Oregon Delegation Explores Bringing Prestigious 50 Best North America Awards to Portland
LAS VEGAS - An Oregon delegation recently visited las Vegas to assess teh feasibility of bringing the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards event to Portland, potentially as early as 2027. The group, comprised of representatives from Travel Oregon, Travel Portland, the Oregon Wine Board, and Feast Portland co-founder Mike Thelin, toured the event’s inaugural location at the Wynn Las Vegas to gauge its scale and network with key organizers.
The exploratory mission signals Oregon’s ambition to capitalize on the growing recognition of its culinary scene. The 50 Best organization, renowned for its influential World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, launched the North American edition this year, naming Portland’s Kann restaurant to the list. hosting the awards event could substantially boost tourism and further elevate Oregon’s profile as a premier dining destination.
Led by Thelin, the delegation aimed to understand the logistical and financial requirements of hosting the event.They sought to determine what resources would be needed to successfully stage the awards,which draw international attention and industry leaders.
“The group’s mission was exploratory in nature: get a sense of the show’s size and scale,meet the players involved,and find out what it would take to host the event,” sources confirmed. The delegation walked through the Wynn, observing the event’s infrastructure and engaging in discussions with organizers.
The potential economic impact of hosting the 50 Best North America awards is substantial. Similar events have demonstrably increased tourism revenue and media coverage for host cities. For Oregon,securing the event would represent a major win for its hospitality industry and a testament to the state’s thriving culinary landscape.
