

NAMSS 49th Educational Conference and Exhibition
MSPs nationwide will gather to learn, network and experience Portland, OR for the NAMSS Educational Conference on September 28–October 1!

Dear NAMSS Attendees and Exhibitors:
On behalf of Travel Portland, I am honored that National Association of Medical Staff Services has selected Portland as the host city for its 49th Educational Conference and Exhibition. I know that you had many destinations to choose from, and we are so excited that Portland will be hosting your meeting.
We in Portland pride ourselves 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, your delegates will be treated to a thriving arts community, internationally acclaimed local wines and microbrews, intriguing history, and incredible scenic wonder. Portland has worked hard on our eco-friendly and sustainable ethos, developing innovative public transit, preserving the area’s natural beauty, and supporting the local chefs and growers who give our food scene its one-of-a-kind flavor. All that said, you may be most impressed by the friendly, professional and hospitable people you’ll meet here.
You don’t have to take my word for it — I’m happy that you’ll have the pleasure of experiencing all this firsthand. We look forward to welcoming NAMSS and you to Portland.
Best regards,
Megan Conway
President & CEO
Get Excited! You’re Coming to Portland!
Accommodations and Venues
The hotels below offer special room rates for this conference. Please see the event website for booking instructions — conference hotel rates can only be applied to rooms booked through the official reservation process outlined on the event website.
Hotel Information
Where should I stay in Portland?
What amenities are offered by the events’ contracted hotels ?
Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center
DoubleTree by Hilton Portland
Hilton Portland Downtown
Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
Where can I park at the Oregon Convention Center (OCC)?
Near Me Now App
You’ve arrived in the City of Roses. You’re excited to see the sights. You’re hungry (and ready for a beverage, too). But how to know what’s nearby, and which spots you simply can’t miss? The Near Me Now app has you covered.
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 and Old Town Chinatown. 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, Nong’s Khao Man Gai for Thai chicken and rice, or Spirit of 77 for drinks in lively sports-bar environs — and there are many more to explore.
Download our Restaurants Near the Oregon Convention Center Map
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.
Download our Downtown Food & Drinks Map
Car-Free Portland
Portland’s public transport options make it easy to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time.
Using the MAX Light Rail
Every attendee will receive a TriMet Hop Fastpass to help them get around the city during the conference. TriMet is Portland’s public transportation system and Travel Portland provides passes that can be used on our light rail, streetcars and buses. Make sure to stop by registration or the Travel Portland Welcome Desk at the Oregon Convention Center to pick up a card. Learn more about how to use the cards here.
Know Before You Go
Visit TriMet’s website for more information on fares, navigating the city and possible disruptions of MAX service.
Portland Perks
Not only is everything tax-free in Portland, our partners from a few local born-and-bred brands are offering you exclusive discounts! Take advantage of these added savings when you come to Portland.
![]() | You are in Soccer City USA! Make your way over to Providence Park, home of the Portland Timbers – the city’s Major League Soccer team. On behalf of Travel Portland, The Timbers are offering discounted tickets to those traveling to Portland with a home match during their stay. Join the Timbers Army & join in on the fun of Timbers soccer at one of the most historic North American sporting event venues still in operation. Get your discounted tickets here: Portland Timbers – Tickets |
![]() | Portland is proudly home to a thriving sports scene. Whether you’re a die-hard viewer, recreational participant or just looking to enjoy the city’s sports culture, enjoy Travel Portland exclusive benefits with the Portland Trail Blazers by visiting here. |
![]() | New to Portland as of the 2023–24 season, the Rip City Remix play in the NBA’s G League, which showcases young talent on the verge of making the Trail Blazers roster. You can receive 25% off all Rip City tickets with coupon code TRAVEL!PDX25. |
![]() | Save on gear for your next adventure with Columbia Sportswear — show your hotel confirmation to receive 20% off your purchase at the flagship store on Southwest Broadway. |
![]() | Explore more of Portland for less with Peak Tours and Transit — simply enter the discount code “welcome15” when you book your excursion. |
![]() | Taste more of the seasonal flavors Portland has to offer at Produce Row, a Central Eastside gastropub and craft beer bar — show your conference badge or pick up a coupon at the Travel Portland welcome desk for 10% off food. |
![]() | Be dazzled and receive free earrings with a $100 purchase. Pop in and shop or book a complimentary appointment with a stylist. Garnish creates fashion that celebrates real people with limited-edition clothing, accessories and jewelry designed in-house and made in Portland. |
![]() | Calling all sports fans! Find souvenirs and everything you might need to get on the field at Portland Smash at Lloyd Center. Receive 10% off any purchase of $25 or more. |
![]() | This is THE vibey, authentic Portland shop you’re looking for. It’s like a year-round makers market featuring unique gifts from 100’s of local and indie artists and small businesses. Come and grab a free Portland sticker at any Tending Loving Empire location by showing your conference badge! |
![]() | Explore the Portland culinary scene with 10% off at any Urban Restaurant Group establishment. From tacos and tequila at Carlita’s, to rooftop Pacific NW cuisine at Metropolitan Tavern, locally owned Urban Restaurants have something to delight all taste buds! |
Extend Your Stay
See more of Portland — take a tour, wander a new-to-you neighborhood or explore the region.
Portland Tours
Experience the best Portland has to offer with the help of a local tour guide or one of our self-guided itineraries.
Neighborhoods
Learn more about Portland neighborhoods, which are located in the city’s six main geographical sections or so-called “quadrants” (Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest, North and South).
Region
From mountain to ocean and desserts to valleys, the region surrounding Portland offers endless adventure.
Portland Events
Find exciting upcoming events, from live music to theater to stand-up comedy and more.
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Fall in Portland
No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something fun to see and do in Portland.
Fall in Portland
As the trees change color and the weather cools, Portland’s calendar fills with cultural, wine and autumnal events.
Portland Weather
Every season in Portland brings unique weather conditions and changes to the city’s outdoor scenery. Use our guide to weather in Portland (including average temperatures and rainfall) to help you plan your next trip.
Fall Hikes Near Portland
These fall hikes near Portland prove that autumn is an ideal time to explore Oregon wilderness, admire seasonal flora and fauna, and visit nearby farms.
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