Science Pub: The Tourism-Community Balance - Bend and Beyond

495 Northeast Bellevue Drive,Bend OR 97701

21 February, 2023

Description

Science Pubs are where we take science out of the laboratory and bring it to the community. Join discussions with researchers from throughout OSU and OSU-Cascades about the work they do to help solve the world's toughest challenges. Join us to explore how the Sustainable Tourism Lab at OSU-Cascades works with communities worldwide to help them develop roadmaps for economic, community and environmental sustainability, that prioritize the needs of both visitors and residents. Todd Montgomery, director of the lab, will share his studies about community sentiment toward tourism in Pacific Northwest communities, including Bend, as well as in Alaska, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Learn how his findings help destination marketing organizations like Visit Bend and local community leaders determine how to invest in tourism in ways that benefit the economy and residents. Kevney Dugan, CEO of Visit Bend will address why community sentiment data is valuable to Visit Bend and other tourism organizations. He’ll also outline efforts underway to create a sustainable tourism-community balance in Bend. Science Pubs are made possible with support from Worthy Brewing. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Todd Montgomery is the Robin and Curt Baney Endowed Professor at OSU-Cascades. He is the director of the Sustainable Tourism Lab. His work has been featured in a documentary series called Tech Trek aired on ABC and PBS. Montgomery is quoted in state and national news stories about emerging hospitality issues. Prior to joining OSU-Cascades, Montgomery worked with Fortune 500 companies including Hyatt, Starwood, Disney and Avis. Kevney Dugan has been CEO of Visit Bend since 2016. He is a proponent of economic development that supports communities moving toward sustainability. Dugan joined Visit Bend in 2010 as director of sales and sports development.