On May 3, the University of Oregon and City of Eugene were awarded the 2018 Convention Leadership Award by Travel Lane County for bringing the International Town & Gown Association (ITGA) Conference to Eugene and the Erb Memorial Union. The annual award recognizes the local residents directly responsible for implementing a meeting or event that brings significant number of overnight visitors to Lane County. The award presentation included a video highlighting the impacts of the conference.

The ITGA Conference, held, May 30 – June 2, 2017, brought 275 professionals from 30 cities and 85 universities to address challenges, emerging issues and opportunities between institutions of higher education and the communities in which they reside.

UO units involved in implementing the conferences included Government and Community Relations, Office of the Dean of Students, the EMU Scheduling and Event Services, University Catering, Academic Extension, and Finance and Administration. Intergovernmental Relations Director Karen Hyatt accepted the award on behalf of the university. She led the local organizing committee responsible for hosting the conference. Jason Dedrick of the City of Eugene accepted on behalf of the city.