Seaside Civic & Convention Center — Attraction in Seaside

The Convention Center is a good facility and Seaside is a wonderful little town that, I'm told, hasn't changed much in decades. My only serious gripe is not with the Convention Center itself, but the severe lack of public transportation. I took an (expensive) 2 hour Uber ride from Portland airport to the Convention Center. I thought I'd just get an Uber back to the airport, but found out you cannot schedule an Uber from there. You can order one on the app, but the app says there are very few Uber drivers in Seaside so you could be waiting -hours- to get a ride, if you can get a ride at all! Lyft doesn't even pick-up in Seaside, so that's out. The taxis do not do airport runs as it's a 4 hour journey for them. Same with the shuttle service, so no go there. The bus runs once a day to the airport. Want to rent a car? Not on a weekend, they're closed! I found myself stuck in Seaside, with no way to get back to the airport! The hotel concierge offered to not come to work and to drive me to the airport instead... if I paid him enough to make it worth his while! He suggested a figure in excess of $250! If you're coming to the Convention Center in Seaside, be sure to rent a car at the airport so you can get back to the airport! There is -no- public...

My wife, and I, attended a weekend amateur radio convention that is usually held every year. This is the first time it has been held in two years due to COVID-19. During this time the facility has been completely renovated and upgraded. It was very well done and the facility is very nice. This event is very popular. It is one of the largest this facility holds every year. Food is available at the facility and there are plenty of shops and good places to see, and eat, within easy walking distance. There are elevators available for moving heavy, and awkward, objects and for those who are mobility challenged. Several nice motels are nearby. Book well, at least two months, in advance and ask for special convention rates. The event ends early Sunday afternoon so that people can get home at a reasonable time. Parking can be a challenge. Otherwise I would rate it...

I was very impressed with the architecture, cleanliness, and staff of this facility. I attended a conference with OAWU here and spent 4 days attending classes in various rooms. All were spacious, had comfortable seats and tables, and the lighting was a work of art. The lights appear to be halos floating in the air above your head, seemingly without support. The meals served by the catering staff were sumptuous and laid out so 300 people could get their food buffet style quickly. Should you have the chance to visit for a convention or just because you are in town, I highly recommend checking out the unique lighting and layout of this convention center....