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 grown to accommodate an expanded schedule of engaging sessions, networking opportunities, and celebrations! Centered around the theme of Community Planning, this year’s event will highlight innovative ideas, collaborative strategies, and real-world applications that strengthen communities along the PA Route 6 Corridor from dark sky preservation and heritage tourism to active transportation and local economic development. Guests have the flexibility to attend the full event or select what works best for their schedule.
Educational programming will begin at world-renowned Cherry Springs State Park, named by the Travel Channel as “the best place on Earth for stargazing,” where guests will be treated to a special Dark Sky Program by PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Environmental Education Specialist Steve Werner.
The Educational Workshop, held at the Gunzburger Building in downtown Coudersport, has a schedule packed with insightful sessions, Heritage Community panelists, and practical strategies designed to inspire and equip community leaders and stakeholders. Speakers include Potter County Planner Will Hunt on Dark Sky Preservation, Heidi Schlag of Heritage Tourism Studio on Turning Route 6 into a Connected Visitor Experience, Samantha Pearson of the PA Downtown Center on Active Transportation and Economic Development, Helena Kotala of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) on the Route 6 Alliance Gravel Route Project, Jenny Trotten and Spencer Moss of Alchemy on Revitalize Potter County, Silas Chamberlain of Firefly Outdoor Economics on using digital data in planning purposes, and even more to be announced!
The Annual Meeting, held at the Coudersport Golf Club, features keynote speaker Heidi Schlag, Founder and Principal of Heritage Tourism Studio, who will offer a unique, experienced, and invigorating perspective on How Community Planning Shapes the Route 6 Experience. The evening continues with updates on Alliance planning efforts, celebrating joint accomplishments, and culminating with the “Do 6” Awards. Guests are then invited to have some fun at the after-party!
Additional activities include a guided history tour of Coudersport in the heart of Potter County, a visit to Coudersport’s farmers market and a PA Route 6 Alliance Maker’s Market in partnership with the PA Wilds showcasing regional artisans and producers, and outdoor recreational activities including an optional group bike ride with PEC along the Coudersport Heritage Loop, part of the Trans PA Cycle Tour.
Join us for this one-of-a-kind event! Registration is now open!
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 |
| Program Manager | Casey Ferry | PA Route 6 Alliance |
| Fiscal & Admin Coordinator | Danielle Stilson | 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 Sponsors
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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