The primary focus of the regional Travel & Words conferences is building productive connections between journalists and destination marketers. This takes the form of scheduled one-on-one meetings as well as plenty of casual networking opportunities.
In addition, expert travel and tourism industry presenters will share valuable insights into how journalists and destinations can effectively champion media coverage and promotion of responsible tourism as the industry and travel consumers recover from the challenges of the pandemic.
The regional Travel & Words events require attendees to follow health and safety protocols, such as face coverings and social distancing.

Date | Time | What |
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Sun., Oct. 18 | 5:00 - 7:00 pm | Welcome Reception at The Haven, 1001 SW Disk Dr, Bend, Hosted by Central Oregon Visitors Association |
Mon., Oct. 19 | 8:00 - 8:30 am | Conference check-in, Hampton Inn & Suites, 730 SW Columbia St, Bend |
8:30 - 8:45 am | Welcome and introductions | |
8:45 - 9:00 am | Presentation by host destination: Julia Theisen, Central Oregon Visitors Association | |
9:00 - 9:45 am | Presentation: Tourism's Recovery, Justin Yax, DVA Advertising & Public Relations | |
9:45 - 10:00 am | Presentation: The Power of Sponsored Content, Sandra King, Advertising Director, Explorer Media & Marketing |
|
10:00 - 10:20 am | BREAK SPONSORED BY OREGON'S ADVENTURE COAST |
|
10:20 - 12:00 pm | Meetup Sessions | |
12:00 - 1:20 pm | LUNCH SPONSORED BY OREGON'S ADVENTURE COAST Presentation: Oregon's Adventure Coast, Janice Langlinais, Exec. Dir., Coos Bay-North Bend VCB Presentation: "Back to Basics," Reese Thedford, Sales Director, Mt. Bachelor Presentation: "Inside the Story," Allen Cox, Explorer Media & Marketing |
|
1:20 - 3:00 pm | Meetup Sessions | |
3:00 - 3:15 pm | BREAK SPONSORED BY OREGON'S ADVENTURE COAST |
|
3:15 - 3:30 pm | Presentation: Expand Your Digital Presence, Veronika Patrashko, Digital Content Specialist, Explorer Media & Marketing | |
3:30 - 3:45 pm | Wrap up and Closing Comments |