Local Information

Summary:

ACM SPAA will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Portland Oregon.
Address: 1000 NE Multnomah St Portland, OR 97232
You can find a link to book a room at the hotel at a discount on the SPAA website.
More information can be found at: https://www.portland.gov/ and https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/rllc-dt-doubletree-portland

About Portland:

From wikipedia:

Portland (/ˈpɔːrtlənd/ PORT-lənd) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Oregon. Located in the Pacific Northwest at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, it is the 28th-most populous city in the United States, sixth most populous on the West Coast, and third most populous in the Pacific Northwest (after Seattle and Vancouver) with a population of 652,503 at the 2020 census, while the Portland metropolitan area with over 2.54 million residents is the 26th-largest metropolitan area in the nation. Almost half of Oregon’s population resides within the Portland metro area. It is the county seat of Multnomah County, Oregon’s most populous county.

Named after Portland, Maine, which is itself named after England’s Isle of Portland, the Oregon settlement began to be populated near the end of the Oregon Trail in the 1840s. Its water access provided convenient transportation of goods, and the timber industry was a major force in the city’s early economy. At the turn of the 20th century, the city had a reputation as one of the most dangerous port cities in the world, and was a hub for organized crime and racketeering; this reputation dissipated after its economy experienced an industrial boom during World War II, and it became known for its growing liberal and progressive political values from the 1960s onwards, earning it a reputation as a bastion of counterculture exemplified by the popular slogan “Keep Portland Weird”. This aspect of the city has since been championed by organizations such as Weird Portland United and the comedy series Portlandia.

The city operates with a mayor–council government system, guided by a mayor and 12 city councilors, as well as Metro, the only directly elected metropolitan planning organization in the United States. Its climate is marked by warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. This climate is ideal for growing roses, and Portland has been called the “City of Roses” for over a century.

Public transportation in Portland:

There are plenty of ways to travel around Portland without renting a car. In addition to car- and ride-share services, the city also has an extensive public transportation system that includes bus service, the MAX Light Rail and a streetcar. There’s also the option to rent a bike or electric scooter or simply hoof it.

If you are flying in, you can take the MAX from the airport to the convention center, which is right next to the hotel. Get on the Red Line and travel 8 stops, getting off at Lloyd Center / NE 11th Ave. Once you exit the MAX, you should be able to see the hotel!

The MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) Light Rail connects the city center with stations throughout greater Portland, including the Oregon Convention Center and Portland International Airport (PDX). The easy-to-use TriMet app helps you plan your trip, with details on the system’s five lines and 97 stations. No matter where you are, you can count on a train to arrive within 15 minutes.

To get around Portland’s central city, hop on the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar. The service has three lines (the NS line and the A and B loops) which connect various neighborhoods in downtown Portland with the inner east side, including the Lloyd District.

The TriMet bus system covers the city and suburbs thoroughly, in addition to offering low fares, friendly and helpful drivers and full wheelchair accessibility. Most also have bike racks, making it easy to switch from two wheels to four.

It’s easier than ever to get around Portland like a local, thanks to the city’s new bike-share program, Biketown. Underwritten by local sports giant Nike, Biketown offers bright orange-colored bikes, complete with baskets, at “hubs” throughout the city.

TriMet bus and MAX Light Rail fares are as follows:

Adult (ages 18–64): $2.80 to ride for 2.5 hours; $5.60 for a day pass
Honored Citizen (ages 65 years and older; low income, Medicare or disability): $1.40 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.80 for a day pass
Youth (ages 7–17): $1.40 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.80 for a day pass

For the Portland Streetcar:

Adult (ages 18–64): $2.50 to ride for 2.5 hours; $5 for a day pass
Honored Citizen (ages 65 years and older; low income, Medicare or disability): $1.25 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.50 for a day pass
Youth (ages 7–17): $1.25 to ride for 2.5 hours; $2.50 for a day pass

These fares are subject to change. Visit the TriMet website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Accommodation and Local Amenities:

Accommodation is available at the DoubleTree Hotel, which is hosting the conference. You can find a link to book a room at the hotel at a discount on the SPAA website.

Located in the heart of Portland, the DoubleTree by Hilton Portland is located directly on the MAX Light Rail line. Getting around to Portland’s top attractions is both affordable and easy. The hotel is within walking distance of the Oregon Convention Center, Lloyd Center Mall, Moda Center and Memorial Coliseum.

The 8,500 square foot, IACC (International Association of Conference Centers) approved, Executive Meeting Center provides a dedicated meeting environment coupled with a high level of technology and service not before seen in Portland. The EMC compliments the 45,000 square feet (4,180 sq m) of traditional meeting space, including newly redesigned ballrooms. Each meeting room provides T1 lines with high-speed internet access, and Wi-Fi (wireless) access in the public space as well as on-site catering. The DoubleTree — Portland’s first Green Seal certified hotel — employs green meeting specialists focused on sustainable and eco-friendly innovations.

If necessary, there are other accommodation options nearby.

Apart from the banquet dinner at the hotel on Wednesday, July 30th, dinners are not organized by the conference.

Miscellaneous:

Portland time zone is the Pacific Daylight Time (GMT – 7 hours).

In the United States, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type A and type B are used. The standard voltage is 120 V at a frequency of 60 Hz.

Tourism Around Portland:

There are a variety of attractions available in and around Portland.

Portland is known for its food carts and food trucks. You can eat your way across Portland with 500+ food carts to choose from.

Mt Tabor park features expansive views, picnic areas, natural-surface and paved paths, a dog off-leash area, a playground and a performance stage, plus tennis, volleyball and basketball courts.

Powell’s City of Books, the country’s largest independent bookstore, is undeniably a favorite among travelers and locals alike. With a maze-like variety of titles and a rare books room, Powell’s has welcomed new generations of readers since 1971.

The Portland International Rose Test Garden features over 10,000 roses with a spectacular view of Mt. Hood.

Take advantage of clear and sunny days with a ride on Portland’s Aerial Tram, which connects the South Waterfront area to the main Oregon Health & Science University campus. The tram ride will give you access to some of the best bridge and skyline views the city offers, not to mention bragging rights for riding one of two commuter aerial tramways in the United States.

Named after former Portland mayor Vera Katz, Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade is a 1.5-mile esplanade that provides a riverfront bike and pedestrian path between the Hawthorne and Steel bridges. The esplanade features public art and popular swimming docks.

Unwind in Portland’s various soaking hot spots, like Knot Springs, a veritable nirvana of relaxation. Dip into their three pools that slowly release tension from the body through a series of therapeutic temperature changes.

More ideas can be found at: https://www.travelportland.com/