Safe Events

APTA cares about creating a safe environment for every event participant. We do this by working with local partners to monitor nearby safety concerns, hiring security to safeguard event spaces, sharing how the emergency notification systems work, and stocking emergency response resources, and establishing clear protocols for reporting personal safety concerns to APTA staff.

The Oregon Convention Center's public safety staff provides 24-hour general building security coverage. In addition to any security provided by the venue, APTA hires overnight security for registration and ballrooms.

The building's public safety staff monitors the building's perimeter, oversees building security cameras, and locks/unlocks doors.

Closest Police Department (1111 SW 2nd Ave): 1.5 Miles SW of Oregon Convention Center

Emergency Notification System: In the event of a fire or need for evacuation, the Oregon Convention Center fire alarm system includes both audible alarms and strobe lights.

Oregon Convention Center standard procedure in event of theft or other crime: In the event of a crime or theft, attendees, including APTA staff, should report the incident to an APTA Member Events staff member, who will notify the assigned convention center event manager. Security will take a report, provide the Portland Police Bureau number for filing a police report, and review video surveillance. The event manager will update APTA Member Events on any findings.

Healthy Events

APTA cares about supporting attendees' health and well-being. We do this by providing first-aid resources, identifying nearby hospitals and urgent care locations, documenting AED locations throughout the venue, and establishing emergency response protocols for APTA staff.

The Oregon Convention Center's standard procedure for medical emergencies is as follows: For life-threatening emergencies, call 911, then contact OCC Public Safety at 503-731-7849. For other medical emergencies, Contact OCC Public Safety.

Accessible Events

APTA wants each event to be accessible and meaningful for all participants. We do this by gathering accommodation requests during registration, securing ADA hotel rooms as needed, offering closed captioning in select programs, and identifying accessible routes between venues.

The Oregon Convention Center provides wheelchair access throughout the venue, with all meeting rooms, ballrooms, restaurants, and exhibit halls accessible. Additionally, all lobby access points have automatic doors.

Closed captioning will be available in all large ballrooms, including for the following events:

• APTA Payment Advocacy Summit (July 10-11)
• APTA Honors and Awards Ceremony (July 11)
• APTA House of Delegates (July 12-13)

The Oregon Convention Center is a KultureCity certified Sensory Inclusive venue. Sensory bags are available to help meet guests' sensory needs and help them feel calmer during their visit. The bags are filled with items that help to alleviate sensory overload and promote engagement.

Inclusive Events

APTA wants each event to feel welcoming and inclusive. We do this by ensuring venues follow ADA regulations, providing private lactation spaces, designating all-gender bathrooms, offering badge pronoun options, and gathering dietary restrictions during registration.

In addition to APTA providing a lactation room, the Oregon Convention Center provides two Mamava nursing suites located near A Meeting Rooms and E Meeting Rooms on Level 1.

Environmentally Conscious Events

APTA cares about reducing the environmental impact of its events. We do this by requesting recycling, reuse, and food waste options from our venues, providing materials electronically, offering water coolers and encouraging reusable water bottles, as well as reusing signage whenever possible.

Learn about the Oregon Convention Center's sustainability initiatives.