2026 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting, & “Do 6” Awards
Starry Skies and Stronger Communities
2026 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting, & “Do 6” Awards
The 2026 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting, & “Do 6” Awards will be held September 9-11, 2026, in the Heritage Community of Coudersport, located in Potter County, Pennsylvania.
Coudersport was selected as the host community in recognition of its designation as the 2025 PA Route 6 Heritage Community of the Year, an award presented to one designated Heritage Community that has embraced their Heritage Tourism Work Plan and has been steadily implementing worthwhile projects that show impact and results in their community.
Flourishing small businesses, artisans, and signature events, supported by organizations such as Revitalize Potter County, the Potter County Artisans Center, and a revitalized Chamber of Commerce, have helped create a vibrant, welcoming destination. As a gateway to Cherry Springs State Park, a globally recognized Dark Sky destination, Coudersport successfully blends arts, culture, outdoor recreation, and tourism, making it an ideal setting to showcase best practices in heritage-based community and economic development for the PA Route 6 region.
About the Program
The 2026 Educational Workshop, Annual Meeting, & “Do 6” Awards has expanded into a multi-day experience featuring educational sessions, networking opportunities, outdoor activities, and celebrations centered around this year’s theme: Community Planning. Throughout the event, attendees will explore innovative ideas, collaborative strategies, and real-world success stories that strengthen communities along the PA Route 6 Corridor, from dark sky preservation and heritage tourism to active transportation and economic development. Whether you attend the entire event or select individual activities, there’s something for everyone.
The event begins at world-renowned Cherry Springs State Park, named by the Travel Channel as one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. Guests will enjoy a special Dark Sky Program presented by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Environmental Education Specialist Steve Werner.
The Educational Workshop continues at the Gunzburger Building in downtown Coudersport with a full day of engaging presentations, Heritage Community panel discussions, and practical planning strategies designed for community leaders, tourism professionals, nonprofit organizations, and local stakeholders.
Featured speakers include Potter County Planner Will Hunt discussing Dark Sky Preservation; Heidi Schlag of Heritage Tourism Studio presenting strategies for creating a connected visitor experience along Route 6; Samantha Pearson of the PA Downtown Center exploring active transportation and economic development; Helena Kotala of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council highlighting the Route 6 Alliance Gravel Route Project; Jenny Trotten and Spencer Moss of Alchemy sharing the Revitalize Potter County initiative; and Silas Chamberlain of Firefly Outdoor Economics demonstrating how digital data can strengthen community planning efforts. Additional speakers will be announced soon.
The Annual Meeting will be held at the Coudersport Golf Club and features keynote speaker Heidi Schlag, Founder and Principal of Heritage Tourism Studio, who will share insights into how thoughtful community planning shapes the Route 6 visitor experience. The evening also includes updates on Alliance initiatives, recognition of community achievements through the annual “Do 6” Awards, and an after-party to celebrate another successful year.
Attendees can also enjoy several optional activities throughout the event, including a guided walking tour of historic Coudersport, visits to the local farmers market, the PA Route 6 Alliance Maker’s Market in partnership with the PA Wilds, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Cyclists can join the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for an optional group ride along the scenic Coudersport Heritage Loop, part of the Trans PA Cycle Tour.
Registration is now open. We look forward to welcoming you to Coudersport for this inspiring celebration of collaboration, community, and the future of Pennsylvania’s Route 6 Corridor.
Speakers
Lodging
Book your stay early! Visit https://www.visitpottertioga.com/plan-your-stay/lodging
2026
"Do 6" Awards
Each year at the Annual Meeting & Educational Workshop, the Alliance recognizes and celebrates just a handful of those outstanding individuals and groups through their annual “Do 6” Awards Ceremony. These individuals, organizations, businesses, and corporations exemplify the mission of the PA Route 6 Alliance to protect, preserve and enhance the scenic, cultural, historical, and recreational resources of Pennsylvania’s northern tier.
Nominations for the 2026 “Do 6” Awards are now closed.
Heritage Partnership Award
The Heritage Partnership Award is given to a person, group, or project that has demonstrated excellence in historic and cultural preservation, interpretation, and/or education through cross-corridor thinking and interagency cooperation.
Heritage Tourism Award
The Heritage Tourism Award is presented to the organizers of a project or event that furthers economic and tourism development while still respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the corridor.
Heritage Leadership Award
The Heritage Leadership Award is presented to a person, business, or organization for meaningful contributions and/or partnerships that have resulted in the enrichment of our communities through landscape initiatives or historic preservation.
Artisan of the Year Award
The Artisan of the Year Award is presented to an Artisan Trail member who exemplifies the goals of the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail program with special attention to regional thinking and cooperation while promoting the arts along the corridor.
Heritage Community of the Year Award
The Heritage Community of the Year Award is presented to one designated Heritage Community that is embracing their Heritage Tourism WorkPlan and implementing worthwhile projects that show impact and results in their community.
Lifetime Achievement
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a person or agency that exemplifies outstanding leadership and advances the PA Route 6 Alliance mission through heritage development.
2026
Planning Committee Members
| Position | Name | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Director | Candace Hillyard | PA Route 6 Alliance |
| Fiscal & Admin Coordinator | Danielle Stilson | PA Route 6 Alliance |
| Artisan Trail Coordinator | Ralph Scherder | PA Route 6 Alliance |
| Executive Director | Colleen Hanson | Visit Potter-Tioga |
| Director | Will Hunt | Potter County Planning, GIS, & Community Development |
| Northwest Regional Advisor | Katie Wickert | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Coudersport Borough | ||
| Coudersport Chamber |
2026 Event Sponsors
2026 Silver Sponsors
2026 Bronze Sponsor
2026 Funding Partners
Become a Sponsor!
Sponsorship is a great opportunity to position your brand in front of some of Pennsylvania’s top leaders and organizations while also supporting local communities and the 11-county PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor. Sponsorship provides visibility in front of Pennsylvania’s top tourism and community leaders while supporting regional development and local heritage initiatives. Sponsors are recognized through event materials, online exposure, and participation opportunities. Click the Sponsorship Opportunities button to complete an online sponsorship form or download a paper copy to print and mail here!
Previous Educational Workshops, Annual Meetings, & “Do 6” Award Programs
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