THE 2025 TSOC NETWORK CONFERENCE WELCOMES INDUSTRY GUESTS FROM ACROSS OREGON

The 2025 Travel Southern Oregon Coast (TSOC) Network Conference took place February 24 & 25 at the Mill Casino Hotel and RV Park, gathering over 100 tourism professionals to foster partnerships and connections.

The event included a Pre-Fam Tour where attendees explored the Marine Life Center and Cranberry Sweets. They enjoyed lunch at Millers at The Cove, and listened to Captain John of Sharkys Charters, who shared insights about local fishing charters. The networking continued with a peer-to-peer evening event at North Bend Lanes - Back Alley Pub & Grill, which even gale-force winds could not disrupt. The event featured crab sampling from the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, a highly praised French dip dinner from Back Alley Pub & Grill, and beautiful desserts from the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute. For those wanting to keep socializing, glow-in-the-dark bowling was available and highly competitive for some.

Day two began with an engaging welcome from TSOC Executive Director Julie Miller, who highlighted who TSOC was and how TSOC could partner with regional tourism stakeholders. Keynote speaker Jon Schallert captivated the audience with his presentation on transforming businesses and communities into compelling destinations, using Wildflour Restaurant, with owner Tara More’s permission, as an example.

Additional sessions covered key topics such as the Transient Lodging Tax (TLT), with a panel of TLT professionals who explained its history, function, and implementation in the state, as well as in Coos, Curry, and Coastal Douglas Counties, and South Coast Cities. Attendees also learned about sustainable tourism practices and how to support these efforts. Representatives from area tribes provided unique insights into their local tribes, sharing their rich culture and history and ways to engage with local tribes from a tourism perspective.

Conference attendees left with a wealth of valuable insights and new opportunities to forge meaningful connections within the community. Beyond the knowledge shared and the networking opportunities, this event will have a lasting impact, inspiring conversations and collaborations for years to come.

A NEW PROGRAM CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH ON THE SOUTHERN OREGON COAST

Luke Martinez, the Aquatic Safety Officer for Curry County, is transforming tourism on the Southern Oregon Coast. This year, he has expanded the junior lifeguard program from two to three sessions, fostering its growth across Oregon and inspiring the next generation of water safety leaders.

Offered at Sunset Bay State Park, Battle Rock State Park, and Harris Beach in Brookings, this week-long program provides children and young adults (ages 9-17) with hands-on training in water safety and essential protocols for recreational activities in and around the water. This program not only helps youth on the Southern Oregon Coast learn safe water practices but also welcomes participants from across Oregon, encouraging tourism opportunities throughout each session.

Those interested in signing up can stay updated by visiting Travel Curry Coast’s website for registration details.

PROMOTING WOMEN IN BUSINESS WITH CCD

At the 2025 Travel Southern Oregon Coast Network Conference, the Business Development Corporation introduced its latest program, dedicated to empowering women in business.

This initiative offers invaluable support, resources, and networking opportunities tailored to professionals in the travel industry. With a strong focus on representation, the program invites accomplished women to share their expertise at local meetings, fostering growth and innovation within the community.