IMPORTANT INFO
5/8/2026
Welcome treasured Sponsors & Exhibitors! We are heading into the last days leading up to the Oregon Tradeswomen’s 2026 Career Fair and have lots of details to share with you.
Maps! Maps! Maps! These may continue to change based on event needs and continuing sales. We are currently at 106 vendors (and counting) for this event!
- INDOOR MAP (Last updated 05.08.26)
- OUTDOOR MAP (Last updated 05.01.26)
- SPACE ASSIGNMENT LISTINGS (There are 2 tabs on this spreadsheet!)
Parking:
- Sponsors: You can pick up your one free 2-day parking pass at a booth located at the Parking Entry. These will be under the company’s name. If a staff member picks up your one pass erroneously, it will be your responsibility to sort out amongst yourselves.
- Expo parking contact: Do you have questions about purchasing advance parking? You are welcome to follow up directly with the venue’s Parking Manager, Tiffany Cooper, TiffanyCooper@expocenter.org.
Check-in and FAQ: Each entity needs to check in (Friday or Saturday) at the “Sponsor & Exhibitor Check-in” table in the lobby. Once you have picked up the packet for your company/organization, your people do not need to continue to individually check in. This packet will contain full details and instructions that you will need for the entire event, along with any T-Shirt tickets.
Throughout the event, this will be the main place to get any questions answered about the Career Fair, as well as Lost & Found.
This will also be where to redeem T-Shirt tickets. Sizes are first come, first serve. Sizing ranges from S – 4XL. There are two t-shirt colors this year. You will receive a T-shirt in purple. Staff and volunteers will be wearing pink T-shirts. So when you/someone else needs assistance, go “Ask someone in a pink event shirt!”
Event Timeline: Security will be present Thursday – Saturday.
THURSDAY: Optional set-up from 11:00AM – 6:00PM
FRIDAY
- 6:30AM Set-up opens
- 8:00AM – 8:30PM Schools start to arrive
- PATP Info Sessions: 9:00AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM
- Union Apprenticeship Info Sessions: 10:00AM, 12:00PM, 2:00PM
- 2:30PM End of event and reset for Saturday
SATURDAY
- 8:00AM Set-up opens
- 9:00AM Event open to the public
- PATP Info Sessions: 9:30AM, 10:45AM, 1:00PM
- 12:00PM Burn Trailer Event
- 3:00PM End of event and teardown starts
WHAT ELSE?
Crowd expectations: We are expecting 2,000 – 2,500 youth on Friday. While we have historically hosted 1,000 – 1,500 attendees on Saturday, I would anticipate a record turnout due to the current economy and venue change.
Need more equipment? Looking for an extra table or chair? Let us know and we will get you what you need.
Power not sufficient onsite? If the power supplied to you isn’t strong enough and you want to upgrade, you will have to work directly with Elden Electric to order any service additions. I can connect you once we’ve troubleshooted together.
Food: Still awaiting confirmation from the venue.
Additional T-shirts: For sale at the event for $30. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.
The Tradeswomen Portrait Studio has been moved back to our annual Tool Swap event, happening in August at our office / workshop.
More information will be provided to you onsite.
See earlier updates here: https://oregontradeswomen.org/fair/updates/ or use this Google Doc LINK (I realize that there has been difficulty accessing our website recently.)
Please continue to spread the word about the public day (Saturday, May 16) and look forward to seeing you soon. Don’t hesitate to reach out with additional questions. Thank you.
5/1/2026
Hello! A few more updates before we reach the final week of the event.
TODAY is the last day to get us Sponsor Program Ads and Activity Listings. Email Nami directly with your content.
Map updates: Make sure to get any feedback, edits, or questions to me ASAP. Please check as changes have been made that could affect everyone.
SPACE ASSIGNMENT LISTINGS (There are 2 tabs on this spreadsheet!)
Have you filled out your survey?
- 2026 OTW Career Fair Sponsor Survey https://forms.gle/SV87oTZrxLJ3AwQr5
- 2026 OTW Career Fair Exhibitor Survey https://forms.gle/WPd64UwtJVbYTh8d9
You can still help spread the word About OTW’s Career Fair: Take some time to request Posters, Yard Signs, and Postcards, and whether you want to pick up your items or have them delivered. https://forms.gle/TZbWiHwtYdXc7Piz5
Additional notes:
- We have a dedicated dumpster for quick, easy access. Yes, there are more trash/recycling options onsite. And apologies to the Roofers, who are no longer right next to it 🙁
- The venue wi-fi is limited and does not reach outside. Use hotspots and other tech to support your needs.
- Mixing cement in your space? Bring a boot cleaner for staff and attendees.
- You are responsible for any equipment needed to transport your supplies. We can only offer staff/volunteer muscle to help you out. (Unless you notify us in advance.)
- Hanging something up? Only painter’s tape is allowed for signage and other attachment needs in the venue.
- Pack up what you bring in! ($250 clean-up fee, if necessary)
- Still confirming details on what the available food and beverage options will be. Stay tuned!
- Another colleague will be reaching out to you to collect items for the Stamp Rally.
Reach out with any questions and we look forward to seeing your faces soon!
4/27/2026
Hello! This update comes with a draft of indoor and outdoor maps. Please review and get feedback to Nami by the end of this week (May 1). Additional drafts will come with edits of yours and others feedback. While there is some open space for now, some vendors may still be added, or blank space may be collapsed based on sales.
Confirm that you have enough but not too much space! It's really important that you don’t take a footprint that is drastically bigger than what space you will actually take up. It creates a break in the event flow and makes it harder for attendees to navigate.
When reviewing, make sure:
- Your location(s) is correct indoors and outdoors
- If you will only be present one day at one location, that it’s marked correctly
- Your company name represented/spelled correctly
Keep in mind what might be affecting your outdoor placement:
- Premium placement around the two Entrances/Exits
- Power access is centralized to the East
- Water access is centralized to the West
- Vehicle in & out access each day through the West Gate
Please connect with Nami for any questions or concerns!
4/16/2026
Welcome to the 2026 Oregon Tradeswomen’s Career Fair! We are happy to have you at the event. Please see the information below regarding logistical and other key event details. You can also find the same information here: https://oregontradeswomen.org/fair/updates/ More information will be coming in the weeks ahead so that everyone can have the best experience possible at the Portland Expo Center.
Be aware of the changes happening due to the change in venue:
- Meet us in Hall E: Please see the Satellite image to show our indoor & outdoor location. Later updates will share more detailed maps and vendor placements.
- Food: You are responsible for your own food this year. Outside food is not allowed in the venue. There will be plenty of indoor and outdoor space for seating. Later updates will share onsite food and beverage options.
- Parking: There is plenty of parking available onsite. It costs $15 a day.
- If you are a Sponsor, you will receive one of OTW’s complimentary Parking Pass. This will allow a vehicle in and out privileges and can be transferred, as long as all parked vehicles always have some proof of payment visible.
- There is an option to purchase one or two day passes in advance. Two-day passes will also have in and out privileges. These are being sold at cost with no additional ticketing fees: https://expocenter.evenue.net/events/ECAREER
- There are additional transportation options, including free access via TriMet’s MAX Yellow Line or Park & Ride at Delta Park MAX Stop.
- Burn Trailer event: Mark your calendar! Make sure to check out this event during the Fair on Saturday at 12PM, hosted by the UA Local 669 Fire Sprinkler Fitters JATC & Portland Fire & Rescue. Not sure what this is? Check out this video!
Daily Schedule
- THURSDAY: Event set-up 11AM – 6PM (no parking fees)
- FRIDAY: 6:30AM – 3:30PM (Event 8:30AM – 2:30PM)
- SATURDAY: 8:00AM – 4:00PM (Event 9:00AM – 3:00PM)
If you need onsite access beyond the above hours, please contact me to make those arrangements with the venue.
FILL OUT YOUR SURVEY! The number 1 most important thing that I need from you is that one person from each vendor fill out the following survey, whichever category you belong to. This will capture all of your space, equipment, and other necessary details that I need to set you up for success. Deadline? As soon as you have complete information. This will inform my planning and ordering process. The longer you get this to me, the less likely that I can fulfill your requests.
- 2026 OTW Career Fair Sponsor Survey https://forms.gle/SV87oTZrxLJ3AwQr5
- 2026 OTW Career Fair Exhibitor Survey https://forms.gle/WPd64UwtJVbYTh8d9
Spread the Word About OTW’s Career Fair! If you haven’t seen this survey yet, take some time to request Posters, Yard Signs, and Postcards, and whether you want to pick up your items or have them delivered. https://forms.gle/TZbWiHwtYdXc7Piz5
Your pick-up options include:
- Oregon Tradeswomen’s office: Every Monday from now until the event from 12 – 6PM (16790 NE Mason St. Suite 100, Portland OR 97230)
- A special night at Migration Brewing: Find me at the Gresham location on Wednesday, April 29 from 5 – 7PM (18188 NE Wilkes Rd. Portland OR 97230)
Video recording of Office Hours: Didn’t make it to today’s meeting? Check out the presentation video with this LINK.
Maps are coming! A draft of the maps will be shared with the next update.
Questions? Please contact:
Nami Bigos, Deputy Director
nami@oregontradeswomen.org
We encourage representatives at every exhibit to offer information about their open positions, how to get started in careers, available training opportunities, and other information about their work or industry.
Sponsor the Career Fair!
Learn More about Sponsorship by Contacting Nami Bigos at nami@oregontradeswomen.org
Gold sponsors
