Trade Show News

Portland hosted the first- and second-round NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament games in March 2026, attracting an estimated 25,000 out-of-town visitors and generating approximately $21.9 million in direct visitor spending. This spending translated into an estimated $31.8 million boost in local GDP and $17.3 million in personal income. The event provided a meaningful boost for downtown hotels, restaurants, and retailers, and offered broader marketing exposure for the city.

The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in Portland generated an estimated $21.9 million in direct visitor spending and a $31.8 million boost in local GDP. This influx of 25,000 out-of-town visitors significantly impacted downtown hotels, restaurants, and retailers. The report also contextualizes this within the ongoing discussion of the Moda Center's renovation, a multi-purpose venue used for conventions.

Venture Portland, celebrating its 40th anniversary, has awarded $75,000 in grants to 11 projects across the city's business districts. These funds are crucial for supporting small, volunteer-run business associations in their efforts to aid small businesses, organize events, and promote Portland's business districts, ultimately driving foot traffic and tourism.

Travel Portland is offering a customized package of rewards for organizations that contract their next citywide convention in Portland by May 29, 2026. The initiative aims to attract more meetings and conventions to the city, with the Travel Portland team actively engaging with event planners at upcoming trade shows.

Travel Portland announced 'Made to Order: Portland Meeting Rewards,' an incentive program for citywide conventions contracted by May 29, 2026. This initiative aims to attract groups to Portland with customized reward packages for events held between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2028.

The National Flute Association (NFA) is accepting booth reservations for its 2026 Portland Convention and has launched a mentorship program. This program aims to help first-time attendees maximize their convention experience by pairing them with experienced mentors.

Smart Meetings reported on March 24, 2026, the significant impact of a former Travel Portland leader, Miller, who spent nearly two decades shaping Portland's reputation as a premier destination. His tenure saw record-breaking tourism numbers and numerous major conventions, including the creation of the city's Tourism Improvement District (TID).

The inaugural "50 Over 50" program has recognized veteran professionals in the event and meetings industry for their leadership, mentorship, and contributions. Developed in 2026 with partners like IAEE and Trade Show News Network, this program celebrates experienced individuals across various sectors of the global events industry.

Steve Cohen of Travel Portland has been elected to the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026. This election highlights leadership changes within a key association supporting the travel and tourism industry.

Travel Portland's team will be on the road attending various upcoming trade shows to promote Portland as a premier destination for events. This initiative aims to connect with event planners and showcase the city's venues, including the Oregon Convention Center, and hospitality offerings.

The 2026 Visitor Services Summit and Annual Convention, themed "EXPLORE: Where Community and Experience Connect," will take place at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR, on July 21, 2026. This immersive gathering is designed for visitor experience and community engagement professionals. It will explore innovative ways to leverage visitor centers for brand awareness and strengthening community connections.

The PCMA Business Events Summit 2026 is scheduled to take place in Portland, Oregon. This event brings together business event professionals for education, networking, and discussions on industry trends. While a specific date within 2026 is not detailed in the snippet, its listing on PCMA's site indicates a significant industry gathering for the city.

The Portland Expo Center's 2026 event calendar includes the Portland Auto Swap Meet from April 10-12, the Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival from April 16-18, and the Northwest Food Show.

The Portland Golf Show is slated for March 6-8, 2026, at the Portland Expo Center. The event will feature new golf models, a dedicated women's day, and spirits sampling zones.

Destinations International has announced that its 2026 Annual Convention and Visitor Services Summit will be held at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland on July 21, 2026. The summit is designed for visitor experience and community engagement professionals.

Metro is undertaking the "Expo Future" project to address the Portland Expo Center's complex history and develop a long-term plan for its financial sustainability. This initiative aims to ensure the continued viability of the Expo Center as a key regional venue.

Metro is undertaking the 'Expo Future' project to develop a long-term plan for the financial sustainability of the Portland Expo Center. This initiative aims to address the venue's complex history and ensure its future viability as a key regional asset.

Metro is undertaking the "Expo Future" project to address the complex history and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Portland Expo Center. This initiative aims to develop a comprehensive plan for the venue, focusing on visitor venues, equity, and economic opportunities.

Metro has launched the "Expo Future" project for the Portland Expo Center, aiming to develop a long-term plan for financial sustainability. The project seeks to address the complex history of the venue and ensure its future viability. This initiative focuses on improving the visitor venues, promoting equity, and boosting the local economy.

Portland officials are addressing public outcry regarding a planned Turning Point USA Faith gathering at the Portland Expo in May, booked by Calvary Chapel Greater Portland. The city is defending its decision to allow the event, citing First Amendment obligations, while also considering public safety concerns and the terms of the venue rental contract.