Eugene, OR – The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region is excited to welcome two incredible conferences to the Eugene Conference Center this fall. Covid slowed the region's conventions and meetings business, but working together Travel Lane County staff and our hotel members have continued selling our incredible region to planners from across the country. Travel Lane County staff booked 32 events in FY24 and this only scratches the surface in terms of the amazing number of meetings and conventions hosted last year.
September 4-6 One West Alliance brings the One West Tourism Education Summit to Eugene. The One West Alliance represents over 150 destination marketing organizations (DMOs like Travel Lane County) and industry partners from across the Western United States. They are dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of their members through innovative marketing strategies, comprehensive resources, and a commitment to shared growth.
September 30 - October 2 we welcome the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Summit .The Summit is open to all travel professionals across the entire industry - from destination managers and travel advisors to senior executives and community-led organizations - all with the common purpose of building a better future for the travel industry. As part of the program, attendees will explore the Willamette Valley region and engage with local changemakers through facilitated networking opportunities, educational sessions, meaningful experiences, tours, and more. These sessions will include:
- Exploring sustainable food production at Camas Country Mill
- Touring of black historic landmarks using the Strides for Social Justice app
- Cycling to see murals from Eugene's 20x21 mural project
- Touring the Museum of Natural and Cultural History and the Jordon Schnitzer Museum of Art
- Learning about Biodynamic farming techniques at King Estate Winery and regenerative farming at Antiquum Farms
In conjunction with the Summit and aligned with Tourism Cares' vision - “We believe we can change the world through travel” - $10,000 to $15,000 in grants will be funded. The grants will be directed to tourism-related social enterprise/community-level businesses within the Willamette Valley community. Click here to apply and note that the application deadline is August 30, 2024.
For more information on conventions and meetings please reach out to JB Carney, Travel Lane County Senior Director, Sports and interim Senior Director, Conventions.
