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All the latest news from Oregon Convention Center

May 07, 2019 | sustainability news

A look into the Oregon Convention Center’s first-of-its-kind Waste Diversion Policy

As one of the most sustainable convention centers in the world, Portland’s LEED® Platinum certified Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is a proven leader in environmentally responsible practices. OCC is dedicated to not only minimizing the footprint of its facility, but to setting a new standard in sustainability for the entire convention industry to follow.

Pacific Power sustainability energy efficiency solar energy Blue Sky

May 06, 2019 | press

Oregon Convention Center – Leading with Sustainability

From PacificPower.net: Customers might be surprised to learn that beneath the Oregon Convention Center’s (OCC) distinctive twin spires that define part of Portland’s iconic skyline lays a large-scale rooftop solar system – funded in part by Blue Sky participants. The largest venue of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, drawing events and visitors from around the world, also draws energy from the sun to generate approximately 25 percent of its electricity onsite.

Earth Month sustainability community

Apr. 29, 2019 | sustainability news

Oregon Convention Center staff celebrates Earth Month by taking action

We like to say that every day is Earth Day at the Oregon Convention Center, and each day of Earth Month this year was packed with employee engagement activities, community involvement, and actions that had a beneficial impact on our local neighborhood and the environment.

Here are a few highlights...

GoLloyd Trash Mob

OCC and Metro staff joined other devoted volunteers for the annual Go Lloyd Trash Mob on April 17th.

Nancy Judd Nancy Nordman Rise Above Plastics sustainability

Apr. 22, 2019 | sustainability news

Oregon Convention Center’s leftover plastic straws are being fashioned into art with a powerful environmental message

The Rise Above Plastics Cape is a “sculpture in process” currently being created by artist Nancy Judd. The project is sponsored by the Portland Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit clean water advocacy group, and is supported in part by a grant from the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC).

CSRShareDay sustainability Ryan Harvey

Apr. 09, 2019 | sustainability news

Join the Oregon Convention Center for a global conversation about sustainability and social responsibility in April

#CSRshareDay is a day that recognizes and celebrates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and offers the event industry an opportunity to share ideas on how to achieve its sustainability goals. Professionals from around the world who are passionate about sustainability join together on social media for 24 hourly conversations. The annual campaign, which began in 2015, is organized by UK-based Positive Impact Events.

Metro Hyatt Regency Portland OCC renovation Scott Cruickshank Craig Stroud Economic Impact

Apr. 09, 2019 | news releases

Metro’s Visitor Venues: Economic driver and employer of thousands

Portland’s most prominent visitor venues, operated by Metro, contributed $773 million to greater Portland’s economy in 2018, according to a report by Crossroads Consulting. The report said the Oregon Convention Center, Portland Expo Center, Oregon Zoo and Portland’5 Center for the Arts combined for 1,435 events, collectively which translated to $773 million in spending, 7,310 jobs and $27.7 million in tax revenue.

OCC renovation accessibility Craig Stroud Ryan Harvey sustainability

Mar. 22, 2019 | news releases

Oregon Convention Center improves accessibility with addition of Level 1 Connector

The Oregon Convention Center’s $39 million renovation is well underway and recently completed its first phase. A major part of Phase 1 involved a structural change to the first and largest level of the venue that may not be immediately noticeable. Among the public spaces of the Center, a passageway was constructed to connect the North and South sides to improve accessibility for guests.

Earth Hour World Wildlife Fund sustainability

Mar. 19, 2019 | sustainability news

Oregon Convention Center to “switch off” in solidarity with global Earth Hour campaign

Earth Hour is a global World Wildlife Fund (WWF) campaign that aims to bring attention to the effects of climate change and spark conversations about the dangerous decline in global biodiversity. People are asked to take a stand for a sustainable low carbon future by switching off lights at homes and businesses for one hour each year.

OCC staff Diversity Equity Inclusion Dr. Markisha Smith Metro Craig Stroud

Mar. 19, 2019 | news releases

Oregon Convention Center staff invests in creating safe and welcoming spaces

When we talk about creating safe and welcoming spaces in our communities, local businesses and organizations need to follow through and do the real work it takes. Having adequate policies and procedures, combined with regular diversity, equity and inclusion training are key to advancing these goals.

pacificwild catering Chef Allan Wambaa Dave Woodman Ryan Garalde

Mar. 11, 2019 | pacificwild news

Oregon Convention Center and pacificwild Catering welcome Chef de Cuisine Ryan Garalde to the culinary team

Born and raised in the Philippines, Chef de Cuisine Ryan Garalde and his family moved to Portland in 2018. In the short time since then, he has served as the Executive Sous Chef at The Hoxton Hotel and the Chef de Cuisine at Bamboo Sushi, a member of the Sustainable Restaurant Group.

“I am delighted to welcome Ryan to the pacificwild team at the Oregon Convention Center as our new Chef de Cuisine,” says Executive Chef Allan Wambaa. “He will work with our talented staff to create wonderful, tasty dishes for our customers to enjoy!”