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WE WELCOME EVERYONE

As hosts to the world, we deeply respect our guests and our community. We’re here to make sure everyone feels safe bringing their ideas, their passions and their hearts to the table. Because positive change can begin anytime, anyplace, with anyone. Like you. Right here. Right now.

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WE LIVE FOR MAGIC

We live for the lights, the music, the food, the learning, the inspiration, and the togetherness. We live for positive change and transformative experiences that blaze a path toward endless possibilities. The awesome potential of every event keeps us on our toes and, sometimes, knee-deep in caffeine. But the magic of pulling it all off? Totally worth it.

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WE GET IT DONE

Last minute request? Done. Idea about how to do something better? Done. Guest who wants something we’ve never heard of—now, if possible? Done. And done. YES is the answer. Determination, creativity and teamwork are how we deliver on it.

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WE ARE FORWARD THINKING

Sustainability is in our DNA. It’s who we are and why we do what we do. We’re passionate about cultivating diversity, advancing equity and practicing inclusion in all of the work we do. People. Planet. Progress. It’s how we work toward a better tomorrow.

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Articles tagged MERC 

All the latest news from Oregon Convention Center

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All the latest news from Oregon Convention Center

Colas Construction Renovation Diversity BIPOC Scott Cruickshank MERC Ray Leary Craig Stroud
Aug. 18, 2020 | news releases

Oregon Convention Center renovation: a model for equity in public projects

—Heather Back, Metro visitor venues communications and policy 

Metro MERC COVID-19
May 27, 2020 | news releases

Metro’s visitor venues: economic generators and community bedrocks

With guidance from public health officials, teams are preparing for the return of cultural events, community connections and generating thousands of jobs throughout the region.

The Oregon Convention Center, Oregon Zoo, Portland Expo Center, and Portland’5 Centers for the Arts are powerful economic generators for the state and centers for communities to connect. These visitor venues employ thousands and serve as gathering places for millions of memories created each year.

OCC renovation Colas Construction MERC Diversity Inclusion COBID
Oct. 25, 2019 | press

Oregon Convention Center Renovation Sticks to its Promises

By Stephanie Basalyga, Business Tribune

$40 million project sets new bar for public agencies for diversity and inclusion in contracting, workforce.

The recently completed $40 million renovation of the Oregon Convention Center hasn't just resulted in a new look from the event center. It's also set the bar for how contracting on public projects can be structured to create a fair playing field that supports diversity and inclusion.

OCC renovation MERC Ray Leary
Oct. 25, 2019 | press

Oregon Convention Center's $40-million renovation project unveiled

by KATU Staff

PORTLAND, Ore. — After more than a year of construction, renovations at the Oregon Convention Center are complete.

Officials from Metro and the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission (MERC) joined the Oregon Convention Center in unveiling the building on Monday, renovated with the Pacific Northwest in mind.

The ceiling is a topographic map of the Cascade Mountain Range, and the new carpet is meant to resemble lichen growing in the forest.

Metro MERC Elisa Dozono Visitor Venues
Jun. 15, 2016 | news releases

Elisa Dozono appointed to chair commission that oversees regional visitor venues

Metro’s Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission, or MERC, recently approved its new board of officers. The commission appointed Elisa J. Dozono, partner at the law firm of Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP, as chair. Karis Stoudamire-Phillips, community relations and corporate responsibility supervisor at Moda Health, will serve as vice chair. Deidra Krys-Rusoff, vice president at Ferguson-Wellman, will serve as secretary-treasurer.

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Current events

  • May 9—May 11First Church Western Regional Convention 2025
  • May 9—May 11Revolution Talent Competition 2025
  • May 14—May 15Northwest Facilities Expo/Northwest Machine Tool Expo
See Full Calendar

Latest news

  • Apr. 04, 2025Oregon Convention Center Awards $150,000 in Space to Grow Sponsorships to Seven Local Organizations
  • Mar. 05, 2025Bold Reuse Drives Waste Reduction at Oregon Convention Center with New Reusable Cups and Trays
  • Jan. 24, 2025Events Industry Council Recognizes Oregon Convention Center for Achieving Certification for Sustainability
See All News

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Oregon Convention Center
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