THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON, CITY OF EUGENE AND TRAVEL LANE COUNTY TEAM-UP TO HOST THE 2017 INTERNATIONAL TOWN AND GOWN ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Eugene, OR — The International Town & Gown Association works to "improve the quality of life for campus communities across the the globe." With a vision to be the premiere resource for both communities and institutions, their mission is grounded in strengthening town/gown partnerships through a network of professionals and resources, discovering and sharing leading practices, innovative solutions and professional development for municipal and university communities around the world.
The 13th annual ITGA conference runs from May 30 - June 2 at UO's Erb Memorial Union. ITGA president Jennifer Korbelik, University Liason at City of Boulder, notes, "the ITGA Board would like to express its gratitude to the Eugene host committee for their hard work this past year. The primary organizers have done a terrific job and the countless other supporting staff and volunteers all pitched in to make this a success. Thank you all!"
With an expected attendance of 275 conference participants, Travel Lane County estimates an economic impact of approximately $120,000. This estimate accounts only for direct spending during the conference. "We fully expect attendees will spend additional days in the region following the conference, or on a return visit, once they experience the unmatched hospitality found throughout the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region," commented Janis Ross, Travel Lane County vice president of sports and convention marketing.
Keynote speakers include:
Francis Bronet, senior vice president and provost at Illinois Institute of Technology and former dean of the School of Architecture and Allied Arts at the University of Oregon, speaking on her experiences cultivating university and city partnerships in a variety of urban and suburban settings.
Ed Ray, president of Oregon State University, will discuss how OSU as worked with the City of Corvallis to launch Collaboration Corvallis in 2012 to address issues and opportunities. His remarks will include efforts the university has made to engage the communities of Newport and Bend as these campuses continue to grow.
Vin Lananna, president of TrackTown USA ans associate athletic director for Olympic development at the University of Oregon, will highlight how his team has worked to create a supportive environment for elite athletic performances, promoted community health and fitness, engaged youth and established leading practices in hosting sustainable events.
A complete conference schedule is available online.
Karen Hyatt, University of Oregon director of intergovernmental relations commented, "We are honored and excited to host the 2017 ITGA conference in Eugene. Many campus partners and off-campus partners worked to create an engaging line-up of speakers and local activities to showcase the work the University of Oregon and the City of Eugene has undertaken to create a mutually beneficial relationship and to learn from our peers what is working best in their communities."
For ITGA conference information contact:
Tobin Klinger, , University of Oregon, (541) 346-5558, tklinger@uoregon.edu
Caitlin Estes, City of Eugene, Caitlin.M.Estes@ci.eugene.or.us
