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Achieving the Dream
Thousands of practitioners from 300+ colleges will gather for the 22nd annual convening in Portland to exchange evidence-based strategies that drive access, momentum, mobility and community impact.
Welcome to DREAM 2026!
Achieving the Dream is excited to welcome you. As we gather in Portland to choose transformation over tradition, curiosity over inaction, innovation over status quo, we would like to respectfully acknowledge that DREAM 2026 will take place on lands and traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River.
The City of Roses has welcomed us to enjoy its splendor.
Travel Portland has curated a few suggestions from outstanding restaurants and great shopping at local boutiques and major retailers alike — all with no sales tax. Partake in a thriving arts community, internationally acclaimed local wines and microbrews, intriguing history, and incredible scenic wonder.
Portland has worked hard on its eco-friendly and sustainable ethos, developing innovative public transit, preserving the area’s natural beauty, and supporting the local chefs and growers who give the food scene its one-of-a-kind flavor.
All that said, you may be most impressed by the friendly, professional and hospitable people you’ll meet in Portland.
Enjoy your time in the Rose City!
Achieving the Dream
Get Excited! You’re Coming to Portland!
Accommodations and Venues
The hotels below offer special room rates for this conference. Please see the event website for booking instructions — conference hotel rates can only be applied to rooms booked through the official reservation process outlined on the event website.
Hotel Information
Where should I stay in Portland?
Courtyard Portland Downtown Convention Center
DoubleTree by Hilton Portland
Hilton Portland Downtown
Hotel Eastlund
Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center
The Duniway Portland, A Hilton Hotel
What amenities are offered by the contracted hotels?
Where can I park at the Oregon Convention Center (OCC)?
Near Me Now App
You’ve arrived in the City of Roses. You’re excited to see the sights. You’re hungry (and ready for a beverage, too). But how to know what’s nearby, and which spots you simply can’t miss? The Near Me Now app has you covered.
Food in Portland
From food carts to farmers’ markets (and award-winning restaurants, of course), the Portland food scene is an eclectic culinary haven.
It’s a well-established fact: Portland is one of the world’s great food cities. Hearing this, someone might plan a trip to Portland, visit a few restaurants and head for home. But a Portland trip that only involves restaurants is missing out on so much of the excellent food Portland has to offer.
Because here are a few other important facts: Portland has incredible food carts. And farmers’ markets. And dessert spots and brewery food and burger chains (and more). So should a trip to the City of Roses involve a meal (or three) in a restaurant? Absolutely. But dig a little deeper into the Portland food scene and you’ll find all the many forms delicious Portland food can take.
Dining Near the Oregon Convention Center
The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is located in the Lloyd neighborhood, just across the Willamette River from downtown Portland and Old Town Chinatown. Lloyd is home to a wide variety of restaurants and bars, many within walking distance of the OCC. Popular spots include Milo’s City Cafe for a satisfying breakfast or lunch, Nong’s Khao Man Gai for Thai chicken and rice, or Spirit of 77 for drinks in lively sports-bar environs — and there are many more to explore.
Download our Restaurants Near the Oregon Convention Center Map
Dining in Downtown Portland
Downtown Portland restaurants run the gamut — you’ll find everything from budget lunch options at a multitude of food carts to delicious fine dining at acclaimed dinner spots in the central city.
Flying Elephants, an outpost of popular Portland-local chain Elephants Delicatessen, offers deli fare ranging from fresh salads and sandwiches to classic pastries to sate the sweet tooth. Head to Q Restaurant & Bar for eclectic menus featuring locally sourced Pacific Northwest cuisine. Relax into a leather armchair at Multnomah Whiskey Library, where an expert staff offers recommendations from over 2,000 available spirits.
Download our Downtown Food & Drinks map
Car-Free Portland
Portland’s public transport options make it easy to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time.
Using the MAX Light Rail
Every attendee will receive a TriMet Hop Fastpass to help them get around the city during the conference. TriMet is Portland’s public transportation system and Travel Portland provides passes that can be used on our light rail, streetcars and buses. Make sure to stop by registration or the Travel Portland Welcome Desk at the Oregon Convention Center to pick up a card. Learn more about how to use the cards here.
Know Before You Go
Visit TriMet’s website for more information on fares, navigating the city and possible disruptions of MAX service.
Portland Perks
Not only is everything tax-free in Portland, our partners from a few local born-and-bred brands are offering you exclusive discounts! Take advantage of these added savings when you come to Portland.
 | Experience the thrill of the NBA in Rip City! Take advantage of discounted tickets for a Portland Trail Blazers game here. |
 | You are in Soccer City USA! Make your way over to Providence Park, home of the Portland Timbers – the city’s Major League Soccer team. On behalf of Travel Portland, The Timbers are offering discounted tickets to those traveling to Portland with a home match during their stay. Join the Timbers Army & join in on the fun of Timbers soccer at one of the most historic North American sporting event venues still in operation. Get your discounted tickets here: Portland Timbers – Tickets. |
 | Explore the Portland culinary scene with 10% off at any Urban Restaurant Group establishment . From tacos and tequila at Carlita’s , to rooftop Pacific NW cuisine at Metropolitan Tavern , locally owned Urban Restaurants have something to delight all taste buds! |
 | This is THE vibey, authentic Portland shop you’re looking for. It’s like a year -round maker’s market featuring unique gifts from 100’s of local and indie artists and small businesses. Come and grab a free Portland sticker at any Tender Loving Empire location by showing your conference badge! |
 | New to Portland as of the 2023–24 season, the Rip City Remix play in the NBA’s G League, which showcases young talent on the verge of making the Trail Blazers roster. You can receive 25% off all Rip City tickets with coupon code TRAVEL!PDX25. |
 | Save on gear for your next adventure with Columbia Sportswear — show your hotel confirmation to receive 20% off your purchase at the flagship store on Southwest Broadway. |
 | Explore more of Portland for less with Peak Tours and Transit — simply enter the discount code “welcome15” when you book your excursion. |
 | Taste more of the seasonal flavors Portland has to offer at Produce Row, a Central Eastside gastropub and craft beer bar — show your conference badge or pick up a coupon at the Travel Portland welcome desk for 10% off food. |
 | Be dazzled and receive free earrings with a $100 purchase. Pop in and shop or book a complimentary appointment with a stylist. Garnish creates fashion that celebrates real people with limited-edition clothing, accessories and jewelry designed in-house and made in Portland. |
 | Calling all sports fans! Find souvenirs and everything you might need to get on the field at Portland Smash at Lloyd Center. Receive 10% off any purchase of $25 or more. |
 | Explore more for less with Enterprise! Whether you’re traveling between quaint Portland neighborhoods, or heading out to explore the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River Gorge, Enterprise is here to help get you there with the right rental vehicle and exceptional customer service every step of t he way. Choose from discounted great rates on a large selection of standard, exotic and luxury vehicles from the convenience of our multiple neighborhood and airport location. We also offer unlimited mileage on most vehicle classes and no cancellation fees because we understand that plans change all the time. We can’t wait for you to hit the Oregon roads! |
Extend Your Stay
See more of Portland — take a tour, wander a new-to-you neighborhood or explore the region.
Portland Tours
Experience the best Portland has to offer with the help of a local tour guide or one of our self-guided itineraries.
Neighborhoods
Learn more about Portland neighborhoods, which are located in the city’s six main geographical sections or so-called “quadrants” (Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest, North and South).
Region
From mountain to ocean and desserts to valleys, the region surrounding Portland offers endless adventure.
Portland Events
Find exciting upcoming events, from live music to theater to stand-up comedy and more.
Spring in Portland
No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something fun to see and do in Portland.
Spring in Portland
Springtime in Portland brings plenty of showers and new growth, along with only-in-Portland activities, adventures, and celebrations of culture, food and flowers.
Spring Hikes Near Portland
These spring hikes near Portland offer wildflowers, bird-watching and breathtaking scenery — learn how to find them and what to bring along on your trek.
Spend Spring Break in Portland
Plan an epic spring break in Portland with our list of activities for families, friends, couples and solo travelers.
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