☰ Site menu Search
Oregon Convention Center
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Flickr

Universal Links

  • Calendar
  • Parking
  • Accessibility
  • Eat now
  • 503-235-7575
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Attend
  • Plan
  • Exhibit
  • About
  • In the news
  • Covid-19

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 & Directions
  • Guest Services & Amenities
  • 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 & Rates
  • Event Services
  • Catering Services
  • Client Services Guide

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
  • Load-In & Load-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 & 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. Oregon Convention Center installs new energy-efficient, programmable tower lights
  • Oregon Convention Center installs new...

Oregon Convention Center installs new energy-efficient, programmable tower lights

Sep. 25, 2017, news releases

The Oregon Convention Center’s glass spires have been a famous feature of Portland’s skyline for 27 years, particularly when they light up at night. But keep an eye on them. Thanks to a recent lighting system upgrade, you will occasionally see the familiar green-white towers glow in a range of colors.

A new LED lighting system allows the convention center to customize the color and scheme of the tower lights to reflect the branding of an event happening inside, seasonal moods, or public observances. Pink lights for example could appear during national breast cancer month or red and blue lights on Independence Day.

The updated system will not only add some flair to the city's nighttime skyline and enhance the convention center's visitor experience; it will bring significant energy efficiencies and reduced maintenance costs as well.

2017-05-11-tower-lights-web-006.jpg

2017-05-11-tower-lights-web-006.jpg

Oregon Convention Center's new LED tower lighting system will consume less than half of the electricity used by the older fixtures.

"We've systematically replaced more than 75 percent of our interior lighting with more energy-efficient LED fixtures," said Matt Pizzuti, OCC deputy director. "We're excited to continue this building-wide effort to include our tower lights, which will also offer our clients some unique customization options for their events."

The center worked with Stantec Consultants to find products that would help meet its goals, and Bull Run Electric installed the new collection of LEDs. The project’s budget was $650,000 but the contract actually came in under budget at $499,921. A mix of 400 and 250-watt bulbs were removed and recycled from each tower.

"We reduced the number of fixtures in each tower from 72 to 38, and the overall wattage is considerably lower," said Matthew Uchtman, OCC Director of Operations. "The LED-based system’s electricity usage will be less than half of what the older fixtures consumed, so it is right in line with our commitment to sustainability and more efficient use of light and energy."

Soon the OCC will offer programming options to event clients interested in adding a dramatic touch to their attendee experience.

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

Related 
LED lighting energy efficiency sustainability Matt Pizzuti Matthew Uchtman

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
    ask@oregoncc.org

Current events

  • Jan 17—Jan 272023 ASCA Annual Conference
  • Feb 1—Feb 52023 Portland International Auto Show
  • Feb 9—Feb 9Travel Portland Citywide Sales Training
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

Partners

  • TP-Logo.jpg

    TP-Logo.jpg

  • levy.png

    levy.png

  • edlen.png

    edlen.png

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 Twitter Instagram YouTube Flickr

    Main menu

    • Attend
      +− Submenu
      • Calendar
      • Know Before You Go
      • Parking & Directions
      • Guest Experience & Amenities
      • Maps
    • Plan
      +− Submenu
      • Book An Event
      • Floor Plans & Rates
      • Event Services
        +− Submenu
        • GO Production Services
        • Technology Services
        • Ticketing Services
        • Marketing & Branding
        • Spire Lighting Inquiry
        • Security Providers
        • More Services
      • Catering Services
        +− Submenu
        • Catering
        • Restaurants
      • Client Services Guide
    • Exhibit
      +− Submenu
      • Load-In & Load-Out
    • Covid-19
    • About
      +− Submenu
      • Staff directory
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
      • Sustainability
      • Jobs
      • Public Art Collection
      • Our Neighborhood
    • News
    Top