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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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  3. Sustainability
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Waste Diversion

We have a long term goal of reaching at least an 80% waste diversion rate, and this can only be achieved if we ensure that the material brought into the building can be recycled, donated, or taken back by the company that produced it.

Matthew Uchtman

Director of Facilities & Operations
503-731-7841
mattuchtman@oregoncc.org

The events industry generates a tremendous amount of waste. Historically, there has been very little concern for the environmental and social impacts of convention centers, and industry norms have been established that prove difficult for events professionals to break. The “This is the way we’ve always done it” mentality, combined with different recycling/composting opportunities in various parts of the country, has made it hard for professionals in our line of work to shift the industry in a more sustainable direction.

The Oregon Convention Center is not satisfied with the status quo. We have stepped forward as a model of an alternative way of doing business. Here’s how.

OCC is the only convention center in the country to explicitly call out a formal partnership between client and venue when putting on a sustainable event. We call it our Waste Diversion Policy (WDP), and it is written into the contract so that each stakeholder knows all about the important role they play.

Our Waste Diversion Policy has four main components:

1) We identify certain items that are not allowed into the facility. Examples include foamcore signage and single-use plastic bags commonly distributed at trade show events. Items have been put on this list because they are not recyclable in the Pacific Northwest, but alternatives that meet the same need can be recycled.

2) A second list includes items that are allowed in the facility, but that must be taken away at the completion of the event. The list includes vinyl banners, wood pallets, electronics, and carpet. This list was designed to help clients find opportunities for reuse.

3) The third expectation of the Waste Diversion Policy is that all recyclable materials generated over the course of an event are placed in the appropriate receptacles. Materials currently collected are:

  • Styrofoam
  • Cardboard boxes and signs
  • Construction debris
  • Glass containers
  • Kitchen grease
  • Paper
  • Plastic film and shrink wrap
  • Vinyl tablecloths
  • Metal containers
  • Scrap metal
  • Wood
  • Food scraps (for composting)
  • Plants, trees, and other yard debris

4) In many cases, there are items at the end of an event that can be donated to local nonprofit organizations. The OCC asks that coordination take place prior to the conclusion of the event. This will allow plans to be put in place that will allow for donations to get where they can be best utilized.

For more information, please feel free to reach out to either the Sustainability Coordinator or your designated Event Manager.

Download our Waste Diversion Policy

Waste Diversion Policy

Waste Diversion PolicyAdobe PDF, 62.51 KB

Get In Touch

Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help. Chat with one of our experts now to find out why OCC is the perfect venue for your next event.

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Current events

  • Mar 20—Mar 252023 TESOL International Convention and English Language Expo
  • Mar 21—Mar 21INTERFACE 2023
  • Mar 25—Mar 29Mass Timber Conference 2023
See Full Calendar

Latest news

  • May. 19, 2021Oregon Convention Center proudly supports All4Oregon’s 500,000 vaccination milestone
  • Apr. 28, 2021Oregon’s Largest Vaccination Site is a Logistical Masterpiece. We Take You Inside.
  • Feb. 11, 2021Oregon Convention Center to Serve as Regional Severe Weather Shelter
See All News

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Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd
Portland, OR 97232

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