☰ Site menu Search
Oregon Convention Center
Facebook Instagram YouTube Flickr

Universal Links

  • Calendar
  • Parking
  • Accessibility
  • Eat now
  • 503-235-7575
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Attend
  • Plan
  • Exhibit
  • About
  • In the news

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.

  • Attend
  • Events
  • Know Before You Go
  • Parking and Directions
  • Accessibility
  • Maps

GO

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.

  • Plan
  • Book An Event
  • Floor Plans and Rates
  • Event Services
  • Catering Services
  • Client Services Guide
  • Space To Grow Fund

GO

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.

  • Exhibit
  • Order services
  • Move In and Move Out

GO

 

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.

  • About
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Sustainability
  • Staff Directory
  • Jobs
  • Public Art Collection
  • OCC Neighborhood

GO

 

In the news

  • Recent Stories
  • Sustainability News
  • Press
  • Our Community Stories

GO

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. New waste diversion policy aimed at decreasing use of non-recyclable material at Oregon Convention Center
  • New waste diversion policy aimed at...

New waste diversion policy aimed at decreasing use of non-recyclable material at Oregon Convention Center

Jun. 19, 2015, sustainability news

Beginning January 1, 2016, clients who book event space for conventions and meetings at the Oregon Convention Center – as well as the exhibitors who subcontract space during those events - will be subject to a new waste diversion deposit at contract signing. The potential for receiving a full refund is high however, if show managers comply with the facility’s policy that prohibits the use of non-recyclable materials.

The new policy is the first known of its kind throughout the convention industry and is intended to boost the cooperation of convention center clients in the facility’s sustainability goals and achievements, which have earned it LEED Platinum certification, a rarity as a 25-year old venue.

“For well over a decade, we have been successful at building buy-in from staff to embrace our progressive sustainability practices. Now it’s time to engage our clients in this mission. This innovative new policy will help us continue to move the needle on sustainability accomplishments,” said Scott Cruickshank, Oregon Convention Center Executive Director.

The waste diversion policy prohibits hazardous materials, non-recyclable signs, foam core signs, helium balloons or single-use plastic bags. According to local clients, the policy mirrors what has been an informal practice among many show managers in recent years. 

“I think it is absolutely great,” said Patti Beyer, Vice President of Sales for DWA Trade Show & Exposition Services. “I think we need to work really hard to get exhibitors educated about what not to bring. The sooner we start the better off we’ll be,” she added.

Matt Pizzuti, Deputy Director of the convention center, explained the rationale behind developing the policy. “We considered a recycling fee at first but realized that a refundable deposit serves as an incentive to our clients so that we all win in the end,” he said.

The waste diversion rate at the Oregon Convention Center was 67 percent in 2014. The target for 2016, once the new policy is in effect, is 80 percent.

About the Oregon Convention Center
The Oregon Convention Center is owned by Metro and managed by the Metro Exposition and Recreation Commission. OCC is a sustainably operated LEED® Platinum facility that hosts groups from around the world and brings millions of dollars into the Portland and Oregon economy.

Related 
sustainability waste diversion recycling

Share This Story

Subscribe to OCC News

OCC News Feed

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.

  • Give us a call
    503-235-7575
  • Chat with
    an expert
  • Drop us a line
    [email protected]

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

Partners

Travel Portland Logo
Levy Restaurants Logo
Edlen Electrical Logo
ON Site Audio Visual Logo
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd
Portland, OR 97232

Footer Menu

  • 503-235-7575
  • Jobs
  • News
  • Contact
  • Privacy policy
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Flickr

Terms of Service Menu

    Hello, we're Metro.

     
    Metro logo
    • Arts and event centers
    • Oregon Zoo
    • Parks and nature
    • Garbage and recycling
    • Land and transportation

    Oregon Convention Center

    Close menu
    Home Close
    Facebook Instagram YouTube Flickr

    Main menu

    • Attend
      +− Submenu
      • Calendar
      • Know Before You Go
      • Parking and Directions
      • Maps
    • Plan
      +− Submenu
      • Book an Event
      • Floor Plans and Rates
      • Event Services
        +− Submenu
        • Production Services
        • Technology Services
        • Ticketing Services
        • Marketing and Branding
        • Spire Lighting Inquiry
        • Security Providers
        • More Services
      • Catering Services
        +− Submenu
        • Catering
        • Restaurants
      • Client Services Guide
      • Guest Experience and Amenities
      • Space To Grow Fund
    • Exhibit
      +− Submenu
      • Move In and Move Out
    • About
      +− Submenu
      • Staff directory
      • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
      • Sustainability
      • Jobs
      • Public Art Collection
      • Our Neighborhood
    • News
    Top