Two economic development professionals will discuss the importance of travel and tourism to Lane County at the Friday meeting of the City Club of Eugene.

This Friday’s meeting will begin at 1 p.m., not the club’s normal noon start time. The club meets at WOW Hall, 291 W. Eighth Ave. in Eugene.

At the meeting, J.B. Carney of Eugene, Cascades and Coast and Matt Sayre of Collaborative Economic Development Oregon will talk about how tourism and sports events such as the Prefontaine Classic track meet contribute to the local economy. They’ll also offer predictions about the effects of tourism from the coast to the Cascades over the next decade.

Carney is the senior director for sports and the interim director for conventions at Eugene, Cascades and Coast, the nonprofit that promotes travel to Lane County. Sayre is the executive director of Collaborative Economic Development Oregon, a regional economic development nonprofit serving the county.

Friday’s meeting will be livestreamed and will be available on the City Club of Eugene’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. City Club meetings are rebroadcast at 7 p.m. Mondays on KLCC, 89.7 FM.

The City Club of Eugene explores a wide range of significant local, state and national issues. Admission to its meetings is free.