The Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission is proud to be hosting the annual Oregon Sports Summit on April 7 at Valley River Inn in Eugene. The event will be in person this year after going virtual in 2020 and being postponed last year.

The conference will welcome sports event planners, leaders of sports organizations, sports venue and facility operators, destination management organizations (DMOs), vendors and others from the Oregon sports community for a full-day conference meant to educate, support and inspire event planners to achieve success. Athletic directors, coaches, booster club members and local sports team and league members are also encouraged to attend.

The event will bring together members of the Oregon sports community to:

  • Learn how to help their sports event thrive with sessions on core event planning concepts, risk management, sustainability and more.
  • Celebrate the accomplishments of Title IX on the 50th anniversary of the legislation and be inspired by local changemakers.
  • Hear from the team leading the state as we prepare to welcome the world for the World Athletics Championships Oregon22.
  • Network with industry peers while enjoying ballpark-themed snacks and snap a selfie with Sluggo, the Eugene Emeralds mascot.

 Oregon Sports Summit Attendees
Oregon Sports Summit Attendees in 2019

DMO Track Sponsored by Sport Oregon

This year will feature a separate educational track for Oregon Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) that is sponsored by Sport Oregon. The specialized track is designed to engage the DMO group in discussion, idea-sharing and strategies to showcase Oregon as the premier destination for sports tourism and will feature peer-to-peer best practices and challenges, panel discussions focused on past successes, and a look ahead to future exciting leverageable opportunities.

Session topics include:

  • Setting the Foundation for Statewide Success
  • Exemplifying a Partnership Success: IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon
  • A Look to the Future: Sports ETA Symposium 2024 in Portland

We look forward to welcoming representatives from many DMOs from around the state.

David Vobora and Kevin Working Out
David Vobora and Kevin Working Out

Keynote Address

Former Eugene native David Vobora returns home to deliver the event’s keynote address titled "Hope for everyBODY." After retiring from the NFL in 2012, Vobora opened a sports performance training center aimed at helping rebuild wounded warriors. Soon after, he launched the non-profit Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF) to provide access and inclusion to individuals living with physical or traumatic impairments by empowering them through exercise and community. Attendees will be able to hear Vobora's inspirational story and wisdom.

To learn more about the event or to register, visit the event website for the full schedule with session descriptions and the list of speakers and panelists.