In 2013, a bold strategic planning process set the stage for a regional transformation: the creation of the Southern Oregon Sports Commission. More than a decade later, the Commission is driving national conversations on sportsmanship, facility development, and the economic power of sports tourism.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jon Schmieder, Founder & CEO of Huddle Up Group, Darren Van Lehn, Director of Sports Development for Travel Medford, and TJ Holmes, Senior Vice President of Travel Medford, to reflect on how vision turned into reality—and what’s next for sports tourism in Southern Oregon.

From pioneering sportsmanship programs used across the country, to cutting-edge venues like Rogue X and Lithia & Driveway Fields, to new facilities under construction, this story is a case study in how strategy, leadership, and persistence reshape communities.

The Where We Goin’? Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melyssa Reeves and the team at One West Tourism Alliance and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠[email protected]⁠.

 We said what we said. 🙅‍♀️ In this spicy episode, we’re calling out the condescending “bless your heart” treatment that small DMOs get from big-budget partners. Newsflash: a tight budget doesn’t mean a lack of vision, talent, or impact. So why do some industry players act like collaboration is a luxury item only available to the highest bidder?

We’re flipping the script and demanding better—because small but mighty DMOs deserve more than a patronizing head pat and a “maybe next time.” If you're building tools, products, or partnerships in the tourism world, it's time to actually build them for everyone. Not just the shiny big-city destinations with six-figure ad spends.

Tune in for some real talk, uncomfortable truths, and a few choice words about equity, innovation, and why the future of tourism depends on inclusion—not exclusion.

🔥 Buckle up. It’s time to talk respect, resources, and real partnership.

Travel Santa Ana

Zartico

The Where We Goin’? Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melyssa Reeves and the team at One West Tourism Alliance and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠[email protected]⁠.

 In this episode of Where We Goin’?, we’re diving into the power, and the pressure, of early technology adoption in tourism marketing. Melyssa Reeves sits down with Wes Rhea, CEO of Visit Lodi, and Seth Chalmers, founder of Search Party, for a candid conversation on what it really means to be a first mover in a legacy-driven industry.

Visit Lodi

A Search Party

One West Tourism Alliance

The Where We Goin’? Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Melyssa Reeves and the team at One West Tourism Alliance and produced by the team at Brand Revolt. To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit ⁠https://thedmpn.com/⁠. If you are interested in becoming a part of the network, please email ⁠[email protected]⁠.