Oregon Convention Center
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.
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.
- $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.
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: June 22, 2023
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 / $44.00 Fri or Sat
To book as part of the ASLE/AESS block, visit www.lolopass.com and hit the ‘Book Now’ button. From the booking page, first enter dates of stay, and secondly enter the group code: b703987.
Want to try and find a roommate? Check out our forum padlet.
Campus Housing – Portland State University – Reservations will open in the spring
Single and double rooms available. Rooms are all single bookings; if you desire to split, must name a roommate as an additional guest. Both get keys. See roomshare/rideshare padlet if you want to find a roommate. Rooms will be available to book until June 14 or when the block is filled. NOTE: space is limited and we cannot guarantee any beyond our original block.
- Campus amenities include access to rec center: pool, track, weights, etc.
- Meal plan options available for guests to purchase.
- Parking available ($)
- 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 included
- 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
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.
Portland possesses an international airport close to downtown with many direct flight connections and multiple public transportation options
Want to try and find a rideshare? Check out our forum padlet.
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
- 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
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.
- 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 –coming soon–
Options for Visitor Parking:
The parking garage adjacent to the hotel is owned and managed by the Dulaney Center (not Sheraton Baltimore North0. Hotel guests are permitted to access and use garage at all times. There is a hotel preferred rate of $5.00 per car up to 3 hours and $12.00 per car per day (up to 24 hours).
Electric car charging stations are also available.
Popular Attractions
- more details coming soon
Outdoor Activities
- more details coming soon
Rideshares, roommates, ISO padlet below. Use the website LINK if you cannot view it here.
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. Your child would need to remain with you or a dedicated caregiver at all times. 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.
Local childcare options:
- 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
- WeVillage (https://www.wevillage.com/ne-portland): full and half day options listed, phone 971-302-6187, address 1901 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
Want to try and find other families traveling? Check out our forum padlet.
Do you know of another resource? Please tell us by emailing event organizers or posting to the padlet.
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.