From Sports to Conventions, This Pair Gets It Done
Successful meetings and sporting events in Portland start with these two women. Meet Jamie McCool and Beth Miranda.
Jamie McCool is Team Portland
When the Triple Crown Fast Pitch World Series made its Portland debut, there were 150 softball teams playing on fields all over the city and suburbs. It was a hugely successful event, and no detail was overlooked. Jamie McCool had considered everything, from the proximity between ball fields to the timing of the food trucks.
Navigating the complexities of sporting events is something McCool thrives on. As Travel Portland’s national account director of sports, she organizes everything from local youth soccer tournaments to flagship NCAA events. “We touch on a huge variety of venues, from high school gyms to professional arenas,” she said. Understanding the ins and outs of each sport and which of the city’s sporting facilities are suited for them is paramount to the job.
Early Planning is a Winning Strategy
Sporting events have longer booking cycles and she recommends involving the Travel Portland team early. “There are questions that you may never think to ask your CVB partners – how many basketball courts are within a four-mile radius, what hotels are nearby, or which food trucks should be brought in – we have the resources to help with that,” she said.
Portland is Elevating Women’s Sports
She is especially proud of the way her city supports women athletes. “Portland is changing what it means to show up for women’s sports,” she said. “From opening the first women’s sports bar to building the first women’s performance center for the Thorns and the Portland Fire, this is just the beginning of what we’re doing to elevate the experience for women athletes.”
With three daughters in youth sports, she has a personal stake in the progress. “It’s really inspiring for me to see the changes in women’s sports,” she said. “As the mom of three girls, it makes me really hopeful for them.”
For Beth Miranda, Planning is Personal
Beth Miranda is a Portland-area native, a dessert lover, a Virgo and a devoted pug mom. But she wants meeting planners to think of her as their own personal concierge to the city.
Early in her career, Miranda was a meeting planner and spent much of her time traveling to other cities. As Travel Portland’s director of convention services, she now enjoys being on the opposite side of events and showing planners from across the country the city she loves.
Supporting Planners At Every Stage
She sees herself as an extension of the planner’s team and helps them identify what resources they need from the city. “Whether it’s a venue, a transportation solution, a printer or entertainment, we’re helping support planners and find whatever they need to have the best experience in Portland,” she said.
Planners face high expectations from event attendees. “Money is tight and resources are limited. Asking people to be away from their families and use the small budget they have – programming has to be top-notch,” she said. For her, that includes helping planners find ways for their attendees to enjoy themselves outside the conference, too. “We focus on both sides of the planning process, including the attendees, to make sure that everyone coming to the city for the event has a great time,” she said.
Portland Has Something for Everyone
Miranda believes Portland is an attractive destination for both meetings and leisure. “There is something for everyone here. Your foodies have a home, your wine lovers, your book lovers. Everyone can see themselves here,” she said.
“I love Portland’s little micro-communities,” she added. “Everything is so accessible. No matter where you are, you are within walking distance of a park, a coffee shop, a grocery store, and a library. Our city has so much to offer.”
There’s more to love in Portland. Meet the Travel Portland Team and start planning today.
Meet The Team
With deep experience and fresh perspective, our team is here to help make your event a success.
Meet Jared Kolleh & Tina Gruman
Introducing Jared Kolleh and Tina Gruman, our newest convention sales pros. Each brings years of hospitality experience, a love of travel, and a true passion for this city.
Celebrating the Career of Cathy Kretz
We’re bidding farewell to Travel Portland’s retiring national account director after a storied career.
Was this page helpful?