NORTH AMERICAN MEANINGFUL TRAVEL SUMMIT

Meaningful Travel Summit with the Willamette Valley

September 30 - October 2, 2024 | Eugene, Oregon

Tourism Cares’ North American Meaningful Travel Summit is a travel conference unlike any other! Join us as we inspire, educate, and activate the tourism industry by growing partnerships, building relationships, and sharing best practices in sustainable travel to better equip companies and the local communities that we serve.

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.

Your participation matters! Whether you currently conduct business in the Willamette Valley region or you are just starting your sustainability journey, the education, connections, and commitments made at the program will create a lasting impact on your organization for years to come.

Registration Information

Cost: $429 for Tourism Cares members and $529 for non-members. Space is limited! Register today to secure your spot.

Meaningful Travel Summits Program Goals:

  • Provide connections to vetted non-profits and social enterprises for new product development

  • Engage in education sessions around universal topics in sustainability and meaningful travel

  • Create cross-sector networking opportunities with other travel and tourism professionals

  • Offer actionable best practices in destination stewardship and community tourism

Who Attends?

During the program, attendees will network and establish relationships with travel professionals across the entire industry. From destination managers and sustainability officers to executive leaders and travel advisors, the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Summit unites the travel industry with the common goal of building a better future for the industry and the communities that we serve.

  • Monday, September 30

    Arrivals + Registration/ The Graduate Hotel

    Education Session

    Welcome Reception Hosted by the Willamette Valley Visitors Association

    Dine Around

    Tuesday, October 1

    Breakfast + Education Session

    Community Experiences

    Attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for an experience and get out of the conference room and into the community! Experiences are currently being curated by Tourism Cares and local partners. Opportunities will showcase diverse voices from local Oregonians, highlight the sustainability practices of local farms and wineries, and engage guests in the importance of creating inclusive and impact experiences in their own businesses. Attendees will be notified via email and asked to sign up for their preferred experiences as we get closer to the summit.

    Dine Around

    Wednesday, October 2

    Networking + Commitment Breakfast

    Explore and Enjoy the Willamette Valley

    Check out the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map for more community-impact experiences.

    *Schedule is subject to change

  • For more information on the best ways to get to Eugene, Oregon, please visit the Travel Lane County website.

    Please note that Tourism Cares will offset attendee travel with partner Sustainable Travel International.

    Accommodations

    A room block is available at the Graduate Eugene at an industry-friendly rate of $179+. To book please CLICK HERE or call 1- 844-888-4723 and refer to booking code 9892626.

    To book dates outside of the block on an existing reservation, please call Group Rooms Coordinator, Josh Mabry (541-342-6653) or email jmabry@graduateeugene.com.

    Important Note: the hotel block is limited and will close in August. Please book your accommodation as soon as possible.

    The Graduate Eugene, 66 E 6th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401 is centrally located in Downtown Eugene within walking distance of local restaurants and attractions.

    Please note that Tourism Cares will offset attendee accommodations with partner Sustainable Travel International.

  • As a sponsor of Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Summit, your company directly supports Tourism Cares’ mission-driven programming to actualize the power of travel and create positive change in communities across the globe. Sponsorship levels are available at several price points to allow companies of all sizes to engage, be present and lead the way.

    All sponsors receive the full Base Benefits Package, which includes:

    Complimentary registrations to attend (based on levels chosen below)

    Listing in press release and media communications

    Individual attendee recognition as a sponsor on-site

    Logo/listing recognition on-site at the program, Tourism Cares website, event app and event communications

    Logo inclusion on the official program t-shirt

    Form press release to share with your community

    CLICK HERE for information on sponsorship levels

    CONTACT US for learn about sponsorship

 

Thank You to Our Hosts & Sponsors:

 
 
 

Meaningful Travel Map of the Willamette Valley

Header image photo credit: Melanie Ryan Griffin / EugeneCascadesCoast.org

SPOTLIGHT: THE PEOPLE + PLACES OF TOURISM CARES

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre | Tourism Cares Grantee

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre was provided support on behalf of Globus Family of Brands to support ongoing mentorship, build capacity and foster resiliency for Indigenous community members through meaningful employment. The grant funds will also be used to develop a new guided tour called ANCIENT MEDICINES, enriching and connecting the cultural identity of the Indigenous Youth Ambassadors and Cultural Ambassadors the Centre works with.