Lane Events Center Master Plan 

The May Open House for the Lane Events Center Master Planning Project brought community members together to review updated site concepts, guiding principles, and the emerging vision for the future of the LEC—all informed by months of public input. Attendees highlighted the importance of flexible, multi-use spaces, year-round sports and recreation opportunities, green space, walkable connections, and a welcoming, community-focused design that supports daily use. Open House materials and a full summary are available at LECMasterPlan.org.

With the Visioning Workgroup’s work now complete, draft recommendations for the future of the Lane Events Center have been developed. These will be presented to the Lane County Board of Commissioners in August 2025, along with a comprehensive report detailing the planning process, public engagement, and proposed next steps. Community participation continues to shape the long-term vision for this important public space.

Travel Lane County continues advocating for indoor multiuse sports space as part of the campus. Learn more and stay connected by visiting Sports for All Seasons.

Heidi Albertson Joins Conventions Team 

Travel Lane County is excited to welcome Heidi Albertson as our Convention Sales Manager. Heidi is no stranger to the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region having worked in the hospitality industry in the past and has nearly a decade of experience with the Graduate by Hilton Eugene. Before moving to Central Oregon, Heidi spent 2019 - 2020 as the Graduate's Director of Sports Travel & Development. 

Heidi studied Physical Education at the University of Oregon and is a current board member of the Oregon Club of Eugene-Springfield. She is active in numerous other organizations, including being a founding member of the Oregon Athlete Foundation, the Executive Director of Miss Oregon Volunteer and a lifetime member of the Active 20-30 Club. Heidi also has strong affiliations with the World Council of Service Clubs (WOCO), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP).

As Convention Sales Manager, Heidi helps bring more meetings, conventions, and events to Lane County. She connects with planners, builds relationships, and promotes the region as a welcoming place to gather. Using tools and research to find the right fit, Heidi works to match events with the spaces and experiences our community offers — all while sharing her passion for the area and making sure every group feels supported.

Meetings and conventions are secured through the collaborative efforts of Travel Lane County and our incredible hotel partners. These events give our team the chance to welcome attendees and help planners create memorable experiences. Thinking about hosting your next meeting or convention in Lane County? Connect with Heidi to learn how we can support you!

Heidi Albertson

Convention Sales Manager

Travel Lane County

Heidi@EugeneCascadesCoast.org

541-743-8761

Travel Lane County Board Officers

Sarah Smith, Director of Operations for InnCline Hotels, became Travel Lane County board chair in July. She replaces Dana Turell, President of Turell Group, who served as chair for the last two years. John Barofsky, owner of Beppe and Gianni's Trattoria, becomes vice chair and Pam Whyte, partner at EMGE and WHYTE, continues as treasurer. 

New Museum Director

The University of Oregon’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art has found its new executive director.  Olivia Miller, the director of the University of Arizona Museum of Art, has been named the new head of the Jordan Schnitzer museum. She will start September 15, taking over for John Weber, who has held the job since 2019.

Pam Whyte Honored

Pam Whyte, Travel Lane County board secretary and partner in EMGE & WHYTE, was recognized as a finalist in the Eugene Chamber of Commerce's Women Business Leaders' Awards in July. Congratulations Pam and thank you for your work as board treasurer and your commitment to the community.

THE CHRONICLE Secures 15 Awards

Congratulations to THE CHRONICLE who was the recipient of 15 awards throng the Better Newspaper Contest for 2024. With competition from newspapers in Oregon, Idaho and Washington, THE CHRONICLE  was selected for a first place award for its series on Commercial Training Education program in area high schools. The paper has been recognized with more than 100 awards over the past five years! 

Workforce Programs Expand

Connected Lane County launched its first culinary excelerator course, preparing young adults for careers in the culinary world. "The Culinary Excelerator helps young adults build fundamental skills in the kitchen and beyond. Participants receive paid hands-on training in a commercial kitchen, where they learn essential techniques like knife skills, food handling, and safety. Plus, they are diving into the business side, connecting with local chefs to kick-start their careers in the culinary world."  

Connected Lane County joins Lane Community College and the Inspire Culinary Academy in Florence in offering critical skills training that's needed in the hospitality sector. 

Accessible Trails  

True accessibility means creating environments where people with disabilities have the same freedom and opportunity to explore as everyone else. While progress has been made, there is still important work to do—and the visitor industry is uniquely positioned to lead. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laid a critical foundation for accessibility, but it was never intended to be the finish line. Check out this summary in the July TravelAbility newsletter.

Accessible trail improvements are progressing at several key locations, including the McKenzie River Trail and the emerging Susan Arlie Park in South Eugene. The National Forest Foundation recently contracted work near Blue Pool—part of a broader effort to enhance access along the MRT. While more improvements are needed, these projects reflect meaningful steps toward making trails more inclusive for all users. In Eugene, the development of Susan Arlie Park will add nine miles to the Ridgeline Trail network. “The new trails will feature lower grades and shared use, making them more accessible to hikers with a range of abilities,” said Philip Richardson, Parks Planner for the City of Eugene. “I think it’s going to be the most accessible piece of the Ridgeline that we have.”

McKenzie River Trail by Paul Lissette / Dirt Mechanics LLC