A strategic new initiative, spearheaded by a coalition of Central Oregon’s key tourism promotion organizations, is setting its sights on attracting business meetings and conventions to the region. Launched under the banner of ‘Meet in Central Oregon,’ this collaborative effort aims to firmly establish the scenic locale as a premier destination for **Central Oregon Business Conventions**, corporate gatherings, conferences, and professional events.
A United Front for Central Oregon Business Conventions
The ‘Meet in Central Oregon’ group is a joint venture involving Visit Bend, Visit Central Oregon, Destination Redmond, Explore Sisters, and Explore Prineville. By pooling resources and presenting a unified message, these destination marketing organizations (DMOs) are working to ensure **Central Oregon Business Conventions** are top-of-mind for meeting planners nationwide. The core mission is to field inquiries, assist industries in identifying suitable venues, and ultimately drive business into the region, particularly during its traditionally quieter ‘shoulder seasons.’
JoAnna Eisler, Executive Director of Meet Central Oregon, highlighted the significance of this unified approach. “By uniting five destination marketing organizations, we’re able to show up in the national meetings and event space with one strong, clear voice,” Eisler stated. This collective effort is seen as a crucial step in building a more balanced and sustainable tourism economy for the entire Oregon region, boosting **Central Oregon Business Conventions**.
Leveraging Central Oregon’s Appeal for Business Conventions
Central Oregon is already renowned for its stunning natural beauty, offering nearly 300 days of sunshine annually, majestic Cascade Mountain views, pristine rivers, and vast high desert landscapes. These elements provide an inspiring backdrop that fosters collaboration, creativity, and innovation, making it an ideal setting for business events. The region boasts a diverse array of venues capable of hosting gatherings of all sizes, from intimate executive retreats to large-scale conferences. Notable locations include the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, offering over 41,000 square feet of versatile space, and Sunriver Resort, which provides extensive indoor and outdoor event facilities for **Central Oregon Business Conventions**. Other options range from the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center in Redmond to unique settings like Brasada Ranch and Tetherow Resort, serving as excellent **meeting destinations**.
Beyond the meeting spaces, Central Oregon offers abundant opportunities for attendees to explore and engage in activities. Options for team-building and downtime include numerous golf courses, extensive hiking and biking trails, world-class skiing at Mt. Bachelor, and recreational activities on the Deschutes River, contributing to **Central Oregon tourism**. This blend of professional facilities and recreational pursuits allows companies to seamlessly combine work with leisure, creating a more memorable and productive experience for those attending **business conventions Oregon**.
Economic Stabilization and Growth Through Central Oregon Business Conventions
The strategic focus on **Central Oregon Business Conventions** is driven by their significant economic benefits. Business travelers typically have a higher spending power and their bookings, often made well in advance, help hotels manage staffing and resources more effectively, providing crucial stability especially when compared to last-minute leisure bookings. This **tourism initiative** aims to fill hotels and support local businesses during off-peak times, fostering year-round employment and **economic development Central Oregon**. Scott Larson, CEO of Visit Central Oregon, emphasized the importance of **group travel**, noting that properties often aim for 30-40% of their bookings to come from groups, thereby enhancing **Central Oregon Business Conventions**.
Nate Wyeth of Visit Bend added that attracting these events helps mitigate potential negative economic impacts, such as those from wildfire smoke affecting leisure travel, and diversifies the visitor base. The long-term vision is to cultivate a robust, year-round tourism economy that benefits lodging partners and the wider community. Central Oregon is already recognized as a hub for industries like bioscience, outdoor products, and technology, and this initiative seeks to further enhance its economic diversification through **Central Oregon Business Conventions**.
News of this coordinated effort signifies a proactive approach to tourism development in Oregon, aiming to capitalize on the region’s inherent strengths and attract a valuable segment of the travel market. By working together, the DMOs are poised to help businesses and their attendees enjoy the unique offerings of Central Oregon while simultaneously supporting its economic vitality, making it a prime location for **Central Oregon Business Conventions** and **off-season tourism**.
