Passion Meets Planning: Say Hello to Tracey Chapman and Bri DeMarco Williams
From small groups to citywide conventions, this team makes every meeting matter.
Tracey Chapman Leads with Experience and Empathy
It may surprise Tracey Chapman’s clients to learn that she loves being on stage at her local community theatre. After all, as one of Travel Portland’s most seasoned and engaging national account directors, Chapman is known for her role operating behind the scenes, making meetings and conventions shine.
Tracey Chapman, National Account Director
Based in Washington, D.C. • D.C. market • 500+ peak rooms
Based in the Washington, D.C. area, Chapman has been with Travel Portland for 19 years, becoming a trusted resource for planners. She leads the nationwide sales strategy for the multicultural market segment, while also focusing on the numerous national associations based in D.C., particularly in the health and medical sectors.
Chapman is known for building long-term relationships with her clients. It took seven years to bring the Association of Women’s Health and Neonatal Nurses to Portland. “Sometimes you plant little seeds, and it takes a long time to bring them to fruition,” she says, “but when we were finally able to get the planning team out for a site visit, they were immediately convinced Portland would work for their 2030 convention.”
Connecting the Community
“One of the things that sets our city apart is that we don’t look at programs as one size fits all,” says Chapman. For SACNAS, the nation’s largest organization cultivating diversity in STEM, “we really had to pull together the right resources and local support,” noting how Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and local STEM groups aligned perfectly with the organization’s goals. The result was a standout 2023 meeting that felt genuinely supported. They’ve already committed to returning in 2028 and 2034.
Creating Equity in Action
“In my role, I’m always thinking about how we can engage with diverse communities to make sure they’re included in the opportunities tourism brings,” says Chapman. “Whether it’s having dinner at a minority-owned restaurant during a site visit or bringing in community-based experiences, I try to be intentional about integrating equity at every turn.” Recently, Chapman was recognized by the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals with the Supplier of the Year Award. “Coalition has been so pivotal in my career. It was a huge honor.”
Inclusion is Portland’s Superpower
Portland is renowned for its reputation as a destination of radical acceptance and accessibility. That mindset is reflected in the beautifully renovated airport, tax-free financial perks and how deeply the city values inclusion. “There is a commitment to being a welcoming environment,” she says, “and for organizations that prioritize equity, belonging and reproductive rights, our commitment truly matters.”
And that, she believes, is what keeps people coming back. “People can come and be who they are. An overarching sense of welcome—that’s Portland.”
Bri DeMarco Williams Brings Portland Passion to Every Meeting
In 2014, Bri DeMarco Williams visited Portland for an industry convention and fell in love with the city. Between the beautiful scenery, foodie scene and genuine people, it felt like home. A little over a year later, she packed up her dog Url and drove from Oklahoma to Oregon, and hasn’t looked back.
Bri DeMarco Williams, National Account Manager
Based in Portland, OR • Northeast market • 10–499 peak rooms
As a national account manager for Travel Portland, “my favorite part of the job is sharing the passion I have for Portland with others,” says Williams. Now she helps East Coast–based associations, government groups and multicultural organizations discover what makes the city a perfect fit.
Small Meetings Deserve Big Attention
Williams focuses on smaller meetings that can be self-contained within a single hotel, typically with fewer than 500 peak room nights. But a smaller group doesn’t mean less attention, she emphasizes. “We’re still full service and very hands-on. I think it’s a surprise to planners that they get the same level of care and support no matter the size of the group.”
Meetings tend to break attendance records in Portland, notes Williams, and for good reason. “It’s such a welcoming, vibrant, walkable city. With parks and green spaces around nearly every corner of downtown and throughout Portland, it’s easy to take a nature break in the middle of a busy day. There are incredible food carts, shopping, thrift stores, winetasting and breweries,” she adds, “and everything is tax-free, which really helps the bottom line.” Some of her must-see attractions include the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden and Powell’s Books.
Meeting Forecast: Successful
One thing that surprises her East Coast clients is the temperate weather. “People don’t realize it’s a mild climate year-round,” she says, “it rarely gets below 40 or above 80.” In the winter, visitors enjoy a break from snow and freezing temperatures. And in summer, “The weather is magical. We don’t have that intense humidity like cities back east, so it’s perfect for a patio event or a stroll around the city.”
For Effortless Site Visits
Williams loves coordinating site visits with planners. From flights to tours of the city, “we work with hotel partners and arrange the entire trip so it’s really easy for them,” says Williams, “Think of me as the liaison for all things Portland.”
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