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January 30 Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting

Watch the recording of the meeting here.

View the agenda. 

 

January 29 Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting

Watch the recording of the meeting here.

View the agenda.

  • The Travel Oregon Executive Director hiring standards and plan, and policy directives, will be presented to the Commission at their January 29 meeting. All materials to inform the presentation, discussion and public comment can be reviewed here: Review the executive search materials here.
    • The public will have two ways to provide comment in response to the materials:
      • 1) written form due by 4 p.m. on January 29; or
      • 2) during the January 29 Oregon Tourism Commission Meeting.
  • Executive Director Compensation Study

Please note, there’s an additional virtual meeting Jan. 30.

Food Systems & Tourism Learning Community Meeting

The next Food Systems & Tourism Learning Community meeting will take place over Zoom on February 5 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. This meeting will have a topical focus on funding opportunities for culinary and food systems projects and events. Learn from funders and fundees about how to put your most competitive foot forward when seeking funding. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experience and learn from peers across the state and across sectors. Learn more about the community here.

If you have questions, please reach out to hilary@traveloregon.com.

Digital Accessibility Essentials: Preparing for the ADA Title II Compliance Deadline

Webinar Description:

Digital accessibility requirements are changing, impacting all public entities, including DMO, chamber, and visitor association websites. Join Jen Macias, a Portland-based Experience Designer and Accessibility Specialist, for a practical webinar that will break down the new Department of Justice rules, compliance timelines and what they mean for your digital content.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards and will leave with a practical roadmap and resources to support ongoing accessibility compliance.

There will be 60 minutes of instruction time, followed by a 15-minute Q&A.

Register for the Travel Oregon hosted webinar here.

 

Why this matters to you:

This webinar will be focused on understanding the new rule on the accessibility of web content and mobile apps provided by state and local government. This rule establishes specific requirements for state and local governments to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards by April 2026. While the rule directly applies to public entities, it will significantly impact private organizations that work with government agencies.

If your organization provides websites, mobile apps, online services, or digital content for state or local government agencies—whether through contracts, licensing agreements, or other arrangements—you may need to ensure your products and services meet these accessibility standards. The rule makes clear that when governments use contractors or vendors to provide web content or mobile apps on their behalf, those materials must comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

More information on accessibility programs and resources from Travel Oregon can be found here.

For questions pertaining to this webinar, please reach out to Kate Sappell, Program Manager RCTP (ksappell@traveloregon.com).

Agritourism Connections Conference

Join fellow producers and agritourism professionals for a dynamic day of learning and networking. This event features engaging sessions on effective marketing strategies, firsthand stories from agritourism operators, opportunities to build valuable social connections, and updates on the latest research. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your agritourism venture, this conference offers practical insights and inspiration to help you thrive. Hosted by the OSU Extension Agricultural Tourism Program and open to any farmer or rancher in Oregon.

Registration is $40 and includes a full lunch. Scholarships available. Contact Audrey Comerford at Audrey.comerford@oregonstate.edu or Melissa Fery at melissa.fery@oregonstate.edu with questions.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by Jan 29, 2026 to Audrey Comerford: audrey.comerford@oregonstate.edu or 503-689-8241

Agenda:

9:30-10 a.m. – Arrival/Check in

10-11:15 a.m. – Opening remarks, Legacy in Motion: Young Farmers Leveraging Agritourism and Market Access

11:15-11:30 a.m. – Break

11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. – Breakout Session 1

  • Websites That Work: SEO & Design Basics – Having a website that shows up on internet searches is still important, even in these days of social media. Topics that will be discussed are different website platforms, the importance of search engine optimization, and basic layout and design. Marissa Brown, Travel Salem Digital Marketing Specialist
  • Newsletter Essentials and Strategies – The session will cover how newsletters engage customers, platforms options, frequency and timing for sending, and content strategies. Audrey Comerford, OSU Extension Agritourism Coordinator and Wee Woollies Fiber Arts

12:30 -1:15 p.m. – Lunch and networking

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. – Breakout Session 2

  • Turning Likes into Visits – Farmer panel about experiences, different platforms, what type of content gets the most engagement, and how it’s used to drive visits/sales.
  • Boost Your Visibility with Google Business Profile – An overview of why Google Business Profile is an important tool, how to claim your profile if you haven’t already, how to update it, and methods for improving your visibility. We will also take a look at a few individual business profiles as examples.

2:15 -3 p.m. – Closing session and raffle

Learn more and register here: Agritourism Connections Conference | OSU Extension Service

Accessible Tourism Ambassador Training

This in-person event will take place on Sunday, March 8 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.

The project has been funded in part by a grant from Travel Oregon and the Institute for Applied Sustainability at Southern Oregon University, so there is no cost to attend.

What attendees will gain:
● Practical accessibility strategies to implement right away
● Insights from real-world success stories across the travel industry, including innovative products and tech improvements to support inclusive service delivery
● Networking opportunities with peers, experts, and advocacy leaders
● Receive the Guidebook for Improving Accessibility for Oregon Tourism Providers
● Accessibility Ambassador Certificate of Completion to showcase your leadership in inclusive tourism

Registration is required. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/ATA-RSVP. Spaces are limited and the number of meals and drinks is reserved per confirmed participant. Please register early to secure your spot. If your plans change, please release your seat so others may attend.

Questions? Contact Dr. Pavlina McGrady at mcgradyp1@sou.edu.