In the event planning world, every dollar counts. Planners are expected to do it all under tight purse strings and ensure the final line-up of education, events and activities attracts a full house. When stakeholders rely on you to spin budgets into gold, Travel Portland is here to help you make smart decisions that contribute to a successful (and memorably fun!) event.
Oregon is one of the few states without sales tax. With a median sales tax of 7.8% in most other western states, meeting in Oregon can save you around $7,800 out of every $100,000 spent. Combined with Portland’s warm hospitality, exciting venues, and modern hotels, these savings let you reinvest in experiences that boost registration.
Here are a few uniquely Portland ways to put those savings to work.
Group excursions and experiences
For the geeks at heart, groups of up to 160 can rent out Ground Control Arcade, where guests can play any of the 100+ classic arcade and pinball games, socialize in the 30-person lounge, and enjoy food and drinks from the full bar in this lively, centrally located, two-story tall arcade.
Treat your attendees to a live performance at Revolution Hall, a 100+-year-old refurbished high school building. Its state-of-the-art, wheelchair-accessible concert venue is available for offsites, as is the fully stocked bar, cafe and private lounge. Alternatively, rent the entire building or opt for their intimate rooftop bar for guests to enjoy this parcel of Portland history. Revolution Hall can cater your event, or you can choose your own catering from any number of local eateries.
Catering, dining and food cart adventures
As for catering favorites, DarSalam’s Mediterranean food and Nong’s Khao Man Gai (specializing in Thai chicken and rice) are versatile, vegan- and vegetarian-friendly, and have gluten-free options. With multiple locations throughout Portland, your catering order will arrive piping hot at the time of service.
For dining out, the options range from small and intimate to full-building busters. Prize-winning Peruvian hot spot Andina can accommodate smaller groups of up to 72 in one of its two private rooms. The lobby of the nearby Moxy Hotel holds 200 and offers three food cart-style restaurants, about a dozen scattered spots for socializing in small and large groups, a full bar, massive screens, room for a DJ, and even a sweet little escape adorned with a fireplace (perfect for introverts). Another 200-person option is Cooper’s Hall, a fully customizable rustic chic winery and taproom. For even more space, the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art has 10,000 square feet of vaulted ceilings, high windows to flood the space with natural light, and a pavilion out back with space for food trucks.
Food trucks (or food carts, as they’re known in Portland) are often available for events. Try Portland’s famous tiny donuts, Pips, local favorite soul food, Kee’s Loaded Kitchen, or the absolute authority on Venezuelan street food, La Arepa. If you don’t know if a truck will travel, just ask. Many offer catering options.
Shop ‘till you drop, tax-free
Attendees can visit local shopping staples like gift haven Tender Loving Empire and gender-neutral clothier Wildfang, or stroll Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookshop in the world. Guests at the Nines Hotel can even opt in for a private luxury shopping experience at Pioneer Place Mall, where they can shop brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Yves-Saint Laurent, Tory Burch and more.
One thing’s for certain; Portland is the right place at the right price for your next meeting or event. Fun guaranteed, AND your sales tax back!
