Portland prides itself on having something to offer everyone, from outstanding hotels and meeting facilities, to outstanding restaurants and great shopping at local boutiques and major retailers alike — all with no sales tax. In the City of Roses, delegates will find a thriving arts community, internationally acclaimed local wines and microbrews, intriguing history, and incredible scenic wonder. Portland has worked hard on its eco-friendly and sustainable ethos, developing innovative public transit, preserving the area’s natural beauty, and supporting the local chefs and growers who give the food scene its nationally recognized, one-of-a-kind flavor.

DINING IN PORTLAND

Dining Near the Oregon Convention Center

The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is located in the Lloyd neighborhood, just across the Willamette River from downtown Portland. Lloyd is home to a wide variety of restaurants and bars, many within walking distance of the OCC. Popular spots include Milo’s City Cafe for a satisfying breakfast or lunch, or Spirit of 77 for pub food and drinks in lively sports-bar environs — and there are many more to explore.

Restaurants Near the Oregon Convention Center Map: https://www.travelportland.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Restaurants-Near-OCC-Map.pdf

Dining in Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland restaurants run the gamut — you’ll find everything from budget lunch options at a multitude of food carts to delicious fine dining at acclaimed dinner spots in the central city.

Flying Elephants, an outpost of popular Portland-local chain Elephants Delicatessen, offers deli fare ranging from fresh salads and sandwiches to classic pastries to sate the sweet tooth. Head to Q Restaurant & Bar for eclectic menus featuring locally sourced Pacific Northwest cuisine. Relax into a leather armchair at Multnomah Whiskey Library, where an expert staff offers recommendations from over 2,000 available spirits.

Downtown Portland Dining Map: https://www.travelportland.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Downtown-Food-Drinks-Map-02.2025.pdf

EXPLORING PORTLAND

Unique Portland Experiences

Portland is proud to be a leader in the sports apparel industry and is excited to share a uniquely “Portland” experience – access to all Employee and Company Stores. Accessible by invite only, the Nike Company Store, Columbia Sportswear Company Employee Store, and Adidas Employee Store allow you to shop like an employee at 40% – 60% off. Plus, with no sales tax, the discount is even deeper.

  • Nike is pleased to offer one-time access to the Nike Company Store to all conference delegates and NEA staff from June 24 – July 6. The store is located just outside the city at 3485 SW Knowlton Road, Beaverton Oregon, and is accessible via the MAX RED and BLUE Lines. Delegates must present an NEA RA badge and valid photo ID upon arrival.  Please note that Nike requests that all guests refrain from wearing competitor brands when shopping.
  • The Columbia Employee Store is located at 14100 NW Science Park Drive, Portland Oregon.  It offers discounts on all of its brands including Sorel, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna. Grab a physical guest pass at the information booth. Each pass admits five (5) individuals.
  • The Adidas Employee Store is closest to downtown and is located at 2701 NW Vaughn St, Portland Oregon. Grab a physical guest pass at the information booth. Each pass admits five (5) individuals.

My People’s Market will also be located in the Oregon Convention Center on July 2nd and 3rd.  This unique showcase of local artists, entrepreneurs and creatives of color for a local shopping opportunity right outside the RA.

Fireworks information on the Waterfront in Downtown Portland can be found here: https://www.travelportland.com/events/fourth-of-july/

BIPOC Owned Businesses in Portland: https://mercatuspdx.com/biz-directory/#!directory/map/ord=rnd

LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses in Portland: https://pdxgaypages.com/portland-businesses/

(Please note NEA doesn’t support these in any way – these are informational) 

Near Me Now App

Travel Portland, the 2025 Host Committee, and CFM have teamed up to create a dedicated microsite for NEA delegates and guests: https://www.travelportland.com/nea-representative-assembly-2025/. It is packed with helpful information on dining, transportation, and more to make your visit seamless and enjoyable.  Be sure to download the Near Me Now app—it’s like having a personal guide to Portland in your pocket.

Click here to download the app: https://www.travelportland.com/plan/near-me-now-app/