Oregon Convention Center

777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97232

Getting Around

Find ground transportation options to/from the airport, local transportation to get around town and learn about the walkability of the area.

Looking for a potential ride-share? Check out our form below.

International Travelers

Lodging

We encourage guests to take advantage of the hotel room block procured. There will also be a mixture of lodging available at Lolo Pass and the University of Portland dormitories.

Looking for a potential roommate? Check out the room-share forum link below.

Food and Beverages

2023 conference registration will include morning coffee/tea service plus access to fresh water daily. Evening receptions will have small bites. Guests will have the option to add other meals (through their lodging choices) or purchase meals in/around the event center. The Conference Committee is developing a list of eateries that will be posted below.

For Families

For guests traveling with family members, please review the family info section below. Mamava nursing suites are available on site.

Conference Contacts

Carolyn Anthon
AESS Managing Director
canthon@aessonline.org
for questions related to sponsorship, exhibiting, or AESS membership

General Inquiries
events@aessonline.org
for questions related to venue, lodging, and local transportation

Becky Rafter
AESS Conference Chair
events@aessonline.org
for questions related to proposals and sessions

Sustainability at AESS

AESS strives to meet benchmark standards for sustainability at our events. However, we are often limited by the capabilities of our site hosts and financial constraints. We welcome feedback and suggestions on our events and hope you appreciate efforts that go into making our event as sustainable as possible. We look forward to improving our environmental footprint year-to-year. For 2023, we are glad to note the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is an LEED Platinum Certified Facility and a pioneer in creating a space for green and sustainable meetings. Their commitments include energy reduction and solar power utilization, landfill waste minimization and recycling, watershed stewardship, air quality, supply chain carbon footprint reduction and community engagement. You can read more about why they make such a good partner for our organization here:
https://www.oregoncc.org/en/about/sustainability

Lodging and Travel Details

Hotel Room Blocks

Room blocks have been arranged at several local facilities. Your stays at one of these places gives credits toward the meeting space room usage cost through a Travel Portland partnership. We know you have many choices and appreciate your considering these lodging sites.

Hyatt (click to expand details)
  • $199/night + tax (single and double)
  • $224/night + tax (triple)
  • $249/night + tax (quad)
  • plus applicable state and local taxes, currently 16% per night occupancy tax.

Reservations are the responsibility of individuals. All reservations must be accompanied by a deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card individually. Hotel will not hold any reservations unless secured by one of the above methods. Reservations must be received by June 16, 2023.

Book your group rate for AESS+ASLE 2023 Conference

Individual reservations are made by clicking the link above of calling the hotel directly at 971-222-1234. To receive the established group rate, individuals must identify themselves as members of the ASLE conference group initially when making the reservation. All reservations must be received by the cut-off date and guaranteed with a credit card.

Once the room block fills, the hotel will honor the group rate only if rooms are still available prior to the cut-off date. 

See Hyatt Regency website for full list of hotel amenities and policies.

Want to try and find a roommate? Check out our forum padlet.

LoLo Pass (click to expand details)

Hostel/Hotel Hybrid: Lolo Pass
This hostel-hotel hybrid offers shared dorms and private rooms, shared kitchen and laundry room, and a fifth-story rooftop bar.
Distance from Oregon Convention Center: 0.6 miles to the SE
Room Block: Any dates from July 5 to July 16 are eligible for the special rates.
Booking Deadline: NO DEADLINE BUT LIMITED ROOMS – BOOK EARLY

ASLE/AESS block includes mostly hostel style rooms:

Double Twin w/Ensuite Bath (only 6 available):
$130.00 Weekdays / $145.00 Fri/Sat

Dormitory Style Rooms:
Pricing is per bed per night
Guests who reserve multiple beds on the same reservation will be placed in the same room.
Guests who reserve beds on separate reservations must contact Lolo Pass to request to room together.

4-bed Female/Male/All Gender: $44.00 Weekdays / $46.00 Fri or Sat
8-bed Female/Male/All Gender: $42.00 Weekdays / $44.00 Fri or Sat

To book as part of the ASLE/AESS block, visit www.lolopass.com and hit the ‘Book Now’ button. From the booking page, first enter dates of stay, and secondly enter the group code: b703987.

Want to try and find a roommate? Check out our forum padlet.

Quality Inn (click to expand details)

Quality Inn
Distance from OCC: 2-3 blocks
Price: Price: 1 King Bed $125/night
2 Queen Beds $135/night,
Room block available: July 7-13
Reservation Cutoff Date: June 16, 2023
Reservation Link

Want to try and find a roommate? Check out our forum padlet.

Fine Print

A rebate in the amount of $5.00 per fully paid occupied room night, at the contracted Guest Room Rate, within the Guest Room Block will be credited to Travel Portland following Group’s payment in full of the Master Account to assist with Event-related costs and expenses. Group shall disclose the existence of this rebate to its members and attendees prior to the Event in all pre-Event collateral and program materials. No rebate will be paid on any Attrition Charges, or Cancellation Charges collected by Hotel, no-show or early departure fees, guest rooms booked outside of the Guest Room Block, or on any discounted rooms, including but not limited to staff rooms.

What this means: the cost of the meeting space at the Oregon Convention Center is offset by this Travel Portland rebate so that the event venue cost is drastically reduced or cancelled out. Travel Portland is a non-profit hospitality and tourism organization. learn more at travelportland.com/about-us

Campus Housing – Portland State University – Reservations will open in the spring

Single and double rooms available. Rooms are all single bookings; if you desire to split with a roommate, must name a roommate as an additional guest. Both get keys. Use the roomshare/rideshare messageboard if you want to find a roommate. Rooms will be available to book until June 23 or when the block is filled. NOTE: space is limited and we cannot guarantee any beyond our original block.

All are double twin rooms with private bath (if double occupancy, reservation still needs to be via a single payment)

$65/night in Ondine Hall

$77/night in Broadway Hall

Reservation link: Portland State U Lodging

  • Campus amenities include access to rec center: pool, track, weights, etc.
  • Meal plan options available for guests to purchase on site
  • Parking available ($)
  • Service animals welcome. ADA bookings – please call to book.
  • Gender inclusive bathrooms
  • Minors (17 and under) can stay with a parent. Ondine suites have adjoining rooms – must request at time of booking
  • Linens must be reserved +$9/night (you may opt out and bring your own)
  • Minimum 3 night stay required. Nights chosen by guest.
  • Rooms available July 9 – July 12 with shoulder dates upon request (i.e. July 8, July 13)
  • 20 minute MAX light rail ride to/from conference

Reservations must be received by June 23, 2023.

Want to try and find a roommate? Check out our forum padlet.

Public transportation stops right at the OCC to make exploring the city easy. We are reserving hotel blocks in adjacent facilities to minimize driving, and planning on securing dormitory space at nearby Portland State University, which is only a 20-minute MAX light rail ride away.

Registered attendees will receive a free TriMet pass when they check-in at the Convention Center. TriMet is Portland’s public transportation system and Travel Portland provides passes for the first 900 registered attendees that can be used on the light rail, streetcars, and buses during your stay.

Portland possesses an international airport close to downtown with many direct flight connections and multiple public transportation options.

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the closest airport to the OCC, located about 20 minutes away via car, or about 40-45 minutes via MAX light rail.

For transportation to your lodging, there are many options, including public transport, taxi, Uber or Lyft.
Airport Transportation Options

BIKETOWN is Portland’s bike share program with 1,500 bikes at over 180 stations across downtown and several neighborhoods. The system is designed for quick trips with convenience in mind, and it’s a fun and affordable way to get around.

Want to try and find a rideshare? Check out our forum padlet.

 

NOTE: During our event, there will be construction affecting the MAX to/from the PDX airport. See details below:

Due to construction associated with a system improvement plan, the MAX Red Line service will be disrupted between Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center and Portland International Airport. When operating normally, the Red Line takes riders straight from downtown to PDX. During the construction, a small portion of the line directly next to the airport will be shut down. To replace the closed section of the train line, shuttle buses will run between PDX and the Gateway Transit Center. Normal MAX service will run between Gateway Transit Center and Downtown.

Key items to note:

  • This ONLY disrupts service to and from PDX, not local travel within Portland city center
  • Attendees are still able (and encouraged!) to use public transportation to get to and from the airport, but should plan on adding an additional 20 minutes for their trip

For travel from the Airport to downtown:

  • Riders will board a shuttle bus at PDX (near baggage claim) that takes them to the Gateways transit center
  • At the Gateway transit center, they will board the MAX Red OR Blue Lines toward Portland City Center

For travel from downtown to PDX:

  • Riders will board the MAX Red OR Blue Lines toward Portland City Center
  • Riders will get off the train at the Gateway transit center and board a bus that will take them to PDX

An explanation of this portion of the project can be found here.

Restaurants

Restaurants

All restaurants are accessible by wheelchair.

Nearby (within 20 min walk/Max Rail from OCC)

Hyatt Regency at Convention Center website

Market
375 NE Holladay St · In Hyatt Regency
Coffee shop with breakfast/lunch/to-go items, 6am-10pm

Bridgetown BBQ
375 NE Holladay St · In Hyatt Regency
Breakfast buffet, 7-11am

Spoke & Fork
375 NE Holladay St · In Hyatt Regency
Lobby bar with upscale pub food, lunch/dinner 1pm-11pm

J Cafe
http://thejcafeportland.com/ 
533 NE Holladay St #101
Paninis & drinks, breakfast/lunch

Green Bridge Coffee
https://greenbridgecoffee.com/ 
650 NE Holladay St #110, Portland, OR 97232
Welcoming coffee shop serving hot drinks & light bites with a focus on supporting local charities. 7am-1pm M-F

Dutch Bros. Coffee
https://www.dutchbros.com/menu 
Coffee & beverages, 5am-12am daily

Boxwood Cafe
https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/portland/pdxne/hoteldetail/dining 
1441 NE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97232 (in Crowne Plaza hotel)
contemporary all-day eatery, Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 6:00 AM-10:00 PM

BLVD Kitchen & Bar
https://blvd-portland.com/ 
435 NE Wasco St #1105 (In Marriott Courtyard Downtown/Convention Center)
Regional American eatery & bar, dinner only

Cafe Yumm! – NE 7th & Holladay
https://www.cafeyumm.com/ 
1010 NE 7th Ave · In the Hassalo on Eighth
Asian-style rice bowls, wraps & salads, 10AM – 9PM

Cafe 700
https://www.zmenu.com/cafe-700-portland-online-menu/ 
700 NE Multnomah St #140
Basic American coffee shop, 7am-4pm

Gather Food & Drink
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/rllc-dt-doubletree-portland/dining/ 
1000 NE Multnomah St (In DoubleTree by Hilton)
Closed ⋅ Opens 5PM
Cushy, Northwestern small-plates eatery, dinner only 5-10pm

Spirit of 77
https://www.spiritof77bar.com/ 
500 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Hip sports bar, lunch/dinner noon-10pm

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
1139 NE Grand Ave
Specialty burger & shake chain, lunch/dinner 11am-10pm

Burgerville
https://www.burgerville.com/menu/ 
1135 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Eco-conscious fast food burger chain, lunch/dinner 10am-10pm

E-San Thai Cuisine food cart
800-830 NE Holladay St
Thai, Lunch 11am-2pm weekdays

Xocalo PDX
no website, phone: (503) 442-2503
1130 NE Holladay St
Mexican burritos, tacos, 7am-6pm

Hotel Eastlund: METROPOLITAN TAVERN, CAFÉ EASTLUND & AMPHORA WINE MERCHANT
https://hoteleastlund.com/the-hotel/dining/ 
1021 NE Grand Ave

Metropolitan Tavern
https://mettavern.com/ 
1021 NE Grand Ave Suite 600 (In Hotel Eastlund)
Rooftop restaurant and bar featuring small plates, pizza, & entrees, lunch/dinner 11am-11pm

Nong’s Khao Man Gai
https://khaomangai.com/ 
609 SE Ankeny St C
Thai specializing in chicken & rice dishes, 10am – 8pm every day

Bao Bao
https://www.baobaopdx.com/s/order?location=11ea6ad92f22a6f49fa50cc47a2ae330 
545 NE Couch St
Counter-service eatery for Chinese steamed buns & dumplings, noodles & congee, 11am-7pm daily

Wa Kitchen Kuu
http://www.kuupdx.com/ 
125 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Japanese restaurant specializing in udon & soba noodles, Lunch/Dinner Wed-Sun

Wayfinder Beer
https://www.wayfinder.beer/food-menu/ 
304 SE 2nd Ave
Locally crafted lagers & ales, veggie-friendly comfort food in a historic warehouse setting, noon-9pm

Produce Row Cafe
https://www.producerowcafe.com/ 
204 SE Oak St.
Gastropub with a big patio, 11:30am-9pm daily

Lan Su Chinese Garden Teahouse
https://lansugarden.org/about-the-garden/teahouse 
239 NW Everett Street Teahouse (in Lan Su Chinese Garden), across the Steel Bridge
Serene traditional Chinese teahouse w/small menu of vegetarian items, 10am-4pm

kann

https://kannrestaurant.com/menu 
548 SE Ash St
Haitian cuisine, dinner only, 4-10pm Wed-Sun

Oregon Convention Center

Walks, curbs and ramps
  • Grounds, walks and floor surfaces along accessible routes are stable, firm, and non-slip under most weather conditions.
  • Sidewalks, leading from the front driveway loading and unloading zones for shuttle buses and taxis, and leading to the main facility entrances, are free of abrupt changes in surface level.
  • Sidewalks and ramps have a 36-inch clear opening.
  • Handrails are mounted 33 inches above the ramp surface, no more than 2 feet from the wall.

Entrances, corridors and stairs

  • All lobby access points have automatic doors.
  • All thresholds at exterior doors are flush with the floor.
  • All stairs have handrails.

Elevators

  • All levels of the building are reachable by elevator.
  • Raised Braille indicates both call buttons and floor designations.
  • Control call and alarm buttons are accessible to persons in wheelchairs.
  • Elevator doors are equipped with an automatic bumper safety system.

Public restrooms

  • Restrooms for are available in public areas.
  • Family and all-user restrooms are also available in public areas.
  • Restroom entrances have a clear opening of 32 inches and all public restroom entrances have automatic doors.
  • Sinks are mounted at least 29 inches from the floor (measured from the bottom of the apron) for wheelchair knee clearance and the drainpipe allows for toe clearance.
  • Faucet controls automatically start through sensors.
  • All restroom dispensers and accessories are within reach of a person seated in a wheelchair.
  • All restrooms have at least one stall with a clear, 32-inch opening.
  • The accessible toilet stall is arranged to provide either side or front approach by someone in a wheelchair.
  • Grab bars are of sufficient length located along the sides and back of the accessible stalls.
  • Flush controls and toilet paper rolls are positioned so someone using a front approach to the toilet can reach them.

Suites for nursing mothers

OCC provides two Mamava nursing suites for our visitors. These private and secure suites are located near the A and E Meeting Rooms on Level 1.

  • They are ADA-compatible with a comfortable seating area and are equipped with standard AC power outlets and USB charger ports.
  • All Mamava suites come with a Bluetooth SmartLock that syncs with Mamava’s mobile app. Download the app at mamava.com/mobile-app.
  • You may also request a door code for entry from our receptionists in the Administration Office on Level 2 and by calling 503-235-7575.

Meeting rooms, ballrooms and exhibit halls

  • All meeting rooms, ballrooms and exhibit halls are accessible by wheelchair.
  • Hallways and corridors between rooms have a clearance of 36 inches with allowance space for turning and passing.
  • Doors to rooms have a clear opening of 32 inches.
  • Thresholds of interior doors have a maximum edge height of half an inch.
  • Meeting rooms, ballrooms and exhibit hall floors are non-slip, level and independently negotiable by persons in wheelchairs.
  • Wheelchair lifts are available to use with raised podiums and platforms and should be requested ahead of time to prepare for use.
  • Microphones are available and easily adjusted for flexible use.
  • Meeting rooms and ballrooms can be equipped with Assistive Listening Device (ALD) transmission through existing systems. Request ALD during show registration or when purchasing tickets.

Parking

Parking

  • All parking levels in the OCC parking garage include accessible spaces within easy access of elevators.
  • There are 10 accessible spaces on Parking Level 1 (P1) and 11 accessible spaces on Parking Level 2 (P2).
  • Parking Level 2 (P2) includes accessible areas with a 9-foot ceiling clearance to accommodate adapted vehicles.

Passenger drop-off and loading zones

  • All zones are located on an accessible route to an accessible building entrance.
  • All zones have adequate vertical and horizontal clearance.
  • Not all zones have an unobstructed aisle next to the vehicle pull-up space. There is a public-use sidewalk, which may be obstructed by pedestrians and attendees.

Wheelchairs, scooters & other power-driven mobility devices (OPMD)

On-site wheelchairs & scooters

  • OCC offers complimentary five wheelchairs and five electric convenience vehicles (EVCs) for guests’ use on a first come, first served basis.
  • Use is on a daily basis, not per 24-hour period.
  • Wheelchairs and ECVs may be returned at any point during the day.
  • Please stop by our the Welcome Desk to checkout a wheelchair or electric scooter.

Wheelchairs, scooters & other power-driven mobility devices (OPMD)

  • OCC only allows powered wheelchairs, scooters, and Segway’s for people with disabilities as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and as long as they can be operated safely in our venue.
  • Only electric or battery powered OPDMD are allowed inside the facility.
  • OPDMD cannot travel at a speed greater than the pedestrian traffic.
  • OPDMD users must travel in pedestrian routes only.
  • OPDMD users understand that on-site storage space is limited.

Walkability of Conference

More information coming soon!

Venue

For more information or special services relating to a specific disability not highlighted here, please call the Oregon Convention Center 503-235-7575 | https://www.oregoncc.org/en/accessibility.

Meals Information

  • Coffee and tea service be provided in the morning Sunday-Wednesday.
  • Fresh water will be available throughout the event. Please bring your preferred refillable drinking bottle.
  • Open eateries and “grab and go” lunch kiosks will be located within the OCC during our event.
  • Grocery and eateries are within walking distance.
  • The area is also serviced by various meal-delivery services like Instantcart, GrubHub and Door Dash.

Local Restaurants in and around Portland – a list compiled by locals —

Where to eat and drink near the Convention Center:  https://pdx.eater.com/maps/restaurants-near-oregon-convention-center-portland  (updated Aug 30, 2022). All spots are within a 15-minutewalk of the convention center.

The 38 essential Portland restaurants:  https://pdx.eater.com/maps/38-best-portland-oregon-restaurants  (updated April 11, 2023). Restaurants and food carts located all over town.

Special occasion restaurants:  https://pdx.eater.com/maps/special-occasion-restaurants-portland (updated April 18,2023). Restaurants that will impress on any budget.

Looking for something more? Check out the PDX Eater website here:  https://pdx.eater.com/

Options for Visitor Parking:

Hyatt: Self parking $35/overnight, valet parking $45/overnight website

Lolo Pass: When you arrive to Lolo Pass, there is an unloading spot on 16th St outside our building. You can use that while you unload luggage and check in. There is free (unlimited) street parking in our neighborhood. Be sure to read the posted signage, as certain spots do have time limits. website

Quality Inn: Hotel has limited parking. No truck or RV parking. Parking Fee 10.00 USD per car per night for the 1st car and 2nd or more car is 15.00 USD per car per night. website

Oregon Convention Center: Onsite parking is provided in the convention center’s underground garage. You may enter the garage through either the NE Lloyd Boulevard (P1) or NE First Avenue (P2) entrances. Clearance on the P1 Level is 7 feet; clearance on the P2 Level is 9 feet. Standard daily rate is $12. website

Popular Attractions

  • Culture – Whether it’s arts, beer and food, cultural communities, events or nightlife, culture in Portland takes many forms.
  • Top sights in Portland – Portland’s fun and unexpected attractions range from gardens and museums to (tax-free) retailers of coffee, doughnuts and books.

Outdoor Activities

  • Neighborhoods – It’s easy and fun to explore Portland’s neighborhoods filled with cultural offerings, local retailers, restaurants and tax-free shopping.

From some of our Portland friends…

…in particular we do a great job with food cart podscoffeebeer, and pizza. And donuts are practically a religion here.

…some of my favorite spots (some of these are quirky, casual, and/or outdoors) are JacquelineOK OmensArtigianoFlying FishDavenport, and many places along “Restaurant Row.”

Portland has great outdoors! Some nice spots within the city limits are Mt. TaborForest Park hikes, Willamette River kayaking, and Washington Park – which includes a rose garden (one of Portland’s many nicknames is Rose City), a Japanese garden, and great views.

Rideshares, roommates, ISO padlet below. Use the website LINK if you cannot view it here.

 

Made with Padlet

 

AESS is committed to expanding inclusivity and that includes attendees traveling with their child(ren). We recognize that finding suitable childcare can be quite a challenge and barrier to attendance. To that end, we hope all attendees feel welcome to bring their child to the event as they are comfortable.

Please note that we are unable to sponsor any on-site care due to lots of legalities, but we acknowledge and support how difficult it can be to be a single-parent academic, parent of a young child or infant, or one of many other complex family situations that are part of our attendees lived experience.

We will update the lists here as we find more local resources. Plus, consider connecting with other attendees by using the padlet forum or reaching out to a local chapter for any national groups you belong to, e.g. sorority, society, etc. Please note: AESS and ASLE are not directly affiliated or contracted with any of these services, we are providing information only..

Do you know of another resource? Please tell us by emailing event organizers or posting to the padlet.

Jovie - formerly College Nannies and Sitters

Jovie.com (formerly College Nannies and Sitters) can offer individual care on an as-needed basis for conference attendees. Families are responsible for paying the company directly.
Details:
• We can provide childcare for children aged three months to teens.
• We ask for a minimum of three hours per care session. In general, care shifts tend to cap at 8-10 hours per day.
• We can provide hotel-based childcare.
• Our caregivers are background-checked, first aid & CPR certified, and have a minimum of two years of childcare experience.
• Anyone from ASLE/AESS who signs up to use our services will have their one-time enrollment fee waived as a courtesy.
• The hourly rate starts at $31/hour (pay by ACH/checking) or $32/hour (pay by credit/debit). This rate increases by $2/hour if care is needed for a child between 0-6 months. It also increases by $2/hour if care is needed for 3+ children.
• We encourage conference attendees who are interested in using our services to sign up well in advance due to the strong surge in demand for childcare in the summer.
• To sign up, there are three options: (1) Visit our website and submit an event/specialty care request. Make sure to indicate in the inquiry that you’re with ASLE to have enrollment fee waived. (2) Email us at pdx@jovie.com and let us know that you’re with ASLE+AESS event and seeking care. (3) Call us at (503) 985-9414 and let us know that you’re with ASLE+AESS event and seeking care.
• Please have a good idea of your schedule, hotel location, number of children, and age of children prior to requesting care. Also, if there is important information that we should know – e.g. special needs, allergies, etc. – please make us aware. We can attempt to make adjustments as needed, but we can’t guarantee these adjustments, especially as we get closer to the start of the conference.

A Brilliant Nanny

A Brilliant Nanny (www.abnanny.com): Please feel free to reach out to Jessica Heliker at this email address with any questions, jessica@abnanny.com

Visa and Letters of Invitation

Thank you for your interest in attending AESS+ASLE 2023 in Portland, OR. We hope your travel and visa process goes smoothly and have created this page as a source of information.

Conference attendees who reside outside the United States may need to apply for a visa at the American Embassy, consulate, or other visa-issuing office in their country of origin. Please begin your visa application process as soon as possible, as applications may take several months to process. For information on obtaining your visa, go to: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html

Understand that presenters are responsible for their own travel and visas. We are happy to provide a letter of acceptance as documentation, once you have been notified that your proposal has been accepted. Please see directions below to obtain this document.

Many visa issuing offices require that you present a letter of invitation to the conference, proof of conference registration, and airline ticket confirmation, along with your visa application. If you need a letter of invitation to the conference, please email events@aessonline.org the following information:

  1. Your full name as it appears on your passport
  2. Your professional or academic title
  3. The name of your school, department, institution, lab, or business
  4. Your full mailing address
  5. Are you the author of a paper that has been accepted for AESS 2023?
  6. If you are an author, please provide the title of the paper.

Important Venue Information

All AESS sessions will be held in conference rooms at the Oregon Convention Center. The space also has onsite restaurants, cafes and outdoor seating, with many other food choices right nearby. There are walking options and parks in the neighborhood. Public transportation stops right at the OCC to make exploring the city easy. We are reserving hotel blocks in adjacent facilities to minimize driving, and planning on securing dormitory space at nearby Portland State University, which is only a 20-minute MAX light rail ride away.

Please review the lodging websites specific to your reservation to review all amenities and transportation options to/from the Convention Center and in/around Portland.

AESS has committed to the following Green Initiatives for in-person events.

Please note that 2023 might require modifications due to state/local policies and protocols.

  • Providing only vegetarian meals, with an emphasis on local sourcing.
  • Reducing waste through:
    • Use of digital program
    • Eliminating use of single-serve, pre-packaged food items
    • Collaborating with host site sustainability office
  • Reducing food waste by collaborating with catering.
  • Reducing plastic waste by:
    • Asking all participants to bring their own reusable water bottles.
    • Not offering plastic bottles.
    • Requesting that caterers reduce plastic packaging, when possible.
    • Collecting and reusing plastic badge holders from previous AESS conferences.
  • Encouraging environmental education through:
    • Including a sustainability tour in our field trip options.