NEA Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly

Join the Representative Assembly – the largest democratic deliberative assembly in the world for NEA's 2025 Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon on July 2–6, 2025

When
July 2–6, 2025
Daily
Where
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97232
National Education Association logo
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Dear NEA Attendees and Exhibitors:

On behalf of Travel Portland, I am honored that NEA has chosen to host its Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly in Portland. I know that you had many destinations to choose from, and we are so excited that Portland will be hosting your meeting.

We in Portland pride ourselves on having something to offer everyone, from outstanding hotels and meeting facilities to outstanding restaurants and great shopping at local boutiques and major retailers alike — all with no sales tax. In the City of Roses, your delegates will be treated to a thriving arts community, internationally acclaimed local wines and microbrews, intriguing history, and incredible scenic wonder. Portland has worked hard on our eco-friendly and sustainable ethos, developing innovative public transit, preserving the area’s natural beauty, and supporting the local chefs and growers who give our food scene its nationally recognized, one-of-a-kind flavor. All that said, you may be most impressed by the friendly, professional and hospitable people you’ll meet here.

You don’t have to take my word for it — I’m happy that you’ll have the pleasure of experiencing all this firsthand. We look forward to welcoming NEA and you to Portland.

Best regards,
Jeff Miller
President & CEO

Get Excited! You’re Coming to Portland!

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. 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, or Spirit of 77 for pub food and 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

Near Me Now App

Downloading Near Me Now — the official Portland app — is like having a personal guide to the city right in your pocket!

Food Cart Finder

Search 500+ Portland food carts by cuisine, trademark dishes and dietary needs.

Dining Out in Portland

With abundant, amazing food and drink options, Portland is one of the top foodie cities.

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.

Group Activities

Find team-building activities — or activities that are just for fun — for groups of all sizes.

  • Hopscotch

    Immersive art experience Hopscotch features 14 large-scale art installations in its 23,000 square foot gallery, many of which are illuminated. You can interact with the art, create the art and even become the art.

  • Dave & Buster’s Happy Valley

    Part restaurant, part sports bar and part arcade, Dave & Buster’s offers food and fun for the whole family in Happy Valley.

  • Birdie Time Pub

    This mini-golf sports pub features nine-hole mini golf, badminton and golf simulators along with 35+ taps and a full bar with locally made spirits.

  • Punch Bowl Social

    At Punch Bowl Social, enjoy bowling, ping pong, darts, marbles, karaoke, shuffleboard and arcade games while sampling chicken and waffles, skillet burgers, adult milkshakes and more.

  • Ground Kontrol

    In addition to a full complement of vintage video games and pinball machines, this two-floor adult arcade features a beer and wine bar, live music and DJs on weekends, and a steady stream of joystick-related events.

  • The People’s Courts

    The People’s Courts pairs a plethora of games and activities with craft food and drinks, all made in-house. Featuring pickleball courts, cornhole, ping-pong, bocce, disc golf and more, the opportunities for fun — and team-building — are endless.

  • Portland Spirit Cruises

    Experience premier dining on one of three luxurious yachts. Portland Spirit Cruises & Events operates year-round on the Willamette River in beautiful downtown Portland.

  • Hour to Midnight

    Hour to Midnight’s room escape games feature special effects, innovative puzzles and engaging story lines sure to immerse you and your guests in an exciting, one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. Their banquet room can host up to 28 guests.

  • Topgolf Hillsboro

    Topgolf Hillsboro features 102 climate-controlled hitting bays, four private party rooms, a rooftop terrace, a sports bar and a restaurant with a hand-crafted food and beverage menu.

  • Escapism Portland

    Escapism Portland offers a variety of live-action room escape games — find clues, solve puzzles and complete tasks. They can accommodate teams with 2 to 10 members, depending on the room.

Things to Do in Portland

Like the city itself, Portland's attractions are a little unexpected and always inspiring.

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.

black, red, and white logo and emblemPortland is proudly home to a thriving sports scene. Whether you’re a die-hard viewer, recreational participant or just looking to enjoy the city’s sports culture, enjoy Travel Portland exclusive benefits with the Portland Trail Blazers by visiting here.
black, red, and beige logo and emblemNew 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.
a logo featuring a geometric shape and the words “Columbia Sportswear Company” in blackSave 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.
a tour agency logo featuring a mountainous landscape and the words “Peak Tours and Transit”Explore more of Portland for less with Peak Tours and Transit — simply enter the discount code “welcome15” when you book your excursion.
a gastropub logo with the words "Produce Row Est. 1974" in white text on a black backgroundTaste 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.
a restaurant logo with two stylized Gs in white text on a red backgroundBe 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.

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 Visitor Center Now Open

Our friendly and knowledgeable travel experts are excited to help visitors plan their trip and make local activity and event recommendations.

Portland Events

Find exciting upcoming events, from live music to theater to stand-up comedy and more.

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Watch the Pacific Northwest's only NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers compete this season. Cheer along with Rip…

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Summer in Portland

No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something fun to see and do in Portland.

Summer in Portland

In the summertime, Portland pulls out all the stops, with festivals celebrating craft beer, music, contemporary art and the city’s culinary scene.

Portland Weather

Every season in Portland brings unique weather conditions and changes to the city’s outdoor scenery. Use our guide to weather in Portland (including average temperatures and rainfall) to help you plan your next trip.

Celebrating Downtown Summertime Events

Pacific NW Experience invites you to join them at Hotel Vance to learn about downtown Portland’s upcoming summertime events. Attendees will get the lowdown on the return of live concerts to Providence Park, Pioneer Courthouse Square’s 40th-anniversary celebrations and My People’s Market. Enjoy delectable bites courtesy of BEASTRO by Marshawn Lynch and sample whiskey from…

Safety in Portland

Portland is a safe place to visit. Read on for detailed answers surrounding safety and the visitor experience.