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2025 Visitor Industry Celebration & Summit 

Celebrating Industry Leaders in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Region

Hosted at the The Shedd Institute for the Arts, the 2025 Visitor Industry Summit and Awards Lunch provided opportunities for learning and to recognize some of the top individuals and organizations working in the hospitality industry in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region. Thanks to our 2025 Presenting Sponsors Mereté Hotel Management and Summit Bank. Our Industry Sponsor is Turell Group. 

Merete Hotel ManagementSummit BankTurell Group Logo

 Summit Breakfast Keynote 

Acclaimed and boldly creative arts leader Dave Moss is the Executive Director of the Eugene Symphony Association (ESA) provided an inspirational talk on the intersection of music and organizational performance. 

Summit Breakout Sessions

Summit participants chose to participate in two of three breakout sessions, which included Travel Lane County 101, Sustainable Pathways: How Local Businesses are Leading the Way, or Accessibility and Travel: Community-Collaboration For An Inclusive Destination

Vistior Industry Celebration

Samara Phelps, Travel Lane County President/CEO provided an industry update and discussed developing a 10-year destination master plan. 

2025 Award Categories 

Community Leadership Award - Bev Smith, Emerald Kidsports 

(Watch Award Video)

Presented to a group, business or individual that has significantly contributed to the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region's tourism industry or visitor experience through an advocacy program(s), visitor product(s), or community development. 

Destination Award - Creswell Bakery

(Watch Award Video)

Presented to a business or individual who, through their efforts, have excelled in promoting the community and the Eugene, Cascades & Coast as a visitor destination. 

Sports Leadership Award - Aaron Wasson, University of Oregon

(Watch Award Video)

Presented to a local resident(s) or business that is directly responsible for the confirmation of a sports event, which brings in a significant number of overnight visitors to Lane County.

Convention Leadership Award - Graduate by Hilton Eugene

(Watch Award Video) 

Presented to a local resident(s) or business that is directly responsible for the confirmation of a meeting or event, which brings in a significant number of overnight visitors to Lane County. 

Placemaking Award - City of Florence Public Art Committee

(Watch Award Video) 

The Eugene, Cascades & Coast Placemaking Award is presented to a business or organization that supports or creates community-led, equity-centered arts and culture efforts that strengthen people's connections to each other or Lane County.

Legacy Award - Jonnie Helfrich, Helfrich McKenzie Rafting

(Watch Award Video)

The Legacy Award is presented to a group, business or individual that has significantly contributed to the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region's tourism industry or visitor experience through a lifetime of service.