Oregon Convention Center — Attraction in Portland

It's a pretty building (from the outside and in the main outer hall; the rest is pretty bland, but that can work well for an event space) and my experiences with its staff are overall pretty positive. Food provided by the restaurants inside is really hit or miss; sometimes it's surprisingly good, sometimes it's bland and/or dry, and they may restrict menus if they get very busy.

The two main issues (which have been ongoing for years) are getting around and wifi & cell service.

For the wifi and cell service, they do offer an improved wifi connection that can help venders and such operate more smoothly and reliably, but it seems to still have some hiccups sometimes. They also have a free, no-password wifi option for attendees in general, but it and basic cell service are extremely unreliable outside of the outer hall (in view of windows). In the event hall(s) or assorted meeting rooms, it's best to assume you will have no connection/service.

For the "getting around" part, how much issue you'll have depends on how much of the space the event will be using. They label the public spaces A-F, each having a cluster of meeting rooms and most having a set of doors to the main event hall(s) (the main event hall has movable walls, so things can be separated off or opened up to be a larger space). The outer hall that acts as the sole public connection between all of these points, though, is a giant semi-circle (F does not connect back to A) wrapping around it all, and it includes multiple non-optional level changes. The context I'm usually there requires me to move between the A and F areas; it's a bit of a walk when I can cut through the main event hall, but if that's closed, I have to walk all the way around the building, going up and down multiple staircases. They have escalators, but those are turned off outside event hours. They have elevators, but waiting for them to go up or down just one floor results in them only being used when necessary (such as mobility disabilities, moving carts around, etc). Their multiple entrances (and figuring out which you can actually use) add to the confusion and time-suck. Unless you're into cardio and/or have time to kill, traversing this building tends to be...

My visit was for the Portland Auto Show so my review is with that context. First of all I arrived by bike using the Springwater Corridor heading north from Sellwood, after going up the East Bank Esplanade and riding up the ramp to get up to street level it was a mere couple blocks to the convention center. There was plenty of bike parking, if you are looking to take the train there is a stop right outside the convention center as well, so 5 stars for accessibility.

Once inside the center has plenty of space for an event such as an auto show, there are multiple levels which were all filled with cars. Downstairs there are some small cafes and food options, the food is about on par for what you would expect at a convention center, if you are looking for quality foodie-fare then plan on eating beforehand.

I really appreciated how there are plenty of water fountains that also have bottle filling stations throughout the entire place, you will be doing a lot of walking around and staying hydrated helps.

The amount of people was decent but you never felt crowded or in the way, the layout is spacious and there are plenty of places to get away from the masses if you find the need.

Any staff that I came into contact with were nice and helpful . Overall this was a great experience and I would...

The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) has become a focal point for events and gatherings in the Portland area, and recent reviews highlight its modern facilities and strategic location. As the largest convention center in the Pacific Northwest, it offers expansive exhibit halls, meeting rooms, and a stunning ballroom, making it suitable for a variety of events, from trade shows to conferences and concerts.

One of the most praised aspects of the OCC is its accessibility. Located near public transportation options, including the MAX light rail, it’s easy for attendees to reach the center without the hassle of parking. This convenience is especially appreciated during large events, where foot traffic can be significant.

Visitors often comment on the facility's cleanliness and well-maintained spaces. The design is modern and spacious, featuring plenty of natural light, which creates a pleasant atmosphere for attendees. The staff is frequently noted for their professionalism and helpfulness, ensuring that events run smoothly.

The surrounding area also adds to the appeal, with a variety of dining options and hotels nearby. This makes it easy for attendees to find accommodations and meals within walking distance, enhancing the...