Submitted by Jill Palamountain, founding member of Host2Host, Business Outreach Committee and Membership Committee Chairs & host in NE Portland
What a joy to meet in person again! After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, Host2Host members gathered together; sharing hugs, elbow bumps, stories and laughs at the beautiful Cooper’s Hall on Sept 8. While many had seen each other frequently on Zoom, it was delightful to meet in-person.
Host2Host’s coming back party was hosted by our partner, Travel Portland, who generously provided the venue, an open bar, and some tasty bites. We also were treated to a brief presentation by Travel Portland.
Jeff Miller, President & CEO shared Travel Portland’s mission, the state of travel, consumer sentiment and the changing perception of Portland. The most damaging message potential visitors hear from Portlander’s is that the city is not safe. Jeff urged us all to change the narrative.
There are so many really good things happening in Portland. Events have returned. Businesses are back. Sure, we have a ways to go, but together we can turn the tide.
Ajay Date, Vice President of Marketing, discussed Travel Portland’s approach to marketing; the messages and methods they use to attract visitors from awareness to engagement to conversion. The primary message: Portland is Always On. Ajay also shared some of the videos that are currently running on Travel Portland or YouTube.
Josie Ratnayake, Tourism Manager, shared the many tools and resources Travel Portland offers visitors - great to provide to guests:
Host2Host also has a page devoted to Travel Portland resources to help you find exactly what you need.
This couldn’t have been a better celebration. Thank you Travel Portland and thanks also to Radious for the photos. But, most of all, many THANKS TO ALL OF YOU to those who joined us! We are motivated to meet in-person again, so watch for more of these types of events.
