Ends Monday, December 1 (below)

Share the Joy of the Season

Join your ESSAE friends, clients, and colleagues for our annual Holiday Celebration — a night of warmth, laughter, and camaraderie! Enjoy the festive atmosphere, rekindle connections, and create new memories in a stunning winter wonderland setting.

Because great events deserve great sponsors (and open bars!), we extend a special thank-you to Discover Schenectady for their generous partnership and sponsorship of the open bar.

Register hereDonate here

Event Highlights

  • Open Bar & Elevated Seasonal Reception Menu

  • Winter Wonderland Ambiance

  • Lively Networking & Reunions

  • Festive Ice Rink Views

  • Holiday Accessory Contest – Prizes for the most dazzling women’s and men’s accessories (hats, scarves, ties, jewelry, socks — the bolder, the better!)

Silent Auction for a Cause

Bid virtually or in person on incredible experiences — from getaways to local adventures! Proceeds benefit the Rita Lashway Scholarship and the Regional Food Bank Backpack Program.  Silent Auction donations are requested and open for submission! 

Bidding opens at noon via Bidding Owl and continues live at the event, with a leaderboard displaying top bids throughout the evening.

Attire

Cozy Luxe • Faux Fur • Sparkle • High-Altitude Vibe

Important Details

  • Please register online — payment is due at checkout (no invoices).

  • Log in to your MemberClicks profile to receive the member rate.

  • Guests and spouses are welcome! Complimentary parking and self-serve coat check are provided.

If you wish to register someone else, please log in with their credentials or contact the ESSAE team.

If you are the Key Contact for your organization, select Register Linked Profile or Register Guest. Guests who are not linked to your organization’s profile will be charged the non-member rate.

Registration Instructions:

Member Rate Access
To receive the member rate, please log in to your membership profile before registering.
If you need help accessing your profile, contact ESSAE here or [email protected]. 

Registering a Guest
If you’re the Key Contact for your organization, you can register others by selecting Register Linked Profile or Register Guest. Guests not linked to your organization will be charged the non-member rate.

Payment Information
All attendees must register online and submit payment at checkout. Please note there is no “pay later” or invoice option for this event.

Not Yet a Member?
Join ESSAE today to access the member rate and year-round benefits:
https://www.essae.org/membership

Thank You to Our Early Holiday Celebration Sponsors

Discover Schenectady • OnServices • Visit Rochester • Visit 1000 Islands • Albany Capital Center • Total Events • The Sagamore

Hotel Accommodations – The Landing Hotel - $100 rate if you book by Monday, December 1! 

Group Code: ESSAE1225

To make reservations, please follow the steps below:

a. Visit www.TheLandingHotelNY.com

b. Select “Book Online Now.”

c. Enter the assigned Group Code and click Search.

d. Select Group.

e. Choose your Check-In and Check-Out dates.

f. Select Show Rooms.

g. Choose your room type and complete your reservation.

If you experience any issues, please contact the call center team at (518) 579-8845 for assistance.

Contact:
Amanda Dembroski | Sales Manager
Rivers Casino & Resort // The Landing Hotel
1 Rush Street | Schenectady, NY 12305
Office: (518) 579-8590 | Cell: (518) 560-0888
Email: [email protected]



 

Holiday Celebration Attire Spotlight

Cozy Luxe • Faux Fur • Sparkle • High-Altitude Vibe!
Event Experience Highlights:
 
Open Bar & Elevated Seasonal Menu
 Winter Wonderland Ambiance
 Lively Networking & Reunions
 Ice Rink Views & Festive Vibes

Holiday Accessory Contest!

Bring your best holiday flair — prizes awarded for:
Best Holiday Accessory – Women’s Category
Best Holiday Accessory – Men's Category
(Hats, scarves, ties, jewelry, socks — go bold and festive!)


 
 

We are thrilled to kick off this year’s ESSAE Holiday Silent Auction!

The auction will take place live at our Holiday Celebration on Wednesday, December 17th at the M&T Bank Center (event registration coming soon) and virtually via our BiddingOwl website.  

This year a portion of the silent auction proceeds will benefit the Rita Lashway Scholarship and The Regional Food Bank Backpack Program. 

About the Silent Auction 

ESSAE will be managing its silent auction through the same online bidding site – BiddingOwl. (ESSAE’s custom event link coming soon!). Through this easy-to-use and secure interface, participants will be able to bid on items donated by our generous partners! Prize donations will be displayed digitally, both via our online BiddingOwl platform and on a large screen at the Holiday Celebration. 

Click Here to Learn More!