Willamette Valley Visitors Association

Early-bird pricing for the?Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism?ends next week on February 28.?Register today?to secure your spot. On March 1, registration will increase. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn from and network with industry experts, hear from keynote speakers, attend educational breakout sessions and in-depth workshops, celebrate industry achievements, and more. Register Here: https://lnkd.in/dF7bxnrv

Well, that was fun! Thank you Travel Oregon for bringing together all seven tourism regions last evening and creating such a valuable networking opportunity at 2025's Oregon Media Marketplace. It was exciting for our Willamette Valley Visitors Association team to partner with Revino and their wineries partners for the event! Revino is a local Willamette Valley business dedicated to the revival of glass bottles by building a reusable bottle ecosystem - extending the life of a glass bottle beyond one-time use.

This Learning Lab offers Oregon's guides, outfitters, and entrepreneurs a chance to tap into the state's growing dark sky tourism economy. The program will provide tools, strategies, and expert-led training to help participants create unique stargazing experiences. Through education, hands-on training, and networking, attendees will gain insights into celestial tourism trends and best practices. The event is free, including meals and lodging, through a partnership with Visit Central Oregon and Travel Oregon. Space is limited, fill out the questionnaire by 5 pm on March 17th, 2025 and approved applicants will be notified by March 21, 2025. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g7YGemiz

WVVA is excited to announce the?Willamette Valley Strategic Investment Fund—an all-new program that provides funding for organizations working to bolster the visitor experience throughout the Willamette Valley. The following organizations and businesses are eligible and encouraged to apply for funding: Nonprofits Private businesses Non-governmental organizations Federally recognized tribes serving the Willamette Valley Destination Marketing/Management Organizations (DMOs) Applicants must be in the following counties: Southwest Clackamas, Yamhill, Marion, Polk, Linn, Benton, and East Lane County. Learn more about the new fund—along with information on what projects are eligible, who can apply, and key deadlines. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gzpbGZUe

Travel Oregon is hosting the first convening of a Food Systems and Tourism Learning Community! This collaborative space aims to bring together small farms, extension services and food system organizations from across Oregon with local and statewide tourism partners. Collaboration between these two industries offers the opportunity to elevate local food through tourism efforts while strengthening the roots of those who feed Oregon communities. Register and Learn More: https://lnkd.in/dN4-4b-5

Please join us in celebrating our most recent TDP cohort's successful completion of all four program sessions, which are focused on advancing inclusive travel practices. They are now translating their learnings into practical departmental plans, which will be vetted by Travel Unity to ensure high quality and alignment with industry best practices. We've been consistently impressed by their commitment and the insightful perspectives they've brought to the program. Their work will undoubtedly contribute to a more welcoming future for travel. For those looking to take their leadership to the next level, we invite you to explore our CDTP program. This leadership-level certification equips leaders with the knowledge and tools to develop comprehensive, organization-wide inclusive strategies. This flexible program offers two learning options: completing individual workshops or participating in the complete course. CDTP equips participants to develop a tailored plan for inclusive practices that will be vetted by Travel Unity to help their organizations to drive meaningful and sustainable change. Learn more about CDTP and how it can benefit your organization here: travelunity.org/cdtp Congratulations again to our TDP cohort! We look forward to seeing the positive impact of your work. #TravelUnity #TDP2025 #CDTP #DiversityInTravel #DEI #InclusiveTravel #TravelIndustry

There’s still space to attend two vibrant events that celebrate women in tourism and hospitality. She Leads events are free to attend and open to all. Attendees will hear from creative influencers such as Kim Malek of Salt & Straw, Janie Brooks Heuck, the managing director at Brooks Winery, Jill Kuehler, founder of Freeland Spirits and many more who are passionately leading in their industries. With incredible Oregon craft beverages and bounty, opportunities to mingle, you may end up cultivating new friendships with like-minded women who are leading change. Please complete the RSVP form by February 28. https://lnkd.in/gts7D9rY Monday, March 3 | Brooks Winery in Amity, 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 | Crow and Cart in Eugene, 4-7 p.m.

Travel Oregon will be participating in a virtual funders panel on Thursday, March 6 from 3-5:30 p.m as part of the Oregon Cultural Trust’s 2025 Conversation with Funders event! Join us to learn about Travel Oregon’s Competitive Grants program, connect with other funders from across the state, and discuss your project ideas. Travel Oregon will only be participating in the virtual event, but other funders will be meeting in person across the state through March 21. Check each location for participating funders and register using the Event Brite link. Registration is strongly encouraged. https://lnkd.in/d6BCdkuX March 6, 3- 5:30 p.m Conversation with Funders: Virtual Event March 10, 1-4 p.m. Conversation with Funders: Eugene March 11, 1- 4 p.m. Conversation with Funders: Portland March 13, 1-4 p.m. Conversations with Funders: Pendleton March 18, 1-4 p.m. Conversations with Funders: Coos Bay March 19, 1-4 p.m. Conversations with Funders: Ashland March 21, 1-4 p.m. Conversations with Funders: Sisters

Calling all early birds. Tomorrow (Feb 28) is the last day for early-bird-discount pricing on registration for the Oregon Governor's Conference on Tourism. On March 1, registration will increase to $475.?Register today to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/gFXhzAQB ?? Join us to celebrate standout industry achievements at the Travel & Tourism Industry Achievement Awards Ceremony and Dinner. Be inspired by our exciting keynote speakers: ?? Actress, director, screenwriter, and environmental activist?Bonnie Wright ?? President & CEO?of Brand USA, Fred Dixon ?? Deaf mountaineers and educators Scott Lehmann & Shayna Unger ?? And make sure to grab a spot at one of the Tuesday afternoon workshops. These workshops are included in your conference registration, but space is limited, and pre-registration is required. ?? Rooms are still available at the Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center, but they're selling fast, so don’t wait to book. Hope to see you in Portland!

Travel Oregon will be hosting a Oregon Dark Sky Tourism Learning Community meeting that will take place on Feb. 27 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Learn about the latest developments and opportunities for dark sky tourism in Oregon. The goal of this learning community is to facilitate education and foster alignment across the tourism industry and key stakeholders in order to elevate Oregon as a premier destination for dark sky experiences. This virtual meeting is open to anyone interested in preserving Oregon’s dark skies, developing and promoting dark sky visitor experiences, and staying connected with dark sky initiatives and stakeholders across the state. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gd7y6ebR