Meetings meet the outdoors
For planners looking to incorporate more white space and outdoor time into their agendas, Central Oregon delivers a strong balance of both. As a first-time visitor, I appreciated the main-character energy of Mother Nature and how present it felt in nearly every aspect of my experience.
Things to Do
The High Desert Museum in Bend is a unique venue where attendees can spend time with owls, otters and turtles while also taking advantage of flexible meeting space. Set on 135 acres, the property offers a serene outdoor setting that planners can easily incorporate into programming. Inside, live animal exhibits and immersive displays highlight the region’s history, including an ‘80s-themed exhibit on local volcanoes.
Many parts of Central Oregon are certified Dark Sky communities, making it an ideal destination for stargazing experiences. The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory offers groups a chance to gather, explore and learn together. When the weather is not suitable for stargazing, visitors can still see the massive telescopes up close and handle meteorite fragments, a special experience of its own.
My favorite experience of the trip was a hike with Wanderlust Tours at Smith Rock State Park. The experience felt genuinely magical. We watched rock climbers scale the rock face in real time and spotted birds soaring overhead. Our guide, Jose, shared thoughtful insights throughout the hike and even convinced us to smell a tree. It was Purshia tridentata, and it had a light but distinct vanilla scent.
I don’t usually prioritize shopping on these trips, but one of the other writers was on the hunt for jewelry, so I joined the adventure. That’s how I ended up at Bedouin in Sisters. The staff was friendly and patient as I tried on what felt like every ring in the store. I left with two.
Meet, Stay & Unwind
Sunriver Resort offers a mix of cozy accommodations and expansive meeting options. With 44,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including the Great Hall, the property can accommodate a wide range of group needs. The setting makes it easy for attendees to unwind after meetings, whether indoors by a fireplace or outside in nature. The spa also stood out, with a team that delivered a high level of service.
Tetherow Resort blends modern luxury with sweeping views of a par-72 golf course set against the Cascade Range. The property features 13,414 sq. ft. of meeting space, along with a mix of traditional venues and residential-style accommodations. For planners looking to create a more intimate or home-like setting, the latter adds a thoughtful touch.
At Five Pine Lodge, the experience felt straight out of a storybook. Breakfast arrived each morning in a basket, and at night I could step outside my cabin and watch the moon settle over the trees. It’s the kind of setting that works especially well for small groups looking to disconnect without sacrificing comfort.
A few honorable mentions worth considering for Central Oregon events include Black Butte Ranch, Riverhouse Lodge and Brasada Ranch.
This article appears in the May/June 2026 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
