OTLA: Before You Apply

A: The academy program is designed for industry managers, supervisors, executives, and professionals identified by their employer with leadership potential within the industry. All interested professionals who work in either a private or public sector capacity in a business or organization that intersects with Oregon’s tourism industry are encouraged to apply.

A: The total cost of the program averages about $4,750. This includes the $2,950 program fee, which covers meals, program materials, transportation, and all facilitated experiential learning from the start of each session (after lunch on Day 1) through the conclusion (before lunch on Day 3). In addition, participants should budget around $1,800 for lodging and transportation across the eight overnight sessions, though actual costs may vary depending on travel distance and lodging preferences.

A: Each year, 4 scholarships will be available to applicants who communicate a need for financial assistance. Each scholarship will reduce the program cost by 50% or $1,475. Scholarship recipients will still be responsible for covering the remaining $1,475 academy program cost as well as their travel and accommodation expenses tied to program participation.

A: In order to keep the program accessible from a cost standpoint, the decision was made to save costs associated with meals at lunchtime on Day 1 and Day 3. Depending on each participant’s starting location, Day 1 will involve travel during the morning to arrive on site with other participants by 1pm. And Day 3 will involve afternoon travel back home. Participants will be encouraged to make their own lunch arrangements before Day 1 programming begins and after Day 3 programming ends. Day 3 afternoons are designated for travel time home for all participants.

A: Nothing like the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy exists in Oregon and in order to accomplish our objectives in a meaningful way a serious investment of time is required. Creating professional development programming and coordinating expert speakers takes significant work behind the scenes but the end result will be to the benefit of each participant. We’re convinced the investment of time and money will provide lasting benefits for each individual and their employer. The depth of the programming and the relationships cultivated with peers participating in the program will build comradery and a resource network of statewide significance. Program benefits include:

• The continued development of leadership skills, including creative team problem-solving, listening and communication skills, emotional intelligence and the development of deeper self-awareness.
• Lifelong relationships and networking pathways through connection with participants, mentors and presenters.
• Connections with state and national resources and networks through experiential learning in a variety of Oregon contexts.
• A sense of shared identity as a contributor to an industry that promotes Oregon’s economy and wellbeing.

A: The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association will send out an invoice for each program participant. Invoices will be sent out in January and will be due no later than the end of February. If payment is not received in full by the end of February, the program participant will forfeit their spot in the program to another applicant to fill up the 20-person class. ​​

A: All applications are reviewed and evaluated using set criteria by the OTLA Advisory Committee. In selecting 20 participants, we strive for a balanced mix of public- and private-sector professionals, cultural backgrounds, geographic regions, and urban/rural representation. Applicants not selected will be notified once the class is finalized and encouraged to reapply the following year, as applications are not carried over.

A: All prospective program participants must block out all applicable program days on their personal and professional calendars. In the case of an emergency, participants may be excused for part or all of one of the four multi-day experiences. If more than one full multi-day experience is missed, the participant will not be afforded the option of continuing the program.

A: All invoice payments are final, and no refunds will be extended in situations which require a change in academy participation. Academy staff reserve the right to assess each situation on a case by case basis. As a rule, refunds of program cost should not be expected given up front costs associated with creating the program and coordinating all experiential learning opportunities.