September 4, 2024 - September 6, 2024
![Greater Western Chapter Annual Conference 2024](https://ttra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GWTTRA_Eugene.jpg)
The Greater Western Chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) is thrilled to announce our participation in the One West Tourism Alliance Education Summit, set to take place from September 4-6, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon.
Join us in Eugene, OR, for an exceptional experience focusing on enhancing destination marketing strategies and celebrating industry achievements.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
- Opening General Session: Dr. Robert Eyler will provide an overview of the national economy’s impact on tourism demand and discuss opportunities and challenges for the western United States.
- Best Idea Program: Showcase and learn from the most innovative and influential ideas in destination marketing, management, and stakeholder communication.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage in peer-to-peer exchanges and build valuable connections with industry professionals.
- Exhibitor Engagement: Discover cutting-edge technology products and services tailored for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs).
- Educational Sessions: Start your certification journey and learn best practices for responsible tourism.
WHY ATTEND:
- Collaborative Learning: This unique partnership brings together over 150 DMOs and industry partners from the Western region, offering a rich platform for networking and learning.
- Educational Opportunities: Benefit from cutting-edge educational programs and valuable research presentations tailored to enhance your destination marketing strategies.
- Vendor Showcase: Explore the latest products and services in the industry, presented by our valued vendors.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, September 4
- 9:00 AM-1:30 PM: Experiential Sessions
- 6:00 PM-7:00 PM: Opening Reception
Thursday, September 5
- 8:15 AM- 9:00 AM: Group Breakfast
- 9:00 AM-10:00 AM: Opening General Session: Robert Eyler, Economist
- 10:00 AM-10:45 AM: Vendor Showcase & Networking Break
- 10:45 AM-Noon: Concurrent Sessions
- GWTTRA Breakouts:
- Session 1: Portland: A Story of Recovery with Steve Cohen, Travel Portland
- Session 2: Visitation Trends from Canada and Mexico: Nathan Kelley, San Diego Tourism Authority and Travel Market Insights, Inc., and Dave Bratton, Future Partners.
- One West Tourism Alliance Breakouts:
- Session 1: Importance of owned media channels with Adam Stoker, CEO of Relic Agency
- Session 2: Kelby Bosshardt, Datafy
- GWTTRA Breakouts:
- Noon-1:30 PM: Luncheon & Best Idea Program Presentations and Awards
- 1:30 PM-3:30 PM: Concurrent Sessions
- GWTTRA Breakouts:
- Session 1: Harnessing the Power of Western Public Lands for Community Growth: Florian Herrmann, Herrmann Global and Lucy Harbor, RRC Associates
- Session 2: Tribal Tourism Connections: Carl Ribaudo, SMG Consulting, Ben Rupert, Nevada Indian Territory, and Lauren Schlau, Lauren Schlau Consulting
- One West Tourism Alliance Breakouts:
- Peer-to-Peer Learning Sessions
- GWTTRA Breakouts:
- 3:30 PM-4:15 PM: Networking Break
- 4:15 PM-5:00 PM: General Session: Anna Blount, Longwoods International
- 5:45 PM-8:00 PM: Evening reception at Lane Farmers Market Pavilion
Friday, September 6
- 8:00 AM-8:30 AM: Group Breakfast
- 8:30 AM-9:30 AM: General Session & Annual Business Meeting: David Holder, Community Alignment
- 9:30 AM -10:15 AM: Networking Break
- 10:15 AM-11:30 AM: Concurrent Sessions
- GWTTRA Breakouts:
- Session 1: VFR Visitors: Who They Are & Getting Them to Spend More with Anna Blount, Longwoods International
- Session 2: Drive Travelers: David Bratton, Future Partners
- Session 3: Open Forum and Discord Demo: Wendy Kheel, Tourism Economics, and Cindy Lee, Visit Pasadena.
- One West Tourism Alliance Breakouts:
- Session 1: Cultural Heritage Tourism Connects Communities, Richard Peterson
- Session 2: Best (and Worst) Practices in Sports Tourism Marketing, Jon Schmeider
- GWTTRA Breakouts:
- 11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Lunch and Closing Session
REGISTRATION:
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your destination marketing skills, network with peers, and explore innovative solutions. Register now to secure your spot at the One West Education Summit.
We look forward to seeing you in Eugene!