Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Discover how OCC actively advances equity, accessibility, and safety for everyone who enters our space. Learn about our commitment to ensuring all people can thrive and feel welcome.
At the Oregon Convention Center, we believe every person should feel not just welcome but celebrated. That’s why our DEI efforts go beyond good intentions; they are integral to how we operate and grow. In everything we do, from guest experience to workplace culture, we are guided by our commitments to equity and inclusion.
Embracing Our Role in the Community
Supporting Diverse Events
We adopted more nuanced tracking of event demographics, allowing us to better recognize events that truly represent diverse and underrepresented communities, even if they do not self-identify as such in booking categories.
Space to Grow Fund
Our Space to Grow Fund fuels mission-driven events created by underrepresented communities. It offers financial, logistical, and strategic support to help these events flourish across Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.
Collaborative DEI Partnerships
We partner with Travel Portland and other organizations to shape inclusive sales and service strategies. Through Metro, we participate in DEI training, share best practices, and co-develop equity-focused tools like the Racial Equity Framework.
Racial Equity
At its inception in 1990, the Oregon Convention Center was tasked with making a positive economic impact for our region. For the entirety of its existence, the OCC has maintained its focus on that goal.
And while the mission of the convention center has broadened over time, economic prosperity is still top priority. It is known, however, that not all the region’s 1.6 million residents experience that prosperity in the same way. Most communities of color in the Portland Metropolitan region currently experience the worst economic and social outcomes of any demographic group. The many decades of discriminatory and exclusionary practices that have resulted in this reality were worsened, if not directly caused, by policies created by government. So, as a part of Metro Regional Government, the Oregon Convention Center identifies its influence as a key opportunity to help drive equitable change.
Metro/OCC Black and People of Color Employee Resource Groups
As part of Metro, OCC recognizes the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for employees from the Black and People of Color (POC) communities. To that end, we are proud to provide paid time and space for employees to participate in the Black and People of Color Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which provide platforms for individuals with shared life experiences to connect, socialize, and offer mutual support on topics of common interest.
These ERGs are entirely employee-led, empowering its members to define their own objectives and determine how they spend their time together. From organizing social gatherings to offering valuable insights to senior leadership on crucial workplace matters, the group engages in a diverse range of activities.
By joining an ERG, employees can expand their professional networks and gain awareness of new leadership opportunities. This collective effort not only strengthens relationships within the organization but also promotes growth and development among staff members.
Metro/OCC Pride (LGBTQ+) Employee Resource Group
As part of Metro, OCC provides paid time and space for employees with shared life experiences to socialize, network and support one another around topics of common interest through the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group.
The group is entirely employee-run, defining its own goals and decisions on how time together is spent. Activities range from organizing social events to offering guidance to senior leadership on key workplace issues. Joining this group helps both expand employee's networks and help staff members become aware of new leadership opportunities.
Partner Resources and Information
Travel Portland Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment
Travel Portland LGBT+ Community
Gender Inclusive Restroom Signage
We are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. As part of our commitment to gender inclusion, we wholeheartedly adhere to Metro's Gender Inclusion Policy. We recognize and respect the importance of honoring individuals' names and pronouns, ensuring that everyone feels seen and valued.
Furthermore, we have taken proactive steps to promote inclusivity by implementing inclusive restroom signage on all of our gendered restrooms. These efforts aim to provide a safe and comfortable experience for all visitors, irrespective of their gender identity. At the Oregon Convention Center, we strive to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels included. By offering inclusive restroom facilities that welcome everyone, we demonstrate our unwavering support and respect for the diverse identities and experiences of all the individuals we host and serve.
Frequently asked questions
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Why does the convention center have gender inclusive signage on all of its restrooms?
We understand the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all attendees, regardless of their gender identity or expression. By implementing gender inclusive signage, we aim to foster a space that is accessible and accommodating to everyone.
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What does gender inclusive signage mean?
In our case, gender-inclusive signage means that in addition to the traditional binary signs; "men" and "women," we have added signs that recognize and respect the diverse spectrum of gender identities and expressions.
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Why is gender inclusivity important in restroom facilities?
Restrooms are essential facilities, and everyone should be able to access them comfortably and without fear of discrimination. Gender inclusive restrooms help to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, feel safe, respected, and supported when using the facilities.
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Does gender inclusive signage mean that the restrooms are only for transgender individuals?
No, gender inclusive signage does not limit restroom use to transgender individuals alone. It is intended to be inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
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Will there still be traditional men's and women's restrooms available?
In addition to the gendered restrooms with inclusive signage, single-occupant restrooms are available for those who prefer or feel more comfortable using them. These restrooms are located near the Oregon Ballroom or near the F-Series meetings rooms. The goal is to provide options that accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of all attendees.
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How does gender inclusive signage benefit parents accompanying children and/or people with caregivers or personal attendants?
Gender inclusive signage helps to address situations where a parent or caregiver may need to accompany a child or adult of a different gender into a restroom and eliminates the need to make potentially uncomfortable decisions about which restroom to use. This allows them to enter restrooms together without worrying about social norms or potential judgment, fostering a more inclusive environment for families of all configurations.
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Can parents accompanying children and/or people with caregivers or personal attendants still use gender-specific restrooms?
Yes, parents accompanying children and/or people with caregivers or personal attendants can still choose to use single-occupant restrooms if they prefer to do so. The availability of gender inclusive restrooms in addition to single-occupant restrooms offers greater flexibility and choice, ensuring that they can select the option that best suits their needs and the comfort level.
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What is the convention center's stance on privacy and inappropriate behavior in restroom facilities?
We strive to create a respectful and safe environment for all individuals at the convention center. Regardless of gender, it is important to emphasize that we do not condone any form of invasion of privacy, including "peeking" or any other inappropriate behavior. We kindly request that all attendees respect each other's privacy and personal boundaries while using the restroom facilities. Any instances of inappropriate behavior should be reported to our staff or Public Safety team immediately, as we are committed to maintaining a secure and welcoming space for everyone.
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How can I provide feedback or ask questions about the gender inclusive signage?
We value your feedback and encourage you to reach out to our Guest Experience team or convention center management with any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding gender inclusive signage. We are committed to continually improving our facilities and ensuring the best experience for all attendees.
We strive to cultivate an environment where everyone feels welcome and comfortable.
Accessibility
OCC is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible experience for all visitors.
We strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities by offering a range of features and amenities, detailed on our Accessibility page. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
To learn more about Metro's Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Program visit the Accessibility at Metro page.
Combating Human Trafficking
Globally, the travel and tourism industry is unknowingly a key conduit for human trafficking, which has been dubbed "modern day slavery" and is defined by the U.S. State Department as the recruitment, transportation, or harboring of people by means of deception or coercion. Victims, often mentally and physically abused, are forced into prostitution and unfair working conditions.
The Oregon Convention Center is committed to combating human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. OCC believes that the protection of children from sexual exploitation is a moral imperative and socially responsible business practices must reflect this principle. OCC stands firm in our resolve to create awareness of these crimes by utilizing our professional resources. We ask our business partners, employees, clients, and attendees to do the same.
All employees are encouraged to learn the signs of what to look out for with regard to human trafficking and to be vigilant and alert while at work. Employees are also encouraged to learn what to do in the case of suspected trafficking and are asked to report through the proper channels.
OCC expects all suppliers to uphold the stand of zero tolerance of human trafficking in all of their dealings with OCC, report suspicious activity while in the building and know the warning signs of people who may be in the venue that are enslaved by a human trafficking ring.
OCC Employees are expected to complete training in human trafficking awareness and work with Leadership to report any suspicious activities or persons related to human trafficking immediately.
All visitors in the Oregon Convention Center will be treated with respect and dignity, and given the resources needed for them to identify, report and survive the occasions of human trafficking.