The UO and city of Eugene have been chosen to host the annual meeting of an international organization that tackles issues that arise between universities and their home communities, the International Town and Gown Association.

As many as 400 people will be in Eugene to attend the conference from May 30 to June 2 next year. The event will be among the first large groups to use new state-of-the-art conference facilities in the newly expanded Erb Memorial Union.

The 2017 meeting also marks the first time the organization has held its annual meeting on the U.S. West Coast. The UO was announced as the host site this week as the group’s 2016 conference in Chicago neared its conclusion.

The International Town and Gown Association is the top resource for addressing challenges, emerging issues and opportunities between institutions of higher education and the communities in which they reside. The organization offers a network of professionals and resources to identify and share leading practices, innovative solutions and professional development opportunities for municipal and university communities.  

Both the University of Oregon and the city of Eugene are active members. Over the next year, a planning committee with two dozen representatives from the UO, Eugene, Travel Lane County and other partners will work with the organization’s board and staff to plan the conference.

View this video that accompanied the announcement of UO/Eugene as the conference hosts.