Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Oregon Convention Center

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Racial Equity

At its inception in 1990, the Oregon Convention Center was tasked with making a positive economic impact for our region. For the entirety of its existence, the OCC has maintained its focus on that goal.

And while the mission of the convention center has broadened over time, economic prosperity is still top priority. It is known, however, that not all of the region’s 1.6 million residents experience that prosperity in the same way. Most communities of color in the Portland Metropolitan region currently experience the worst economic and social outcomes of any demographic group. The many decades of discriminatory and exclusionary practices that have resulted in this reality were worsened, if not directly caused, by policies created by government. So as a part of Metro Regional Government, the Oregon Convention Center identifies its influence as a key opportunity to help drive equitable change.

OCC's Racial Equity Action Plan

In 2019 the Oregon Convention Center developed a five-year Racial Equity Action Plan in support of the five Equity Goals outlined in Metro’s Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

The Department of Equity and Belonging at OCC is tasked with tracking and reporting the progress of the plan to achieve specific outcomes and regularly communicates the results of this progress to staff, Metro and MERC along with a summary of the progress for the public located below.

Metro/OCC Black and People of Color Employee Resource Groups

As part of Metro, OCC recognizes the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for employees from the Black and People of Color (POC) communities. To that end, we are proud to provide paid time and space for employees to participate in the Black and People of Color Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which provide platforms for individuals with shared life experiences to connect, socialize, and offer mutual support on topics of common interest.

These ERGs are entirely employee-led, empowering its members to define their own objectives and determine how they spend their time together. From organizing social gatherings to offering valuable insights to senior leadership on crucial workplace matters, the group engages in a diverse range of activities.

By joining an ERG, employees can expand their professional networks and gain awareness of new leadership opportunities. This collective effort not only strengthens relationships within the organization but also promotes growth and development among staff members.

LGBTQ+

Metro/OCC Pride Employee Resource Group

As part of Metro, OCC provides paid time and space for employees with shared life experiences to socialize, network and support one another around topics of common interest through the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group.

The group is entirely employee-run, defining its own goals and decisions on time together is spent. Activities range from organizing social events to offering guidance to senior leadership on key workplace issues. Joining this group helps both expand employee's networks and help staff members become aware of new leadership opportunities.

Partner resources and information:

Gender Inclusion

We are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. As part of our commitment to gender inclusion, we wholeheartedly adhere to Metro's Gender Inclusion Policy. We recognize and respect the importance of honoring individuals' names and pronouns, ensuring that everyone feels seen and valued.

Furthermore, we have taken proactive steps to promote inclusivity by implementing inclusive restroom signage on all of our gendered restrooms. These efforts aim to provide a safe and comfortable experience for all visitors, irrespective of their gender identity. At the Oregon Convention Center, we strive to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels included. By offering inclusive restroom facilities that welcome everyone, we demonstrate our unwavering support and respect for the diverse identities and experiences of all the individuals we host and serve.

Photo of gender inclusive signage near restrooms at the Oregon Convention Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the convention center have gender inclusive signage on all of its restrooms?
A: We understand the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all attendees, regardless of their gender identity or expression. By implementing gender inclusive signage, we aim to foster a space that is accessible and accommodating to everyone.

Q: What does gender inclusive signage mean?
A: In our case, gender inclusive signage means that in addition to the traditional binary signs; "Men" and "Women," we have added additional signs that recognize and respect the diverse spectrum of gender identities and expressions.

Q: Why is gender inclusivity important in restroom facilities?
A: Restrooms are essential facilities, and everyone should be able to access them comfortably and without fear of discrimination. Gender inclusive restrooms help to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, feel safe, respected, and supported when using the facilities.

Q: Does gender inclusive signage mean that the restrooms are only for transgender individuals?
A: No, gender inclusive signage does not limit restroom use to transgender individuals alone. It is intended to be inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

Q: Will there still be traditional men's and women's restrooms available?
A: In addition to the gendered restrooms with the inclusive signage, single-occupant restrooms are available for those who prefer or feel more comfortable using them. These restrooms are located near the Oregon Ballroom or near the F-Series Meetings Rooms. The goal is to provide options that accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of all attendees.

Q: How does gender inclusive signage benefit parents accompanying children and/or people with caregivers or personal attendants?
A: Gender inclusive signage helps to address situations where a parent or caregiver may need to accompany a child or adult of a different gender into a restroom and eliminates the need to make potentially uncomfortable decisions about which restroom to use. This allows them to enter restrooms together without worrying about social norms or potential judgment, fostering a more inclusive environment for families of all configurations.

Q: Can parents accompanying children and/or people with caregivers or personal attendants still use gender-specific restrooms?
A: Yes, parents accompanying children and/or people with caregivers or personal attendants can still choose to use single-occupant restrooms if they prefer to do so. The availability of gender inclusive restrooms in addition to single-occupant restrooms offers greater flexibility and choice, ensuring that they can select the option that best suits their needs and the comfort level.

Q: What is the convention center's stance on privacy and inappropriate behavior in restroom facilities?
A:We strive to create a respectful and safe environment for all individuals at the convention center. Regardless of gender, it is important to emphasize that we do not condone any form of invasion of privacy, including "peeking" or any other inappropriate behavior. We kindly request that all attendees respect each other's privacy and personal boundaries while using the restroom facilities. Any instances of inappropriate behavior should be reported to our staff or Public Safety team immediately, as we are committed to maintaining a secure and welcoming space for everyone.

Q: How can I provide feedback or ask questions about the gender inclusive signage?
A: We value your feedback and encourage you to reach out to our Guest Experience team or convention center management with any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding the gender inclusive signage. We are committed to continually improving our facilities and ensuring the best experience for all attendees.

We strive to cultivate an environment where everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

From the Executive Director

The Oregon Convention Center is a premier event facility that leads sustainability practices for the meetings and conventions industry in the United States; now we are called to lead in ways that create better outcomes for people, especially systemically oppressed communities in our region.

As the largest convention center in the Pacific Northwest, we know that to achieve greater equity in our region—and the mission of the Oregon Convention Center —we must first address the barriers faced by communities of color that were created through a long history of discriminatory policies.

Many of you have invested your time to help OCC create an equity action plan, developed by assessing all aspects of our work through a racial equity lens. Now it is time to put that plan into action. No matter what our role and connection to OCC, each of us has an important job to do to create conditions that allow everyone to flourish and participate in delivering world-class events.

Over the next five years, we will learn, act, measure and adapt on the path to creating a better future. Thank you for joining me on this journey and advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion at the Oregon Convention Center and in our communities.

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