Conference Highlights

Earl Blumenauer, Congressman (D-Ore)

Elected to the US House of Representatives in 1996, Mr. Blumenauer has created a unique role as Congress’ chief spokesperson for Livable Communities: places where people are safe, healthy and economically secure. From 1996 to 2007, he served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he was a strong advocate for federal policies that address transportation alternatives, provide housing choices, support sustainable economies and improve the environment. He was a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2001 to 2007. Now a member of the Ways and Means Committee and the Budget Committee, Congressman Blumenauer also serves as Vice Chair of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

Creating Livable Communities and a Great Destination: Oregon's Sustainability Story

Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer and local business, tourism and tribal leaders join in an interactive discussion about livability, placemaking, and sustainability, and how these shared values have factored in shaping Oregon as an attractive sustainable tourism destination. Oregon has long been a leader in preservation policy, from passing the first bottle bill and protecting all of its beaches for public use, to choosing light rail over freeways and enforcing strict urban growth boundaries that protect vital farm and forest land. How does this impact tourism, and how do businesses, government and communities work together towards these ends? Come to the opening session and find out!

Speakers: Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon); Todd Davidson, Executive Director, Travel Oregon; Jeff Miller, President & CEO, Travel Portland; Nancy Stueber, President, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI); Christian Ettinger, Owner, Hopworks Urban Brewery; Dawnielle Tehama, Marketing Director, Kla-Mo-Ya Casino; Member, Oregon Tribal Tourism Working Group; Board Member, Discover Klamath

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 - 3:00–5:00pm

Ronald Sanabria, VP of Sustainable Tourism, Rainforest Alliance

Ronald Sanabria has worked with the tourism industry on certification, productivity, quality assurance and sustainability since 1992. He joined the Rainforest Alliance's Sustainable Agriculture program in 1998, and two years later began developing the organization's tourism program and coordinating projects in a dozen Latin American countries. With support from the Multilateral Investment Fund, Sanabria led the creation of the Sustainable Tourism Certification Network of the Americas. Internationally, he represents the Rainforest Alliance in the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the World Heritage Alliance.

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Workshop

"The GSTC offers a unique opportunity for engaging like-minded organizations so we can join forces, learn from each other, avoid unnecessarily replicating efforts and together do much more than what we could do in isolation. We applaud and highly support this effort that will ultimately help existing initiatives mainstream sustainability in this industry." - Ronald Sanabria

Speakers: Ronald Sanabria, Vice President of Sustainable Tourism, Rainforest Alliance; Erika Harms, Senior Adviser on Tourism, United Nations Foundation; Kelly Bricker, Chair, TIES

Date & Time: Thursday, September 9th, 2010, 9:45-11:35am

Where's the ROI in Green Travel?

Learn about the 2009 Green Traveler Study by CMI Green and what this breakthrough study means to you.

Speakers: Thomas Roth, CMI Green; Steve Faulstick, Doubletree Hotel Portland; Tamara Kennedy-Hill, Green Meeting Industry Council; Lynn Bruni, San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau; Ted Ning, LOHAS. See schedule & speaker bios

Tour Operators Roundtable

Best practice examples of sustainable tourism business strategies, and practical ideas on triple-bottom-line sustainability in travel and tourism.

Speakers: Wendy Lama, KarmaQuest; Santiago Dunn, Ecoventura - Galapagos Network; Bruce Smith, Seascape Kayak Tours; Rafael Gallo, Rios Tropicales; Gopinath Parayil, The Blue Yonder See schedule & speaker bios

Greening Signature Buildings

Green building is key to creating authentic experiences, and in Portland, the city with the most LEED-certified buildings per capita in the nation, greening of its buildings plays a crucial role in the eco-story of the city.

Speakers: Ralph DiNola, Green Building Services; Tim DuRoche, Portland Center Stage; Nancy Hales, Director of First Stop Portland more...

Make the Most of Your Marketing Budget

Innovative approaches to online marketing and social networking: find the right marketing opportunities that maximize your marketing dollar!

Speakers: Nancy Harrison, Adventure Media LLC; Allison Park, SparkLoftMedia; Peggy Bendel, Bendel Communications International See schedule & speaker bios

Indigenous Tourism: Preserving Authenticity & Enhancing Experiences

Meet experts and business leaders and discuss best practice examples and critical issues around Indigenous tourism. This session will be joined by our partners from the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and finalists of the Indigenous Tourism Biodiversity Website Award.
See schedule & speaker bios

Sustainable
Culinary Showcase

Exhibition
(Open to the Public)

Voluntourism
Field Session

Pre- & Post-Tours, Portland Events

Date & Time: Thursday, September 9th, 2010, 7:30 - 10:30pm

Enjoy a taste of the finest and greenest establishments on the West coast at this fun, educational event featuring sustainable culinary experiences. more...

Date & Time: Thursday, September 9th, 2010, 2:00pm - 5:30pm

We invite all delegates and local community members to visit our exhibitors showcasing the latest on sustainability solutions, and take advantage of the networking opportunities. more...

Date & Time: Wednesday, September 8th, 8:30am - 1:00pm

Learn about and experience voluntourism first-hand by participating in hands-on activities to benefit the local community - a chance to give back through travel! more...

Special rates are available to conference delegates to participate in optional tours by EcoTours of Oregon and optional Portland Green Tour with Pedal Bike Tours. Learn about these and many other events and activities you can take part in during your stay in Portland! more...