Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions we hear from planners.
Will the convention center’s location across the river from downtown hotels impact my event?
The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) sits across the Willamette River from downtown Portland — but Portlanders don’t see the river as a barrier. It’s just a scenic slice of nature in the middle of the city, and it takes mere minutes to cross.
Zipping across the river from downtown to the OCC is easy. You can simply hop on the MAX Light Rail for a quick 10–13-minute ride with stunning river views along the way.
There are also 1,300 hotel rooms within 5 minutes of the OCC, most of which are directly across the street!
Zipping across the river from downtown to the OCC is easy. You can simply hop on the MAX Light Rail for a quick 10–13-minute ride with stunning river views along the way.
Transportation & Getting Around
How does the MAX Light Rail work, and how easy is it for attendees to use?
MAX Light Rail is at the heart of Portland’s award-winning public transportation system, connecting Portland International Airport (PDX), the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) and downtown hotels with ease. It’s straightforward, affordable and a reliable, sustainable way for attendees to navigate the city. Here are some quick facts:
- Trip times:
- PDX to downtown Portland: 38–43 minutes
- PDX to OCC: 30–33 minutes
- OCC to downtown Portland: 10–13 minutes
- $2.80 for an adult ticket good for 2.5 hours; $5.60 for an all-day pass.
Traveling with luggage or need accessible boarding? No problem — roll right onto MAX. - Trains run every 15 minutes or better for most of the day, with service from early morning through late evening. Frequency is lighter in off-peak hours.
For complete schedules and more information, visit www.trimet.org. For additional transportation options, explore our Maps and Transit page.
What is there to do near the convention center?
The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is in the Lloyd neighborhood, a centrally located area with continued growth and investment. Whether your attendees are looking for a casual bite, a night out on the town or a major live event, it’s all within easy reach.
Within walking distance of the OCC and nearby hotels, the Moda Center and Veterans Memorial Coliseum host NBA (Trail Blazers) and WNBA (Fire) games, concerts and major events year-round. The Lloyd neighborhood dining scene offers everything from quick lunch spots to sit-down dinners.
And for attendees who want to explore beyond Lloyd, vibrant neighborhoods like the Pearl District and Nob Hill are a short ride away via MAX Light Rail or the Portland Streetcar. For more on what’s happening, check out our New in the Lloyd Neighborhood page.
Events, Dining & City Highlights
Where can I find a list of events and festivals in Portland?
Our events calendar lets you filter by date range so you can plan around — or take full advantage of — what’s going on in the city. Whether you’re looking for events happening tonight, tomorrow, this weekend or beyond, there’s never a shortage of things to do in Portland — some free, all fun.
Where can I find a list of favorite Portland restaurants?
Portland is a city that caters to foodies, and it’s genuinely hard to narrow down where to eat first. For a taste of the city’s finest eats, check out our roundup of Portland’s James Beard Award-winning restaurants, then dive deeper into our Food & Drink section for broader recommendations — including iconic food carts, farmers’ markets and neighborhood-specific dining guides.
Find eateries near you now with our free Near Me Now App.
If you’re up for a choose-your-own-food adventure, head to our Food Cart Finder, where you can take a food quiz or search to explore over 500+ food carts that fit your vibe.
Hundreds of restaurants are located within easy walking distance of MAX light rail lines in Portland’s central city.
Where can I find a list of restaurants with private dining?
Finding the right spot for a private group dinner is easy with our Hotel & Venue Finder. Simply select “Offsite Spaces” and check the “Private Dining” box to filter results. You can also reach out to your Travel Portland services contact for personalized recommendations based on your group size, cuisine preferences and budget.
What are some dining options near the convention center?
View our guide for Dining Near the Oregon Convention Center, which covers everything from casual lunch spots to dining for larger groups.
Portland Restaurants
Both sides of the river overflow with delicious dining options.
Dining Near the Oregon Convention Center
Lloyd offers a full menu of dining options near the Oregon Convention Center, whether you’re spending the day there or an exciting night at the nearby Moda Center.
Outdoor Dining in Portland: The Best Bar and Restaurant Patios
Many Portland bars and restaurants offer outdoor dining on scenic rooftops and spacious patios — find top spots where the view’s as good as what’s on the table.
Downtown Restaurants
From former food carts to fine international dining, you’re always just steps away from great restaurants in downtown Portland.
Event Planning & Resources
Where can I find photos of Portland for my event marketing materials?
Travel Portland offers a curated selection of rights-free images available for event promotion.
Visit assets.travelportland.com, request a login, then browse and download. You’ll also find logos, a promotional video and welcome messages on our Promotional Materials page — everything you need to get your attendees ready to love Portland.
Safety & Community
What efforts are underway to address homelessness?
Portland is a large city with numerous vibrant, welcoming neighborhoods for visitors to enjoy. Our team can identify areas that align with your group’s interests, and we closely monitor happenings around the city to ensure you and your attendees have a safe, enjoyable and memorable stay.
As in other major cities, homelessness is impacting Portland. The city has been partnering with regional and state governments, nonprofits and neighborhoods to explore myriad solutions, including a range of shelter models to meet the needs of unhoused individuals. For more information, visit our Homelessness in Portland page.
Hotel & Accommodations
Which new hotels are opening in Portland?
Portland’s hotel landscape has seen remarkable growth. Since 2018, the central city has welcomed several new properties — from the 600-room Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Portland, which opened in 2023. From big brands to boutique hotels, Portland offers a wide variety of options so that every stay feels like a dream.
Head to our New Hotels in Portland page for the up-to-date list of what’s open and what’s on the way. Our team can also help you identify the right properties for your group’s room block needs.
Hotels in Portland
Use these guides to find the perfect local hotel for your trip to the Rose City.
Planning & Budgeting
Are there union rules at the convention center?
The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) operates with selective union labor, which applies to certain services including electrical, rigging, cleaning and audiovisual work. These guidelines are standard for many large convention facilities, and your OCC event coordinator will walk you through exactly what applies to your event.
We recommend working closely with the OCC team from the start of your planning process to understand labor requirements and incorporate them into your overall budget. They’re experienced at helping groups navigate this efficiently. Contact our team for more information.
Is there really no sales tax in Portland, and how can that impact my budget?
Yes — Oregon has no sales tax, and that’s a genuine budget advantage for planners and attendees alike. Compared to other West Coast cities, groups can save up to 10% on their total bill, thanks to no sales tax. When you layer it across all event spend, this quickly shifts from a talking point to a real line-item advantage.
Planner Perspectives
What have planners said about their experience hosting events in Portland?
Portland has a strong track record of winning over planners and attendees alike, and we love sharing those stories. Contact your services representative for testimonials from planners like you, and check out Portland in the News for recent Portland headlines and coverage.
Travel Portland showcased the city from the very first site visit. They stayed engaged with us throughout the entire planning and preparation steps all the way through the event itself.
John Werner, President & COO, MAST Travel Network
Programming & Attendee Experience
What social impact, CSR or volunteer opportunities are available for my group?
Portland’s robust network of nonprofit and community organizations makes it easy to design meaningful give-back programming that resonates with attendees. From food access and environmental stewardship to youth mentorship and arts education, there’s no shortage of ways for your group to make a real impact.
Reach out to your Travel Portland Services Representative to start exploring options tailored to your group’s size, interests and schedule.
What group wellness activities are available?
Portland’s natural landscape anchors many wellness experiences, alongside a range of indoor options. Some standouts include:
- Forest Park — one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., with more than 70 miles of trails just minutes from downtown.
- Mt. Tabor — a volcanic butte right in the city, offering sweeping views and a peaceful experience.
- Many of Portland’s parks and gardens feature trails that are ideal for morning runs or group walks.
- With offerings like spas, soaking pools, group yoga classes or even sound baths, Portland has abundant options for groups to wind down and relax.
For more inspiration on building a well-rounded attendee experience, visit our Why Attendees Love Portland page or connect with our team.
Why Attendees Love Portland
Portland has all the amenities planners love, and visitors will be excited to immerse themselves in our city’s inclusive culture, award-winning culinary scene and breathtaking outdoor wonders.
Event Fit & Industry Groups
What event sizes are a good fit for Portland?
Portland is a versatile meeting destination that really shines for conventions and conferences in the 3,000–5,000 attendee range and 1,200–2,000 rooms on peak. The LEED® Platinum Oregon Convention Center — with 500,000 square feet of total event space, 255,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, 52 meeting rooms and two ballrooms — can accommodate large citywide conventions, with 10,000+ central city hotel rooms supporting room blocks in the heart of it all.
For smaller meetings, Portland offers flexible, hotel-based options with several properties able to host guestrooms and meeting space under one roof. Combined with walkable neighborhoods and distinctive off-site venues, it’s easy to build a cohesive attendee experience.
Use our Hotel & Venue Finder to explore options or contact our team to discuss your specific event needs.
Which industry groups are drawn to Portland, and why?
Groups are often drawn to Portland for a mix of sector expertise and local alignment. The following industries are common, but Portland regularly hosts a wide range of organizations and groups year-round:
- Healthcare and Medical — Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) serves as a key anchor, and Portland’s broader research community provides built-in credibility and networking opportunities.
- Sporting Events and Competitions — Portland is well-equipped to host a wide range of sports, with accessible, flexible venues, a temperate climate year-round, and a track record of successful matches and tournaments.
- Groups Focused on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion — Portland’s values and Travel Portland’s commitment to DEIA make the city a welcoming choice for groups with these priorities.
- Computer Science and Engineering — With a well-known, thriving tech and builder community, it’s no wonder we’ve been dubbed the Silicon Forest. The Portland region is home to numerous major hardware and software companies and hundreds of startups, all contributing to a strong culture of innovation.
Across industries, Portland offers an inclusive environment and the infrastructure to support a wide range of meetings and events. Reach out to our sales team to learn more.
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