[ON LOCATION] LYDIA GREGORY
Portland is back and better than ever, offering an array of venues and attractions that make it the ideal hub for meetings and incentive travel. Prevue spent three days touring the city on foot, by Uber and on a bicycle—we have no doubt its accessible, modern infrastructure and Northwest Pacific charm will lead to successful and memorable events.
“Portland boasts exceptional venues for meetings and events, whether for citywide conferences or intimate corporate retreats,” says Desiree Everett, VP of Convention Sales & Services for Travel Portland, a meeting planner’s key ally. The city-center, she adds, has over 10,000 rooms, ranging from unique boutique hotels to renowned brands. And? “Zero percent sales tax makes Portland an affordable option for meeting planners and attendees.”
That being said, it’s important to point out that sustainability is a core value in Portland, aligning with the increasing demand for eco-friendly event planning. The Oregon Convention Center, for example, is LEED Platinum certified, and many hotels and venues closely follow green practices.
The largest event venue in the Pacific Northwest with over 478,000 sf of flexible space, the Oregon Convention Center recently completed a $40 million renovation. This upgrade includes state-of-the-art technology, sustainable design features and flexible meeting spaces that accommodate events of all sizes. Of note are the numerous—and enormous—art installations around the center, which Sales Director Monica Pea says speaks to the city mandate of having art in public spaces.
Adjacent to the convention center is the Hyatt Regency Portland at The Oregon Convention Center, offering 600 guest rooms and over 39,000 sf of cutting-edge meeting space. We were greeted by Wagner Muhly, Director of Sales and Events Marketing, who walked us through the spacious, contemporary property while we chatted about the city’s renaissance. “Planners need to experience it and come out and visit and see it with their own eyes,” he says, “because word of mouth is key. Portland is what you make it.” Though a private entity, Hyatt also ensures it represents the destination through its collection of local art—including a whimsical mural of the city by duo Rather Severe—and eateries like Spoke & Fork, serving artisan spirits and beers.
For planners looking for luxury, The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, is the newest addition to the city’s hotel landscape, offering a refined sense of place in every aspect of its design, which Director of Sales & Marketing Stephanie Lapsley shares draws on the city’s rich history. The hotel is 35 stories tall with 251 guest rooms and suites, a statuesque lobby and a magical lobby bar inspired by the forest. Its Bellpine restaurant, helmed by Chef Pedro Almeida, who blends Japanese and Portuguese cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, has a commanding view of the city. This venue is perfect for high-end corporate events and incentive programs. For VVIPs, Lapsley showed us the meeting room at The Ritz-Carlton Club, an exclusive enclave on the 20th floor.
A more affordable but no less exceptional option is The Hotel Zags, located in the West End, a boutique lodging experience with innovative meeting spaces and a courtyard, hosting everything from farmer’s markets to evening cocktail events and more. One of the highlights is their fully stocked game room, which Marketing Manager Marcus Mejia says has been used for brand activations, seminars, night markets with local vendors and more. With 174 guest rooms and suites, Mejia mentions it’s perfect for more intimate groups to call home base while in town. Of note: The hotel boasts a Gear Shed for attendees to borrow everything from cameras, fishing rods and kayaks to skateboards to fully explore Portland and beyond up close and personal.
Portland’s neighborhoods, particularly the West End and Pearl District, offer an eclectic mix of dining, shopping and cultural experiences. The Pearl District, once an industrial area, is now a cultural hub with art galleries, boutiques and some of the city’s best restaurants, like the truly delicious Japanese-Korean fusion Janken, and Grassa, serving handmade pasta. Both, by the way, were within walking distance of The Ritz-Carlton, as was a pod of food trucks—which genuinely deserve their own article.
For a more interactive experience, Cycle Portland’s Essential Portland Tour is a great way to explore the city. Our guide, Charlotte, took us over and under seven of the 12 bridges that cross the Willamette River, including the Blumenauer Bridge, a remarkable bicycle and pedestrian bridge. We pedaled past key landmarks and got fun insights into the city’s history and culture—highly recommended as a teambuilding activity.
Additionally, the International Rose Test Garden is a must-visit attraction of the “City of Roses,” especially in the spring and summer. With over 10,000 rose bushes, the garden provides a fragrant and picturesque setting for outdoor events or a leisurely afternoon break.
Just 20 minutes from the city-center, Amaterra, a state-of-the-art, gravity-flow winery and gourmet restaurant, is another extraordinary venue, with three event spaces for anywhere from 10 to around 600 attendees. Located in Portland’s famed wine country, planners can hold an event with a view of the Willamette Valley, complete with wine tastings and gourmet dining.
“Portland is going through three stages,” shares Muhly in closing. “The initial stage was getting everything set up. The second stage is watering [what we planted]. The third stage is reaping the fruits of our labor. I’d say we’re probably in stage two right now, rebuilding, watering, getting everything set. Now, we just have to grow it. Everything comes back. It’s just a matter of how you nurture it.”
Get a jump on the crowd: Portland is definitely ready for its close-up.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is undergoing significant renovations, with the first phase unveiled in August as part of the PDX Next project. This multi-year, $2 billion transformation aims to enhance the airport’s infrastructure with a new main terminal, improve the passenger experience with new restaurants and shopping, among other things, and integrate more sustainable design elements.
travelportland.com; oregoncc.org/en; hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/pdxrp-hyatt-regency-portland-at-the-oregon-convention-center; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/pdxrz-the-ritz-carlton-portland/overview; thehotelzags.com; jankenrestaurant.com; grassapdx.com; portlandbicycletours.com; portland.gov/parks/washington-park-international-rose-test-garden; amaterrawines.com; flypdx.com